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Edinburgh CastlevsThe Real Mary King's Close

Both are praised by those who travel for a living. Overall, Edinburgh Castle ranks significantly better than Real Mary King's Close. Edinburgh Castle scores 96 with approval from 9 publications like Frommer's, Michelin Guide and The Telegraph.

Edinburgh Castle
9/10
Castlehill, Edinburgh EH12NG, Scotland
From $0/night
Concierge 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Atlas Obscura
"The final resting place of soldiers' loyal canine companions. " Full review
The Telegraph 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 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
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The Real Mary King's Close
8/10
2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, Scotland
From $0/night
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
Top Choice
"This spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh." Full review
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
"Tour this warren of recently opened underground alleyways for a fascinating account of the city's past (victims of the 1644 plague died here) and a firsthand look into restored 17th-century town houses." Full review
Atlas Obscura Atlas Obscura
"17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death. " Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
"It explores a series of narrow 17th century streets, subsequently built over and closed to the public until the first tours began in 1990s. " Full review
Fodor's Fodor's
"Hidden beneath the City Chambers, this narrow, cobbled close, or lane, named after a former landowner, is said to be one of Edinburgh's most haunted sites." Full review
Time Out Time Out
"Spooky visitor attraction takes you into the startlingly well-preserved vaults beneath Edinburgh's Old Town to see the streets and wynds where the citizenry lived before the whole thing was built over." Full review
Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"This ghoulish underground alley sports tenement buildings with doors, shuttered windows, gutters, and even viewable rooms and former stores." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"These underground "closes," originally very narrow walkways with houses on either side, date back centuries." Full review

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