Edinburgh Castle

Things to do near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of activities and attractions nearby, including vibrant art exhibitions, captivating theatre performances, and lively festivals. While visiting, you can also explore the city's amusement parks and immerse yourself in the renowned arts festival, showcasing the creativity of Edinburgh. These experiences combine to provide a truly enriching cultural adventure during your visit to this historic landmark.

Shopping

During your visit to Edinburgh Castle, explore The Hub and Tartan Weaving Mill, both just 322m away, offering unique gifts and souvenirs. Additionally, Princes Mall, located 644m away, features a family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting larger shopping centres beyond the city.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Murrayfield Stadium, just 3.2km from Edinburgh Castle, where you can enjoy live sports events. Alternatively, visit the Queen's Hall, 1.4km away, for captivating music performances, or take a refreshing swim at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, located 1.6km from the castle.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 644m from Edinburgh Castle. For adrenaline-pumping action, enjoy paintballing at Bedlam Paintball, only 1.1km away, or Skirmish Edinburgh Paintball, situated 3.2km from the castle, both offering exciting adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the thrilling adventure vibes at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, just 322m from the castle. For a cosy evening, enjoy a drink at Greyfriar's Bobby, 644m away, before catching a captivating performance at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, also 322m from the historic site.

Find the best attractions near Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including charming streets, historic colleges, and engaging galleries. The local points of interest cater to those seeking cultural enrichment, family-friendly experiences, and a taste of city life. Whether you’re wandering through the castle's storied grounds or exploring the surrounding area, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant part of Edinburgh.

• Princes Street: A bustling thoroughfare, Princes Street is known for its vibrant city atmosphere, featuring an array of shops, cafes, and stunning views of the historic Edinburgh Castle. It's the perfect spot for shopping and enjoying the local culture.
• University of Edinburgh: As one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Edinburgh boasts impressive architecture and a rich history. Wander through its picturesque campus and soak in the academic culture that has produced many notable alumni.
• Grassmarket: This lively area is known for its family-friendly vibe, outdoor dining, and charming market stalls. With its historic significance and vibrant atmosphere, Grassmarket offers a delightful experience of Edinburgh's local life and culture.

Best time to go to Edinburgh Castle

The best time to visit Edinburgh Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Edinburgh Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Edinburgh Castle falls in January, 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	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 trip to Edinburgh Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to March, and book your hotel at least a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter accommodation by budget and location, and look for last-minute deals for potential discounts. Additionally, consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further savings. Explore free attractions in the city to maximise your experience without overspending.

• 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, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• 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 wizard to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most economical options and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near Edinburgh Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.