Edinburgh tours and tickets
Edinburgh Castle is the booking that matters, with timed tickets that sell out in summer and in August festival weeks. The palace, Stirling and the museums are easier. Arthur's Seat, the Royal Mile and the Water of Leith cost nothing. Walking tours and ghost tours can be arranged the same day.
Book these first
- Edinburgh Castle
- 1 to 3 weeks ahead in season. Timed tickets sell out in summer, and the queue at the gate is long.
- Hotels in August
- 3 to 6 months ahead. The festival fills the city, and prices rise sharply.
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Monuments and landmarks
Edinburgh Castle
The fortress on Castle Rock, with the Crown Jewels, the Great Hall and the One O'Clock Gun. Entry is by timed ticket, and guided tours and audio guides are sold.
Which to pick. Book the first slot of the day. Allow three hours, and use the audio guide, which is good.
1 to 3 weeks ahead in seasonVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorThe Royal Mile and St Giles' Cathedral
The old street between the castle and Holyrood, with closes, shops and the cathedral. The street is free, and the church takes a donation.
Which to pick. Walk it early. A guided walk helps to find the closes and the history of the street.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorCalton Hill
A short climb with views across the city, the sea and the National Monument. It is free and open all day.
Which to pick. Go at sunset for the light on the castle and the Forth. No tour is needed, and the path is short.
Churches and palaces
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The King's official residence in Scotland, with state apartments, Mary Queen of Scots' rooms and the ruined abbey. It closes when the royal family is in residence.
Which to pick. Check the closing days before you book. Buy a timed ticket a few days ahead in summer.
A few days ahead in seasonOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorReal Mary King's Close
Underground streets that lay beneath the Royal Mile, shown in costumed guided tours that last about an hour and explain how people lived there.
Which to pick. Pick it if you like local history told by a guide. Book a morning slot.
A few days aheadTours and tickets on Viator
Museums and galleries
National Museum of Scotland
A free museum covering Scottish history, science, natural history and world cultures, in two connected buildings. It's a good option on a wet day.
Which to pick. Walk in without a ticket and choose the floors you want. Paid exhibitions are the exception.
Not needed, free entryOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorRoyal Yacht Britannia
The former royal yacht now moored in Leith, with state rooms and crew quarters shown by audio guide. Allow about two hours.
Which to pick. Go in the morning, when it is quieter. A bus from the center makes it easy, and the ticket includes the audio guide.
A few days ahead in summerTours and tickets on Viator
Guided walks and tours
Old Town walking tour
A two-hour walk through the closes, the churches and the sites of old crimes. Group sizes and styles vary a lot.
Which to pick. Choose a small group with a named guide. Ghost tours are theater, so pick by taste.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on ViatorArthur's Seat hike
An extinct volcano in Holyrood Park, with the best views of the city. It takes about two hours, and the paths are steep and rocky in places.
Which to pick. Go alone and take shoes with grip. A guided hike makes sense only for the geology.
Not needed, free to walkTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Stirling
About an hour by train, with Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument and the battlefield at Bannockburn. A day tour often adds Loch Lomond.
Which to pick. Go by train and buy a castle ticket at the gate. A tour adds the lochs.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSt Andrews
About 90 minutes by bus or train, with the old golf course, the ruined cathedral, the beaches and a lively university town.
Which to pick. Go by bus from the center and spend the day on foot. Tours add stops in the fishing villages along the coast.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Edinburgh
- The Edinburgh PassA sightseeing pass that bundles entry to several attractions and sometimes the airport tram or buses for a fixed period. It pays off if you visit many paid sights quickly, and not if you walk and use the free museums. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Edinburgh
Can I buy Edinburgh Castle tickets on the day?
Sometimes, but not in summer or at festival weekends, when slots sell out. Book online for the first slot, and avoid Saturday if you can.
Is the Edinburgh Pass worth buying?
Only if you plan to visit many paid attractions in a short stay. The free museums, Arthur's Seat and the walks don't need it.
What is free in Edinburgh?
The National Museum, the National Gallery, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill and the Water of Leith walk are free. The castle, the palace and tours need tickets.
Is Holyroodhouse always open?
No. It closes when the royal family is in residence and for state events. Check the official page before you book a ticket.
Should I book a ghost tour?
Only if it appeals. They are entertainment more than history. Choose a small group, and book the same day or a day ahead.
What can I leave until I arrive?
Walks, museums, Calton Hill and St Giles' can be done on the day. Book the castle first, and hotels months ahead in August.