Castle entry and a map are included; this outdoor experience requires moderate fitness and starts on the Royal Mile, away from the castle. 4.96 from 407 reviews at €55 per person for 2h.
Best for: Start with the guided Castle In Depth Experience, including entry but staying outdoors: €55 per person, 2h, 4.96 from 407 reviews. Edinburgh Castle Tours comparison
Trade-off: Moderate fitness required.
In our comparison: #3 of 13 in Edinburgh Castle Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (see the comparison).
One price for every traveller: €55 per adult.
Children from €50 (ages 7 to 15). Option texts and prices come from the operator's listing; prices checked on Viator on 1 October 2026.
99% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4★ or 5★: 403 of 407
Star breakdown of all 407 ratings
Reviewers praise the guides' detailed history and humour; steep hills and uneven ground can make the walk demanding
Written by Guidekin from the 100 most recent English reviews on Viator & Tripadvisor (7 September 2025 to 2 October 2026). Refreshed as new reviews arrive; last checked 4 October 2026.
Reviews are shown as the platforms publish them and removed when they disappear there.
Ratings collected from Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor.
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.
10 minWe 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.
Pass by, no stopThis is where we begin our exploration of the historic fortress of Edinburgh Castle.
1h 20m · Admission includedWe 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
Pass by, no stopHere we will learn about Edinburgh's famous time signal, The One O'clock gun
Pass by, no stopClimbing 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
Pass by, no stopArriving 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
Pass by, no stopOur 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.
Pass by, no stopVisit 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).
The operator's own notes, grouped by topic. Nothing here is added by Guidekin.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
| Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| This tour · #3 of 13 | €55 | 2h | 4.96 (407) | shared |
| Edinburgh Full-Day Tour with Edinburgh Castle included | €115 | 5h | 4.95 (883) | shared |
| Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile Walking Tour - Ticket Included | €63 | 2h 15m | 4.93 (2821) | shared |
| Edinburgh Castle Tickets and Tour - Local Expert Guide In a Kilt | €47 | 1h 30m | 4.94 (671) | shared |
Ranked #3 of 13 in Edinburgh Castle Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €46 to €115, median €62; typical length 2h 15m. 0 of 13 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 13 Edinburgh Castle Tours