Edinburgh Castle Tickets & Tours: The 7 Best Ways In

1.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Join guides such as Joe, Raj, Sonia, or Valeria for a 90-minute outdoor tour inside Edinburgh Castle. Hear sharp Scottish history, see Mary Queen of Scots’ palace and the Great Hall, then explore museums, prisons, and other buildings on your own.

“Absolutely great experience. Definitely worth the price. Sonia was our guide and she did an amazing job. My whole family loved it including my two teenage boys.”

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2.Edinburgh Castle Guided Walking Tour in English

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,214 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $52

Meet near the Adam Smith statue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile for a 90-minute English walking tour to Edinburgh Castle. Guides such as Koffe, Greg, Steph, Euan, and Graeme bring Scottish stories to life, then leave you free to explore the castle buildings on your own.

“Very knowledgable guide. Lots to see and do. Value for money. Worthwhile visit. Wrap up warm as the wind makes it very cold.”

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3.Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle – Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,523 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $70

Walk from Mercat Cross to Edinburgh Castle with guides such as Craig, Linda, Nicola, or Marina, hearing stories of reform, royalty, and rebellion. The roughly 2-hour-15-minute tour includes steep cobbles, castle entry with the selected option, and free time inside afterward.

“Nicola was wonderful. She told the history with passion and she was funny. Weather was not the best but we made it through. Explored the castle on our own after the tour.”

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4.Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Walk from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile into the castle with guides such as James, David, or Laura. In 90 minutes, hear stories of Scottish rulers, see Mons Meg and St. Margaret’s Chapel, then explore the castle interiors independently.

“It’s been very interesting well organized the guide was on time very entertaining and prepared I would recommend this experience and I will use again this service”

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5.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Start on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with guides such as James, Paul, Mark, or Zenon, then follow closes, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, and the Grassmarket to Edinburgh Castle. Your guide leads the castle grounds and history, then you explore its museums and buildings at your own pace.

“Paul was a fantastic tour guide. He had terrific knowledge of Edinburgh's history and presented it with a lot of fun, humour and energy. We'd highly recommend him.”

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6.Edinburgh Castle Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 362 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Meet your guide by the David Hume Statue on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, then walk uphill into Edinburgh Castle for a 90-minute tour. Guides such as John and Charlotte explain the fortress, St. Margaret’s Chapel, the One O’Clock Gun, royal quarters, and Crown Jewels before leaving you free to explore.

“Our tour was very informative! He was the perfect balance of education and comedy! We would highly recommend!”

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7.Harry Potter Tour & Edinburgh Castle Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 340 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $102

Walk Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Old Town, Greyfriars Cemetery, Victoria Street, and other Harry Potter-related sights with a guide such as Jackson, Hazel, Paul, or Kristy. The four-hour experience includes a two-hour walking tour and self-guided entry to Edinburgh Castle.

“I really enjoyed our tour and our tour guide was fantastic! He had a great sense of humor and had a smooth flow throughout the tour. He had a great Harry Potter spirit. I unfortunately cannot remember his name. The tour itself highlighted a lot of J.K. Rowlings life and inspiration of her book during her time in Edinburgh. It’s a great walk around the city. There is a lot of walking at in incline, stairs, and uneven pavement so I would say wear good comfortable shoes. If you are going during late November definitely dress really warm with a hat, scarf and gloves because it was cold and windy…”

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