Due to weather warnings for this weekend (20 to 22 December), the castle may need to close to ensure visitor and staff safety. Pre-booked ticket holders for day visits and the Castle of Light event will receive cancellation notices via email and SMS.

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Due to weather warnings for this weekend (20 to 22 December), the castle may need to close to ensure visitor and staff safety. Pre-booked ticket holders for day visits and the Castle of Light event will receive cancellation notices via email and SMS.

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Couple enjoying a visit to the castle

See and do

There are many ways to experience Edinburgh Castle. Go straight to an exciting part, follow an itinerary, or allow an audio guide to show you around.

Explore the castle's highlights

Some of your favourite highlights will be open to visit including the Great Hall, St Margaret’s Chapel and the One o’clock Gun. Please visit the individual pages which detail which areas will be open or closed to visitors.

All highlights
Visitors in the Argyle Tower at Ednburgh Castle, which host the Fight for the Castle exhibition

Fight for the Castle

 Interior of The Great Hall

The Great Hall

Follow an itinerary

Pick a route around Edinburgh Castle based on how much time you have to spare or what interests you most.

All itineraries
Exterior view of Edinburgh Castle on a sunny morning

Morning

2-3 hours

  • Portcullis Gate
  • Argyle Battery
  • Lang Stairs
  • and much more...
Chained prison doors in the recreated prisons of war

Military March

2

  • Portcullis Gate
  • Fight for the Castle - Argyle Tower
  • Lang Stairs
  • and much more...

Eat at the castle

Make a quick pit stop for snacks as you tour Edinburgh Castle. Or come to the castle for a meal that’s an event in itself.

Exterior view of the Tea Rooms in Crown Square

The Tea Rooms

Nestled at the top of the castle in Crown Square, The Tea Rooms is a stylish and elegant place

 Exterior view of the Redcoat Café

Redcoat Café

Enjoy a light snack or hearty meal with amazing views on the side
Castle guide giving a group tour

Find your way around the castle

Follow an itinerary, hire an audio tour or allow our expert guides to show you around.

Itineraries, tours and guides

Download a map

Edinburgh Castle covers a lot of ground. Take a look at our orientation map to see where the main attractions are and decide what to visit first.

You can also pick up a free copy of the map when you arrive at the castle.

Download the map [PDF 457KB]
Visitors using orientation map to visit the castle
Visitors enjoying a day out at Blackness Castle

Visiting more than one location?

Why not consider our Membership or Explorer Pass. We offer a range of options to suit everybody, with access to all open Historic Scotland sites for free.

Explore more