Edinburgh Castle

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of activities and attractions, including fascinating art exhibitions, captivating theatre performances, and vibrant festivals that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in the historical significance of the castle while enjoying the lively atmosphere of its surroundings, making for a truly memorable experience in the heart of Scotland's capital.

Shopping

Discover shopping at The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both located 124m from Edinburgh Castle, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. For a broader selection, visit Princes Mall, just 249m away, featuring a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, a vibrant sports venue located 1.2km from Edinburgh Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Royal Commonwealth Pool, situated 621m away, is perfect for families seeking aquatic fun. Meanwhile, the Queen's Hall, only 559m from the castle, hosts captivating musical performances.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 249m from Edinburgh Castle, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. For a different kind of adventure, try Bedlam Paintball, situated 435m away, where you can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping paintball experience.

Nightlife

Experience a magical evening at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, only 124m from Edinburgh Castle, perfect for family fun. For a romantic vibe, enjoy a drink at Greyfriar's Bobby, 249m away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, just 124m away.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is a prestigious historic site that offers a rich cultural experience for visitors. Nearby, you'll find charming streets, museums, and local universities to explore. Families and cultural enthusiasts alike will enjoy the attractions in the area. For your convenience, consider searching for hotels close to Edinburgh Castle to enhance your stay and make the most of your visit.

• Princes Street: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Princes Street, renowned for its striking views of Edinburgh Castle and lush gardens. This bustling thoroughfare is perfect for shopping, dining, and soaking up the city's lively energy, all while being a short stroll from the castle.
• University of Edinburgh: Explore the rich history and culture of one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Wander through its stunning architecture and picturesque campus, where centuries of tradition meet modern scholarship.
• Grassmarket: Visit the charming Grassmarket area, known for its lively outdoor vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy local shops, eateries, and stunning views of the castle, all within a historic setting that once buzzed with market activity.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	38.5°F (3.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
February	39.4°F (4.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	41.5°F (5.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
May	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
June	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
July	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	43.5°F (6.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	39.6°F (4.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Edinburgh Castle

To save on your visit to Edinburgh Castle, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel around a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Tuesdays generally offer the cheapest rates, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia's search tool to find the best deals, including package options that combine flights and hotels. Additionally, take advantage of free activities around the castle to maximise your experience without breaking the bank.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Edinburgh Castle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Edinburgh Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Edinburgh Castle is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and type of accommodation. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay near Edinburgh Castle with your flights and activities.