Edinburgh Castle
Castle · West End ·
Iconic hilltop fort with Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, chapel
Iconic hilltop fort with Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, chapel
"Few backdrops feel as iconic as this fortress when Hogmanay reaches its climax and the sky explodes with fireworks over the ramparts at midnight." - Elissa Garay
"Perched on volcanic rock and transformed from hill fort to royal castle around 1093, this is among Europe’s oldest fortified places, repeatedly rebuilt after sieges and reputedly the most besieged spot in Britain—perhaps why tales of restless spirits persist. A favorite legend follows a piper sent into tunnels to play so he could be tracked from above; midway, the bagpipes stopped and the boy vanished, the passage later sealed, yet faint piping is still heard between the castle and palace. Open daily, it merits at least two hours to take in the main attractions." - Nicole Kliest
"A dominant historic fortress visible from central vantage points and within walking distance of many attractions, offering a compact, walkable experience suitable for solo exploration." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A dramatic, historic stronghold that becomes a focal point of the city’s holiday season through spectacular Castle of Light projections projected onto its exterior walls, drawing crowds for seasonal displays." - Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes Elizabeth Rhodes is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Perched above the city, I note that this 12th-century fortress has produced eerie experiences—including unexplained music attributed to a piper who died investigating tunnels and a ghostly drummer said to appear before attacks—contributing to its long list of hauntings." - Andrea Romano Andrea Romano Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for Mashable, Brit+Co, Reviewed, Bustle, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines