Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour

Name: Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour
Brand: Civitatis
Price: 26.42 USD
Rating: 9.4 (7046 reviews)

The activity was incredible! Sonia explained the history of the castle and its inhabitants with a great sense of humor a...

Jose Fermin

Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous and most visited sights in Scotland. Don't miss this guided tour of Edinburgh Castle if you find yourself in town! Discover the history and secrets behind this famous location that sits atop a now-dormant volcano.

Details

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

Included

English–speaking guide
Ticket to Edinburgh Castle (depending on selection)

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets. An accompanying person is required.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Highlands & Glencoe Day Trip

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Edinburgh Free Tour

9.5

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Gratis

Dinner and Traditional Scottish Show

Free cancellation

Meeting point

351 High Street

Where does the activity end?

Edinburgh Castle

Reviews of our customers

9.4

Exceptional 82,401 Travelers·7,046 reviews

August 28, 2026
Jose Fermin
Ibiza, Spain
The activity was incredible! Sonia explained the history of the castle and its inhabitants with a great sense of humor and a perspective we never woul...
As a couple
Is this useful?
October 1, 2026
Mark
San Juan, United States
Excellent tour and Sara did a great job. Recommended!
With friends
Is this useful?
September 16, 2026
Patricia
United States
Glen was so knowledgeable and shared it in a great way. We would have paid double for that kind of service. Superior!
As a couple
Is this useful?
June 26, 2026
Alejandra
Chile
El castillo maravilloso. Paseo histórico. La guía no valió la pena. No sabía mucho y fue un paseo con poca contundencia en conocimiento
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
April 27, 2026
Janice Mattoso Dos Santos Rinald
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
I liked the service because we had a delay and ended up missing the activity, but we managed to resolve it. The castle is very beautiful and worth vis...
Is this useful?
October 26, 2024
Rosemary C Burnham
Lincoln, California, United States
My tour guide Richard was unquestionably the best tour guide I have ever had! Anywhere! He is a natural, guiding us around and through all the histor...
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
May 19, 2024
Anonymous
Surrey, United Kingdom
Richard led our tour. He was easy to hear, lovely strong voice , very friendly and made us laugh a lot. It was a hot day to be standing around but Ri...
As a couple
Is this useful?
October 16, 2022
Alessia
Rome, Italy
Richard was very nice and explained a lot about Scottish history, showing passion for his work, and attention to the different countries and cultures...
Is this useful?
August 25, 2025
Noelia
Valencia, Spain
David from Australia guided us through the history and stories of Edinburgh Castle amazingly! He gave a lot of details but always with a touch of humo...
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
April 19, 2025
Anonymous
Tokyo, Japan
The tour and the guide was very good. Initial meeting was s bit shambles after being told it won't start until noon for ticket checking and then all o...
As a couple
Is this useful?

Show all reviews

Edinburgh Castle Tour: Scotland's Symbol

From its foundation if the 12th century, Edinburgh Castle has witnessed many battles, political mysteries, and crucial events for Scotland's destiny. Every corner has a unique and captivating story, from the imposing Great Hall to the mysterious Stone of Destiny.

What Will We Visit With the Guide?

At the designated time, we'll meet at the Royal Mile at the scheduled time, just outside St. Giles's Cathedral. From there, we'll walk to Edinburgh Castle, situated atop an extinct volcano. Upon arrival, you'll be struck by the majestic views of the city center. Before entering the fortress, we'll share all the details about the castle with you and hand out your tickets.

The guided tour of Edinburgh Castle offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond merely exploring its impressive structures and views. An English-speaking guide will dive into the historical and cultural aspects, bringing to life the stories and legends surrounding the castle and its surroundings.

Edinburgh Castle is a citadel comprising over 20 buildings. Therefore, the guided tour takes place within the citadel grounds, where the guide will explain the significance of each building while standing in front of them, rather than entering the interiors.

What Can We Visit On Our Own?

After the guided tour, you can visit the most emblematic places of Edinburgh Castle on your own, among which the following stand out:

The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St.Margaret's Chapel (built around 1130).
The Crown Square, the castle's main courtyard, from here, we'll be able to see the Great Hall and its spectacular collection of weapons and armour.
The Scottish National War Memorial honors the Scottish soldiers and marines who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and later military conflicts since 1945.
The Royal Palace. Did you know that James Stuart, son of Mary Stuart, was born in one of these royal rooms?
The Crown Jewels, a strongroom housing the jewels used to crown the kings of Scotland during the Middle Ages.
The Stone of Destiny, one of the relics of the kingdom of Scotland.

