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  • Explore Edinburgh
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  • Top sights
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  • Outside Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Vaults

Real Mary King's Close

Royal Yacht Britannia

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Holyrood Palace

The Edinburgh Dungeon

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Royal Mile

Arthur's Seat

Rosslyn Chapel

Edinburgh Zoo

Day trips

Castle & palace tours

Neighborhood tours

UNESCO sites

Island tours

Museums & exhibitions

Viewing points

Churches & cathedrals

Underground, catacombs & cemeteries

Archaeology

Garden & park tours

Theater

Nearby destinations

Pitlochry tours

Stirling tours

Glasgow tours

Queensferry tours

Balloch tours

St Andrews tours

Nearby sights

Loch LomondAttraction in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Stirling CastleAttraction in Stirling, Scotland

The Trossachs, ScotlandAttraction in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland

Doune CastleAttraction in Stirling, Scotland

Forth BridgeAttraction in Fife, Scotland

Firth of Forth

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Whiskey tours

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Puffin watching

Afternoon tea

Explore more things to do in Edinburgh

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Rainy-day activities

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Ask an expert: Edinburgh travel tips from Laurence Norah

Edinburgh: a 72-hour itinerary

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Guided tour

Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map & Guide

Top rated
4.960766 out of 5 stars
5
4.960766 out of 5 stars
2141 reviews
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Guided tour
Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map & Guide
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.960766 out of 5 stars
5
4.960766 out of 5 stars
2141 reviews

Discover the rich history of Edinburgh Castle on a guided tour which includes tickets, a map, and a local guide. Explore all the highlights of this 3000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

J
James – United Kingdom

Fiona was excellent…very well informed and even gave us a 21 gun salute, …(apparently that was for King Charles )….but we were very impressed !! Well done….if you are thinking of booking …book…you will not be disappointed ! Thanks Fiona….a great day !!!

M
Marcus – Germany

John had a lot of knowledge about the history of scotland! Was very good! John also was great story telling! Would do it again!

Select participants and date

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    David Hume Statue

  • Castlehill, Edinburgh

    Guided tour (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Esplanade

    Guided tour (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Edinburgh Castle

    Guided tour (0 minute)

  • The Gatehouse

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Edinburgh Castle - Mill's Mount Battery

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    National War Museum

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    One O’Clock Gun

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Scottish National War Memorial

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Great Hall

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Royal Palace

    Guided tour, Pass by (10 minutes)

  • Finish at:

    Great Hall

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Travel back in time as you discover the history of Edinburgh Castle
  • See the Scottish Crown Jewels, the 900-year old St Margaret's Chapel, and more
  • Explore the hidden histories of royals and military figures
  • Admire the breathtaking views of Edinburgh from the castle ramparts
  • Hear the fascinating stories of the people who have called Edinburgh Castle home

Full description

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress that dominates Edinburgh's skyline, with an expert local guide. Admire the treasures of the castle such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, the 900-year old St Margaret's Chapel, Mary, Queen of Scots Birthing Chamber, and more on our guided tour.

With your complimentary map in hand, your guide will lead you along the ancient cobblestone paths and allow you immerse yourself in the history of this national monument. During the tour you will get to discover the lesser-known areas of the castle such as Hospital Square and the Western Panorama, where you can take in the breathtaking views. You will also see some of the more famous parts of the castle including: The One o'Clock Gun, Mons Meg, The Castle Esplanade, Crown Square, and more.

Your expert local guide will share with you stories about the incredible people who have helped shape Edinburgh Castle throughout the centuries. From stories about deadly banquets and daring midnight raids to the death of a queen and the birth of a king, Edinburgh Castle has seen it all.

Experience a memorable journey while discovering the secrets and stories of one of Scotland's most treasured landmarks. Be sure to set aside some time after tour for further exploration of the museums and exhibitions (not accessible during the tour).

Includes

  • Edinburgh Castle entry ticket
  • Edinburgh Castle map
  • Guided tour in English
  • Gratuities

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Meeting point

This tour DOES NOT meet at Edinburgh Castle. Please meet your guide in front of the High Court next to the statue of David Hume. Your guide will be holding a black and white umbrella with the EDI Tours logo on it.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Warm clothing

Not allowed

  • Smoking
  • Drones
  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Vaping
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • This tour is of the castle complex so is therefore an outdoor experience, we recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately for the Scottish weather
  • Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult
  • This tour is available in the English language only
  • On the dates below, in August, Edinburgh Castle will close at the earlier time of 17:00 due to the early performance of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo:
  • - Saturday 2nd August
  • - Saturday 9th August
  • - Saturday 16th August
  • - Friday 22nd August
  • - Saturday 23rd August
Likely to sell out

From $49.47 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 2141 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.9/5

Customer photos

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J
James – United KingdomMay 6, 2025 – Verified booking
Fiona was excellent…very well informed and even gave us a 21 gun salute, …(apparently that was for King Charles )….but we were very impressed !! Well done….if you are thinking of booking …book…you will not be disappointed ! Thanks Fiona….a great day !!!
M
Marcus – GermanyMay 5, 2025 – Verified booking
John had a lot of knowledge about the history of scotland! Was very good! John also was great story telling! Would do it again!
W
Wendy – United StatesMay 4, 2025 – Verified booking
John was terrific. Very knowledgeable and full of facts delivered with humor. A great way to see the castle.

Product ID: 451961

Activity provider:EDI Tours
  • United Kingdom
  • Things to do in Edinburgh
  • Tours in Edinburgh
  • Edinburgh Castle

Top Attractions in Edinburgh

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