Review: Edinburgh Castle

This is probably the most Edinburgh site in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the most famous castles in the world; it towers above Scotland’s capital from its seat upon Castle Rock. Like the rest of Edinburgh, it is very, very old; the oldest building dates back to the 12th century, but there has been a fortress here since the Iron Age. Highlights include the grand and elaborate Great Hall, built for James IV in 1511; the Stone of Destiny, used to anoint Scottish kings since before the 1200s (famously stolen from Westminster Abbey in 1950 and brought back to Scotland in secret); and the Crown Jewels (worn by Mary Queen of Scots herself when she was coronated in 1543). Try and be at the castle for 1pm to witness the One O’clock Gun, which has been fired every day—except Sundays, Christmas Day, and Good Friday—since 1861.

Wow. So what's the inside of it actually like?
Walking through the rooms of Edinburgh Castle is like wandering into the "Game of Thrones" set that's come alive.

Is there a guided tour, or do we proceed at our own pace?
Tickets include guided tours; the meeting point is just through the Portcullis Gate and past the audio booth. But if you would rather navigate yourself, then just follow the blue shields dotted around the castle, which mark the best route.

Who comes here?
This is a very touristy castle; in fact, it draws 2 million people a year.

Despite its touristy-ness, will we still get something out of it?
Edinburgh Castle lives up to the hype, but it's a lengthy experience with lots of information. To get a first-hand experience of Scottish monarchic history, though, there's nowhere better to turn.

Sounds good. Anything else we should know before planning a visit?
If you’re on a limited budget, Edinburgh Castle might not be for you—admission costs £18.50. But you can get pretty close to the castle just by walking up the Royal Mile, and that trek is well worth it; even from the outside, the view over Edinburgh is spectacular. If time’s your issue, the castle has an hourlong itinerary mapped out on its website.