Edinburgh Castle 2023-2024

The ancient fortress found in the very heart of Scotland is striking with its superb architecture and rich history. Its location on the Castle Rock is unique not only for overlooking beautiful panoramas of Edinburgh. Archaeologists claim the area has been populated by humans since at least the Iron Age, or the 2nd century AD, while the castle itself has been guarding the city since the 12th century. Through ages, Edinburgh Castle has withstood wars and survived a range of sieges and occupations. Once a royal residence and today a museum and a National War Memorial, it remains the most iconic landmark in Scotland and tourists' favourite.

The site teems with visitors all year round, so you have to be smart while planning your visit. To beat the queues, you should purchase your tickets online. While buying the tickets, check out some special offers such as Explorer Pass or Membership—you'll save your money by getting unlimited access to top Scotland's attractions. A good idea is booking a guided tour as exploring with a guide ensures you hear amusing legends of the castle and won't miss a thing.

Edinburgh Castle is open to the public all year. Operating hours fall into summer and winter seasons. April to September the site is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, while October through March it operates from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Note that the last entry is an hour before the actual closure. Summer is better for more comfortable weather, but it's also the busiest time. Whereas winter is less crowded, however, the weather is less amiable for sightseeing. So it's up to your priorities what time to choose for a visit.