The Top 8 Tickets & Passes in Edinburgh

1.Edinburgh Castle: Guided Walking Tour with Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5,540 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51Our pick

Spend about 90 minutes on an English-language walking tour of Edinburgh Castle, with entry included and time afterward to explore its buildings on your own. Guides such as Joe, Sonia, Raj, and Valeria have led lively tours, though your guide will vary. The guided portion is outdoors, so dress for Edinburgh weather and bring time to stay inside the castle grounds afterward.

“This was my first time using a tour guide for anything and I must say that Sonia was phenomenal!! I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the tour because it was freezing, but Sonia made it well worth it! She was knowledgeable, funny and full of enthusiasm and I would honestly highly recommend her as a tour guide!!”

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2.Edinburgh Skip-the-Ticket-Line Castle Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,283 reviews · from $51

Meet a local guide on the Royal Mile for a roughly 90-minute walk into Edinburgh Castle, with priority admission and stories of its battles, Crown Square and dog cemetery. Guides such as Alasdair and Charles have led tours, though the exact route can vary. Afterward, stay to visit the Crown Jewels, St Margaret’s Chapel and the National War Museum independently.

“Charles was very informative on the history of the castle and Scotland itself. Great job Charles. The tour was held on the grounds of the castle but we did not enter anything inside as part of the tour.”

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3.Edinburgh Castle Guided Tour – Tickets Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,211 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $51

Join a 90-minute guided walk from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle, with direct entry included. Guides such as James, David, Laura and Joe have brought the castle’s people and past to life with clear explanations and humor. The tour covers the grounds, then leaves you free to explore the buildings on your own.

“Guide was knowledgable and entertaining. He was accommodating and patient with the groups needs. Great time, even with a young child.”

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4.Royal Edinburgh Ticket – Hop-On Hop-Off and Attraction Admissions

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,023 reviews · 2 days (approx.) · from $105

Use a 48-hour pass on Edinburgh’s three bus routes to reach the castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse and Royal Yacht Britannia, with admission included. Ride an open-top deck or sit inside as English live or multilingual recorded commentary points out the city. The route also stops near the Botanic Garden, National Museum of Scotland and other sights.

“The best way to see the sites! The crew were so friendly and knowledgeable! We had such a great experience!”

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5.Edinburgh Castle & Royal Mile Walking Tour – Ticket Included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 894 reviews · 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $65

Follow Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from the Mercat Cross and St Giles’ Cathedral to Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle. A local guide covers the Old Town and the castle grounds, with admission included and time to explore the castle’s indoor exhibits at your own pace. Guides have included Paul, Mark, James and Zenon.

“Paul was a fantastic tour guide. He had terrific knowledge of Edinburgh's history and presented it with a lot of fun, humour and energy. We'd highly recommend him.”

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6.The Edinburgh Dungeon Entrance Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 683 reviews · 1 minute to 2 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

At the Edinburgh Dungeon, live performers bring stories of Sawney Bean, Burke and Hare, Agnes Finnie, and the plague in Mary King’s Close to life. Expect audience participation, eerie sights, sounds and smells, and a final drop ride. Your ticket is mobile and in English; allow up to two hours, though the visit may be shorter.

“Absolutely blast! Such a wonderful way to learn the history by being exposed to it first hand! Not too scary for my 7 year old and so much fun. They really make you feel like you’re living in the different times.”

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7.Palace of Holyroodhouse Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 450 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

Visit the King’s official Scottish residence at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Admission includes a multimedia guide for the Palace’s State Apartments and Mary, Queen of Scots’ rooms, where a violent episode in her reign unfolded. Allow more than an hour if you want time for the gardens and abbey ruins. Photography is not permitted inside.

“Some narrow, winding, steep steps to climb during this tour. Need to have at least 2 hours to fully enjoy inside and outside.”

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8.Edinburgh Castle Highlights Tour with Tickets, Map, and Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 362 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Meet your guide by the David Hume Statue on the Royal Mile, then walk into Edinburgh Castle for a 90-minute tour of its defences, St. Margaret’s Chapel, Royal Palace, and Scottish Crown Jewels. Guides including John, Charlotte, and Sara have led lively, story-filled tours. Your ticket and map are included, and you can stay to explore after the guided visit.

“Great host! The tour was informative and the tour guide was a hoot. The weather was turning fast but he still made it fun and I would recommend this to anyone”

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