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Edinburgh CastlevsPalace of Holyroodhouse
Both Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse are recommended by professional reviewers writing for major publications. Overall, Edinburgh Castle ranks slightly better than Palace of Holyroodhouse. Edinburgh Castle comes in at 96 with recommendations from 9 reviewers including Fodor's, Lonely Planet and Concierge.
Edinburgh Castle
Concierge
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide
Fodor's
Afar Magazine Afar Magazine
Atlas Obscura
The Telegraph
Time Out Show All Reviews
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH12NG, Scotland
From $0/night
Concierge "For the history buffs, there are the former royal apartments (Mary Queen of Scots gave birth here), the Crown Room, and the city's oldest building."
i
The extremely loud One O'clock Gun is fired from here, which makes locals and visitors jump on a daily basis.
Frommer's "This ancient stronghold has history seeping out of the stonework, with an undeniable "wow" factor. It's big, it's bold, it's bolshy." Full review
i
If you're a first-timer to Edinburgh, you'll probably want to tick this one off, but go early to avoid the crowds.
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Edinburgh Castle has played a pivotal role in Scottish history, both as a royal residence... and as a military stronghold." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"As well as the esplanade used for the Military Tattoo and the fortifications that afford a superb view of Princes Street." Full review
i
You must see the Scottish crown jewels, housed in the Royal Palace.
Fodor's "The crowning glory of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle is popular not only because it's the symbolic heart of Scotland but also because of the views from its battlements." Full review
Afar Magazine "A visit to the majestic Edinburgh Castle is a must." Full review
i
Don't miss out the 1 o' Clock gun fire!
Afar Magazine "En route to Edinburgh Castle, the historic fortress is a sight to behold through a spray of springtime foliage." Full review
Atlas Obscura "The final resting place of soldiers' loyal canine companions. " Full review
The Telegraph "Perhaps the most iconic symbol of the city’s identity and recently named the UK’s best heritage attraction for the fourth year in a row, the castle broods over Edinburgh." Full review
i
To avoid queuing, buy your tickets and download audio guides in advance online, and to avoid the crowds make your visit early in the day.
Time Out "Edinburgh Castle is the one of the most definitive landmarks in the United Kingdom and the most popular paid-for tourist attraction in Scotland." Full review
Palace of Holyroodhouse Concierge
Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Frommer's Fodor's The Telegraph
Condé Nast Traveler
Independent Frommer's Lonely Planet
Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8DX, Scotland
From $0/night
Concierge "The Royal Apartments are as grand as you might expect, with magnificent pictures, particularly those of the kings of Scotland by Jacob de Wet, providing the glitz."
Travel + Leisure "Every summer, en route to Balmoral from Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II stops at this spectacular, if lesser-known, 16th-century royal residence to host an annual Garden Party." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The buildings of the interior court are a fine example of the renaissance period." Full review
Frommer's "If you're fit and ambitious, climb up to the summit of 250-m (823-ft) high Arthur's Seat, from which the panorama is breathtaking." Full review
Fodor's "Once the haunt of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the setting for high drama... this is now Queen Elizabeth's official residence in Scotland." Full review
i
There's plenty to see here, so make sure you have at least two hours to tour the palace, gardens, and the ruins of the 12th-century abbey.
The Telegraph "A tour of the Queen’s official gaff in Scotland will show you more tapestries, paintings and plasterwork than you can shake a sceptre at, as well as Mary Queen of Scots' chambers." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "The Queen’s official Scottish residence is a palace, all right—every room feels more luxurious than the one before." Full review
i
And be sure to check out the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey.
Independent "Best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots...the palace’s staterooms are regularly used by the royal family. Areas open to the public include the 14 staterooms and the grounds"
The world’s most beautiful royal palaces
October 8, 2022
Frommer's "If you're fit and ambitious, climb up to the summit of 250-m (823-ft) high Arthur's Seat, from which the panorama is breathtaking." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"This palace is the royal family's official residence in Scotland, but is more famous as the 16th-century home of the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots." Full review
