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Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
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Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

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See all things to do
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
4
78 reviews
#122 of 535 things to do in Edinburgh
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
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1-2 hours
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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.
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Attractions
494 within 6 miles
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University of Edinburgh
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See what travelers are saying
  • DunelmArts
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom1,111 contributions
    Excellent views over the city
    Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, at the entrance to Edinburgh Castle, the Castle Esplanade is the setting for the annual Military Tattoo. However, even if you’re not going to the Tattoo or visiting the Castle, the Esplanade is worth a visit for the views over the city. Good photo opportunity.
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 17, 2020
  • TheShis
    Tel Aviv, Israel39,348 contributions
    A big area next to the castle.
    The Edinburgh castle esplanade is a big square-like shaped area outside the castle, at the end of the Royal Mile. It features some monuments and a lovely view. It's often packed with tourists and locals.
    Visited August 2021
    Written September 18, 2021
  • Paul Legate
    United Kingdom20,373 contributions
    Incredible views from the esplanade
    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.
    Visited March 2019
    Written August 26, 2019
  • Rosemarie
    Esk, Australia14 contributions
    Too noisy
    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.
    Visited May 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written May 26, 2021
  • Excellent view
    This is a great view of Edinburgh, It is Probably the best you will get . You can see for miles and worth it
    Visited September 2018
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 9, 2018
  • emelita leornas
    Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates172 contributions
    Edinburgh Castle Escapades
    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...
    Visited May 2019
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 15, 2019
  • Amy M
    12 contributions
    Get your walking boots on
    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.
    Visited October 2019
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 5, 2019
  • papio2014
    Los Gigantes, Spain10 contributions
    Kylie concert
    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.
    Visited July 2019
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 19, 2019
  • Noraatc
    Sudbury, Massachusetts34,329 contributions
    Beautiful views of the Castle
    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.
    Visited September 2018
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 10, 2018
  • Christos
    Thessaloniki, Greece5,072 contributions
    Nice view!
    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.
    Visited May 2018
    Traveled with friends
    Written June 8, 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
78 reviews
Excellent
24
Very good
39
Average
13
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Rosemarie
Esk, Australia14 contributions
Too noisy
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.
🙋🏽‍♂️🤹🏽‍♂️✔️Keep Life Simple ✈️🧳✅
Pittsburgh, PA85,750 contributions
Excellent view
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 Emirates172 contributions
Edinburgh Castle Escapades
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.
Amy M
12 contributions
Get your walking boots on
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
Kylie concert
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, MA34,329 contributions
Beautiful views of the Castle
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.
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, Greece5,072 contributions
Nice view!
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.
Wombling_Free_7548
Bristol, UK1,998 contributions
Go for the views
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.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia43,574 contributions
Great views, if you can get them.
Sep 2018
The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is the area in front of the gate to the castle. It is a rather large, oval, not quite circular area. When we visited there was very high temporary seating installed and there were many barricades there. Obviously some performances would have been held at the time, and that is a great setting. If you stop there awhile and look around you may be able to enjoy some terrific views of the city below, as the castle is high up at the top of a hill. Not to be missed!
Written August 27, 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.
kay-cee-1138
Houston, TX443 contributions
Just an in-between place
Apr 2019 • Family
There's little to recommend the Esplanade itself to the visitor -- at best, it is the 100-yard stretch of pavement between the top of the Royal Mile (which is about as far as taxis are allowed to come), and the entrance to Edinburgh Castle proper.
The Esplanade did afford us views on both sides over the town, but the Castle is higher, and we found the views are better up there. On the other hand, the Esplanade does not require a ticket to visit, unlike most of the castle.
As other reviewers have noted, the open Esplanade can really catch the wind, so on a cool breezy day, it can be borderline uncomfortable to be standing there out in the open.
Written June 7, 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.
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