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Edinburgh CastlevsEdinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo are both rated very highly by expert writers. Overall, Edinburgh Castle ranks significantly higher than Edinburgh Zoo. Edinburgh Castle has a TripExpert Score of 96 with praise from 9 reviewers including Afar Magazine, Fodor's and Atlas Obscura.
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
Edinburgh Zoo Lonely Planet Fodor's Michelin Guide Time Out Frommer's
134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 6TS, Scotland
From $0/night
Lonely Planet "One of the world's leading conservation zoos. Edinburgh's captive breeding program has helped save many endangered species." Full review
Fodor's "Children love to visit the some 1,000 animals that live in Edinburgh Zoo, especially the two giant pandas—Tian Tian and Yang Gaung—that were flown in from China." Full review
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The famous collection of penguins in Edinburgh (colony of 30 Emperor penguins and a hundred papoose penguins) is the most popular attraction." Full review
i
Don't miss out on some indigenous species, the wildcat, the pine marten or the Golden Eagle.
Time Out "It’s currently the only zoo in the UK to keep koalas and was the first ever zoo to keep and breed penguins, with their enclosure being one of the hits of the tour." Full review
Frommer's "The zoo contains more than 1,500 animals, including white rhinos, pygmy hippos, and chimps. It also boasts the largest penguin colony in Europe housed in the world's biggest penguin enclosure." Full review
