(800) 814 COOL Questions? Call Us Now!

Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide

226 Reviews 4.99 out of 5 stars Based on 226 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Edinburgh, Scotland

Loading Options

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

Visit the iconic Edinburgh Castle with an expert guide. Admire the castle's treasures such as the Scottish Crown Jewels, St Margaret's Chapel, Mary, Queen of Scots Birthing Chamber, and more on our guided tour.

With your map in hand, your guide will lead you along the ancient cobblestone paths of this national monument. During the tour you will get to discover 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 local guide will tell you stories of the incredible people who have shaped the 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.

Be sure to set aside some time after tour for further exploration of the museums and exhibitions (not accessible during the tour).

What's Included

  • Map of Edinburgh Castle
  • Edinburgh Castle Entry Ticket
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

High Street
Edinburgh EH1 1PW, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Edinburgh Castle
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, UK

This tour ends in the heart of Edinburgh Castle giving you the opportunity to explore the site further at your own pace.

What To Expect

Royal Mile

This is our meeting point. This is where we will get everyone checked in. This is where our introduction to the tour takes place before we head off to Edinburgh Castle.
Read more

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade (Pass By)

We will get our first look at the castle from the esplanade, your guide will explain the geology of the area and talk about the first settlers here. You will also learn about The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Read more

Edinburgh Castle

This is where we begin our exploration of the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle.
Read more

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

One O’Clock Gun (Pass By)

Here we will learn about Edinburgh's famous time signal, The One O'clock gun
Read more

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum (Pass By)

Climbing further up Hawkhill we will learn about the people who currently live in the castle, and those who have been held prisoner here throughout the centuries
Read more

St. Margaret's Chapel (Pass By)

Arriving into the Royal Quarters of the castle we will find Edinburgh's oldest building, St. Margarets Chapel. Hear about her life and how this building has survived to this day
Read more

The Royal Palace (Pass By)

Our final stop brings us into the beating heart of Edinburgh Castle. Crown Square where we find the historic home to our Stuart monarchs, The Royal Palace. We will learn of the palaces many residents and also of their most famous feature today, The Scottish Crown Jewels.This is where our tour concludes, you now have the opportunity to explore the castle at your own pace, armed with all the new found knowledge you've acquired. Your guide will remain in Crown Square to answer questions for as long as required.
Read more

Argyle Battery (Pass By)

We will enter Edinburgh Castle through the gatehouse and we will arrive on the Argyle Battery where you will take in the views to the north and learn of the castles historic defences
Read more
Show 6 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • This experience DOES NOT start at Edinburgh Castle. Please meet your guide at 379-381 High Street, Royal Mile next to the Statue of David Hume. Your guide will be holding a black and white umbrella with the EDI Tours logo on it.
  • Edinburgh Castle is still a functioning military garrison, therefore, the tour duration and itinerary may vary based on any ceremonial activities taking place.
  • Bags over 30L and suitcases are not permitted in the Castle and there are no left luggage facilities nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Edinburgh Castle: Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-195959P5

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.99
226 reviews

Average 4.99 out of 5 stars based on 225 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
223
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

Loading Options

Similar Tours & Activities

Speyside Scottish Highlands Whisky/Whiskey Trail Private Bespoke Edinburgh Tour

Speyside Scottish Highlands Whisky/Whiskey Trail Private Bespoke Edinburgh Tour

New To The Site!
 10 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$1,481.98

Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour in Edinburgh

 2 hours  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$20.64

Private Edinburgh Whisky Tour - Distilleries & Tastings

Private Edinburgh Whisky Tour - Distilleries & Tastings

2
 7 to 9 hours  Hotel pickup offered  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$481.50

Blackness Castle Cruise

Blackness Castle Cruise

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$27.51

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour from Edinburgh

 12 hours 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$82.54

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour - Tickets Included

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$50.90

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket
Likely to Sell Out

Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

 1 hour 30 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$50.91

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour in Edinburgh

 1 hour 20 minutes  Free Cancellation  Instant Confirmation
from
US$28.89

What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Map of Edinburgh Castle
  • Edinburgh Castle Entry Ticket
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour is an outdoor experience, we recommend checking the weather forecast and dressing appropriately for the Scottish weather
  • This experience DOES NOT start at Edinburgh Castle. Please meet your guide at 379-381 High Street, Royal Mile next to the Statue of David Hume. Your guide will be holding a black and white umbrella with the EDI Tours logo on it.
  • Edinburgh Castle is still a functioning military garrison, therefore, the tour duration and itinerary may vary based on any ceremonial activities taking place.
  • Bags over 30L and suitcases are not permitted in the Castle and there are no left luggage facilities nearby
  • Ticket only valid on the specified date and time
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Sorting, ranking, and search results

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

City Boat Tours wants to make your searches as relevant as possible. That's why we offer many ways to help you find the right experiences for you.

On some pages, you can select how to sort the results we display and also use filter options to see only those search results that meet your chosen preferences. You'll see explanations of what those sort options mean when you select them.

If you see a Badge of Excellence label, the award is based on average review ratings, share of bookings with a review, and number of bookings through City Boat Tours over a 12-month period.

The importance of any one factor over any other in a sort order varies, and the balance is constantly being reviewed and adjusted. We're always updating our systems and testing new ways to refine and improve your results to make them as relevant as possible to meet your needs.