If you can’t get into Edinburgh Castle, the best things to do nearby include the Scotch Whisky Experience and Real Mary King’s Close.
Missing out on Edinburgh Castle tickets
There’s a strong chance that you’re reading this because you tried to get into Edinburgh Castle, but discovered that the daily ticket allocation has sold out. If that’s the case, there’s often a sneaky workaround – book on to an Edinburgh Castle tour and you can often get in before more general admission tickets become available.
If this is the case, book those tour tickets now to get into Edinburgh Castle as soon as possible, even if it’s tomorrow.
Edinburgh underground tours
Either way, you’ll probably need something else to do. That’s where this little guide to the best things to do near Edinburgh Castle comes in.
Luckily, there are dozens of tours and experiences available in Edinburgh, many of which can be booked at short notice. For example, the fascinating tours of underground vaults in the Old Town leave every half hour in summer. These are full of stories and sites most visitors miss, with mobile-friendly tickets instantly bookable online.
Hop-on hop-off buses in Edinburgh
Then there’s the stalwart hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses, which run frequently in a circuit that takes in most of Edinburgh’s key sites.
The nearest stops to Edinburgh Castle are a short walk away on either Grassmarket or Lawnmarket. You can book online, then jump aboard the next service within the next few minutes.
Scotch Whisky Experience near Edinburgh Castle
However, if you’re looking for a specific attraction, the first port of call should probably be the Scotch Whisky Experience. This is aimed at whisky novices, telling the history of whisky amid eye-popping high tech displays and an extraordinary tasting room. You’ll learn about the different flavour profiles of Scotland’s five Scotch whisky regions, and be able to pick your preferred sampling drink accordingly.
Timed tickets are required, but tours run frequently. Book ASAP if you fancy it.
Camera Obscura vs Real Mary King’s Close
Other things to do near Edinburgh Castle include the Camera Obscura and World Of Illusions, which shows off optical illusions and other trickery over six floors.
My favourite experience near Edinburgh Castle, however, is Real Mary King’s Close. It’s a preserved 17th century street that has long since been built over. Underground tours tell of often-grisly life in the tenement houses, with sprinkling of ghost stories thrown into the mix.
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