Although Edinburgh Castle looks impressive perched atop Castle Rock in the center of the city — and it’s particularly pretty when viewed from Princes Street Gardens or the Vennel — I found the inside to be a letdown when I last visited last year.
Because the castle is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions, it felt unpleasantly busy. After waiting in a 20-minute line to see the Crown Jewels, I found the crown, sword, and scepter to be underwhelming.
Plus, anyone hoping to see the Stone of Destiny — upon which monarchs are still crowned — will be disappointed. I was sad to learn that the historic block of sandstone was moved to the Perth Museum in 2024.
I also found very little information on placards about the castle’s history, and I wished to have learned more about what everyday life looked like within its walls. Instead, a military museum makes up a large part of the interior.
This story was originally published on September 20, 2025, and most recently updated on August 28, 2026.
