citytripo

What to book before going to Edinburgh

The Edinburgh base has 15 stops. Booking ahead is required at 0 of them and advised at 3. The rest you can walk up to.

Data checked on October 5, 2026

Booking saves you the queue

  • Edinburgh Castle

    Booking advised

    Tickets often sell out well ahead in summer and once the online slots are gone there is no walk-up supply. Book a dated ticket online before you travel.

    Open 9:30 am–5:00 pm · last entry 4:00 pm

    From 1 October to 23 December the castle opens at 09:30, last entry is at 16:00 and it closes at 17:00. From 1 April to 30 September it closes at 18:00 with last entry at 17:00. It is closed on 25 and 26 December, and opens at 11:00 on 1 January.

    See the guided visit

    Source: Edinburgh Castle (Historic Environment Scotland), checked October 5, 2026

  • Palace of Holyroodhouse

    Booking advised

    Book a dated ticket on the official page, or through the partner link when it is shown. Check the dates first, since the palace can close at short notice for royal use.

    Hours not confirmed. Check the official site.

    Check the official page for current opening times. The palace closes at times when it is used by the royal family, so look at the dates before you go.

    See tickets

    Source: Royal Collection Trust, checked October 5, 2026

  • The Real Mary King's Close

    Booking advised

    Tours sell out, so book a time slot on the official page a few days or weeks ahead. The standard ticket allows changes up to four hours before the tour.

    Open 9:30 am–10:30 pm · last entry 9:00 pm

    Opening hours change through the year. In the week of 5 October the site opens at 09:30 on weekdays and 09:00 at weekends, and from 12 October it opens at 09:00 every day. Last entry is at 21:00. The calendar shows the attraction closed on 1 November 2026.

    Source: The Real Mary King's Close, checked October 5, 2026

No booking needed

Turn up when it suits the day.

  • The Royal MileFree
  • Arthur's SeatFree
  • National Museum of ScotlandFree
  • St Giles' Cathedral
  • Calton HillFree
  • Grassmarket and Victoria StreetFree
  • Royal Botanic Garden EdinburghFree
  • Dean VillageFree
  • Greyfriars KirkyardFree
  • StockbridgeFree
  • Royal Yacht Britannia
  • Leith and the ShoreFree

More about Edinburgh