Edinburgh Castle
Allow time for the walk up Castlehill as well as the visit inside. Check which areas you want to see before you book.
- UNESCO World Heritage
Edinburgh Travel Guide
Set aside time for the castle and Royal Mile, and leave room to wander into the narrow lanes off the main route.
Before you go
When to go and how long to stay
Allow two or three days. Visit the castle early and leave another half-day for New Town or a longer walk. Carry a windproof layer.
Entry documents
Check on GOV.UK whether your passport and trip require an ETA, a visitor visa or neither. Confirm the rule for your exact itinerary, including any airport transit, and use the same passport you applied with.
Getting to the city
Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is connected to the city by tram and airport bus. Pick the service and stop nearest your lodging.
Waverley is the main rail stop by the Old Town and city center. Haymarket is farther west and connects to the airport tram.
Getting around
The center is walkable but steep between different levels. Look for gentler roads instead of stairs when carrying luggage. Buses are useful for farther neighborhoods.
Payments and mobile data
The UK uses pounds sterling and Type G plugs. Bring a contactless card and use the same card or device throughout a tap-in, tap-out journey. Save your regional rail ticket and hotel confirmation offline.
Where to stay
Old Town suits historic sights. New Town or near Haymarket can be easier for luggage and tram connections.
Things to do in Edinburgh
What to eat in Edinburgh
Haggis
A savory Scottish dish made with oatmeal, spices and offal. Traditional servings often include mashed turnip and potatoes.
Photo: Chris Brown · CC BY 2.0 ↗A day in Edinburgh
Start at the castle, explore the closes off the Royal Mile, then try haggis at lunch or dinner.