Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
The 5 Best Castles in Old Town, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Edinburgh Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51,182 reviews
Edinburgh Castle is a world famous icon of Scotland and part of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. It was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O' Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Reviewed By gabrielgpavon2018 - Community of Madrid, Spain
Outstanding views, very well designed visit flow, 10+ worthwhile sites, from the successive ramparts to the OUTSTANDING Scotland War Museum and the Scottish Crown Honors (jewels and the recovered Stone of Destiny / Scone), Medieval Great Hall, War Memorial, Regimental museums, Saint Margaret´s XI century chapel... The castle guide book, available at the shop by the entrance, is really useful The views alone (we had wonderful weather) are worthwhile, the treaures inside and the exquisite care shown in presenting them are second to none. Allow at least three hours to stroll around and have a drink...
2. The Great Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By GauravC697 - New Delhi, India
The Great hall certainly is a marvel of the old era...The wooden roof is a splendor in itself...It is displaying weapons and armors reminiscent of its glorious military past..It is located in the crown square of the castle..a tic is needed to visualize its splendor..
3. Scottish National War Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By EAN44 - Haywards Heath, United Kingdom
This is such a wonderful memorial and very emotional the design of the building is grand with dark stone and then granite and rock, the memorials in the roof are excellent and you stare in ore at there beauty Along the walls are the books of all the soldiers that had died fighting for freedom you can look through to see if your family mane appears It’s just very emotional and a tribute to all those Scottish soldiers
4. Mons Meg
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By therichastill - Stevenage, United Kingdom
Mons Meg has not been fired for centuries but it is far more magnificent than the more cannons located around the castle including the one used for the One O'clock gun. As well as the gun there are also some of the huge cannonballs used in it. I would not want to be the person responsible for putting that into the gun!
5. Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By GauravC697 - New Delhi, India
The Esplanade is the sloping forecourt in front of the castle..such a cute ice cream cart here ..what a relief ..annual series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the esplanade of Edinburgh..