Within the walls of the palace, we'll also be able to see the vault that houses the Scottish crown jewels, called the Honours of Scotland, as well as the Stone of Destiny, on which kings were crowned during the Middle Ages.

After 1.5 hours, the guided tour will finish up in the vicinity of the castle.

Ticket to Edinburgh Castle

If you choose to book a tour without a ticket, you'll need to purchase your own ticket. Make sure that the ticket is valid for the same time and day that you have booked your guided tour of Edinburgh Castle. We recommend buying your ticket well in advance, especially in high season. This option is not for those who only wish to visit the outside of the castle, as the tour outside the castle walls is only available for a short period of time. If you do not have a ticket, you won't be able to join this tour.

Please note that the option without tickets is only for those who have purchased or will purchase tickets by other means or have an Explorer Pass. All others must choose the option with a ticket.

9.4

Exceptional 82,401 Travelers·7,046 reviews

August 28, 2026
Jose Fermin
Ibiza, Spain
The activity was incredible! Sonia explained the history of the castle and its inhabitants with a great sense of humor and a perspective we never woul...
As a couple
Is this useful?
October 1, 2026
Mark
San Juan, United States
Excellent tour and Sara did a great job. Recommended!
With friends
Is this useful?
September 16, 2026
Patricia
United States
Glen was so knowledgeable and shared it in a great way. We would have paid double for that kind of service. Superior!
As a couple
Is this useful?
June 26, 2026
Alejandra
Chile
El castillo maravilloso. Paseo histórico. La guía no valió la pena. No sabía mucho y fue un paseo con poca contundencia en conocimiento
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
April 27, 2026
Janice Mattoso Dos Santos Rinald
Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
I liked the service because we had a delay and ended up missing the activity, but we managed to resolve it. The castle is very beautiful and worth vis...
Is this useful?
October 26, 2024
Rosemary C Burnham
Lincoln, California, United States
My tour guide Richard was unquestionably the best tour guide I have ever had! Anywhere! He is a natural, guiding us around and through all the histor...
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
May 19, 2024
Anonymous
Surrey, United Kingdom
Richard led our tour. He was easy to hear, lovely strong voice , very friendly and made us laugh a lot. It was a hot day to be standing around but Ri...
As a couple
Is this useful?
October 16, 2022
Alessia
Rome, Italy
Richard was very nice and explained a lot about Scottish history, showing passion for his work, and attention to the different countries and cultures...
Is this useful?
August 25, 2025
Noelia
Valencia, Spain
David from Australia guided us through the history and stories of Edinburgh Castle amazingly! He gave a lot of details but always with a touch of humo...
Traveling solo
Is this useful?
April 19, 2025
Anonymous
Tokyo, Japan
The tour and the guide was very good. Initial meeting was s bit shambles after being told it won't start until noon for ticket checking and then all o...
As a couple
Is this useful?

Show all reviews

Points of interest in Edinburgh

Royal Mile Edinburgh Castle Greyfriars Kirkyard Palace of Holyroodhouse

Types of activities in Edinburgh

Guided tours and free tours Day trips Food and Wine Experiences

Other activities in Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Highlands & Glencoe Day Trip Edinburgh Free Tour Loch Ness & the Scottish Highlands: 2 Day Tour St. Andrews & Fife's Fishing Villages Day Trip Edinburgh Big Bus Tour Stirling, The Kelpies, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park Day Trip Edinburgh Pub Crawl Edinburgh Underground Ghost Tour Edinburgh Free Ghost Tour West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles Day Trip

Edinburgh Castle Tour: Scotland's Symbol

What Will We Visit With the Guide?

What Can We Visit On Our Own?

After the guided tour, you can visit the most emblematic places of Edinburgh Castle on your own, among which the following stand out:

The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St.Margaret's Chapel (built around 1130).
The Crown Square, the castle's main courtyard, from here, we'll be able to see the Great Hall and its spectacular collection of weapons and armour.
The Scottish National War Memorial honors the Scottish soldiers and marines who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and later military conflicts since 1945.
The Royal Palace. Did you know that James Stuart, son of Mary Stuart, was born in one of these royal rooms?
The Crown Jewels, a strongroom housing the jewels used to crown the kings of Scotland during the Middle Ages.
The Stone of Destiny, one of the relics of the kingdom of Scotland.

After 1.5 hours, the guided tour will finish up in the vicinity of the castle.

Ticket to Edinburgh Castle

Please note that the option without tickets is only for those who have purchased or will purchase tickets by other means or have an Explorer Pass. All others must choose the option with a ticket.