Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
4
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
The area
Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,200 within 3 miles
Attractions
558 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
82 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
40
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
3
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Rosemarie
Esk, Australia14 contributions
May 2021 • Family
There are people who are using amplification device on their mics to shout out history and give tour commentary. This makes this place noisiest, like parts of Asia, we have been to. Utter chaos. We did not enjoy here.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudio d
Viterbo, Italy41,740 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
I was here in mid-July and the vast forecourt was nothing more than an empty space surrounded on both sides by immense metal-framed bleachers, which not only impeded the view but also hid the numerous monuments of its long northern side. I would say that summer is certainly not the best time to come here (although it would be climatically), unless you come to see the Military Tattoo specifically. In fact, this esplanade, as it is seen today, was arranged in 1753 precisely to host military parades; do not forget, however, that between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, at its eastern end, where Castle Hill ends, witches' pyres were set up (in the period mentioned, about 300 presumed witches were burned).
Automatically translated
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom21,893 contributions
Mar 2019
The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is a large open space in front of the Castle’s Gate House. It was originally a parade ground for resident troops and was built in 1753. It has changed in appearance since then and has remained mainly unchanged since 1820. The esplanade is used every year for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as well as live concerts which are often held in the grounds. The whole area is often overwhelmed with tourists but a worthwhile place to visit with incredible views.
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳
Pittsburgh, PA127,270 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
This is a great view of Edinburgh, It is Probably the best you will get . You can see for miles and worth it
Written October 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emelita leornas
Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates165 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Edinburgh Castle comprises a massive area. We were dropped from our coach and walked few metres along with the que towards the main entrance. Morning crowd to me is I think much better as we still manage to join the Guided Tour and entry to different buildings within the castle was manageable. The view at the top was priceless and we did witness the 1:00 pm cannon shot ceremony. We've seen the areas with restaurants as well but had to get back to our coach for another scheduled tour. Memorable Edinburgh Castle...
Written June 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK2,139 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
It is free of charge to walk up to the front of the castle, which makes for a good photo op. Also gives you good views of Edinburgh.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy M
12 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Had a fantastic time at the castle. Lots to see and do but extremely busy! Staff very friendly and an experience you cannot miss if going to Edinburgh.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
papio2014
Los Gigantes, Spain10 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Spectacular setting for a global pop star, the walk up through the old town and the view of the castle behind the stage really set the tone for a great night.
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noraatc
Sudbury, MA39,690 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
Great place to photograph the Castle and the gates, but this place is totally mobbed by tourist groups. However, we easily bought our tickets and did not wait in line for a long time - maybe because of the nasty weather.
Beware of the wind and dress appropriately.
Beware of the wind and dress appropriately.
Written November 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christos
Thessaloniki, Greece6,722 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
A place that you can see the city for two sides.Is in front of the castle,opened so is prefered a nice weather visit.
Written June 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much would a taxi cost from South Queensferry (Cruise ship terminal to Edinburgh Casetle. Are taxi readily available??
Written April 28, 2018
Best way if your in South Queensferry is going by train from South Queensferry railway station to the Waverley Station.
Castle is within walking distance you will see Castle as soon as out of station.
Alan
Written April 28, 2018
Showing results 1-1 of 1
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing