Edinburgh Castle Express Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

Edinburgh , Scotland

Edinburgh Castle Express Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

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(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Start by meeting your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott. From there, you’ll follow in the footsteps of royalty (and even pirates) as you enter Edinburgh Castle.

As you discover the castle grounds, hear stories about how this fortress was once the residence for Mary, Queen of Scots, and a prison during the Napoleonic Wars. Take a snap of the six-tonnes Mons Meg (a medieval cannon), and admire the Royal Palace.

Afterwards, explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace, and step inside St Margaret's Chapel, Scottish National War Memorial and more.

Available options

Edinburgh Castle Express Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

What's included

Entry ticket to Edinburgh Castle

Express tour of Edinburgh Castle (45-min)

Live commentary in English

Edinburgh city audio tour (digital app)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Meet your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, located in West Parliament Square, EH1 1RN (opposite St. Giles Cathedral)

Stop 2

Enjoy a quick tour of the castle highlights, and hear stories about how this royal residence was also a prison. You'll explore the castle grounds, and dive into 900 years of history. After your tour ends, you may discover inside the buildings at your own pace, including the Royal Palace and St Margaret's Chapel.

What's not included

Tips for the guide

Optional Edinburgh Castle internal audio guide (£3.50)

Headset and mobile device

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please bring comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

This tour covers the castle grounds and is outdoors only as guides cannot access inside of the buildings during the tour. After the tour ends, you may explore inside the buildings independently.

Bags over 30L and suitcases are not permitted inside Edinburgh Castle.

Please note the Honours of Scotland (Crown Jewels) will be closed from 12 January to Easter 2026.

Scan the QR code on your voucher to download the Edinburgh city audio guide before arrival.

Areas of the Edinburgh Castle grounds may be closed on short notice by the castle authorities.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, located in West Parliament Square, EH1 1RN (opposite St. Giles Cathedral). Your guide will be wearing a dark blue ‘VoxCity’ uniform and holding an umbrella. Please arrive 5 minutes before your booked timeslot.

Important notes

This voucher is NOT an entry ticket

Meet your guide at the Statue of Walter Francis Montagu Douglas Scott, located in West Parliament Square, EH1 1RN (opposite St. Giles Cathedral). Your guide will be wearing a dark blue ‘VoxCity’ uniform and holding an umbrella. Please arrive 5 minutes before your booked timeslot.

Please dress appropriately for the weather as the tour will be outdoors.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at: customer@voxcity.com, or text us on WhatsApp at +39 345 5617956 (https://wa.me/393455617956). Our opening hours are from 7:00am to 7:00pm CET, Monday to Sunday.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture