What to Book in Advance in Edinburgh

A per-attraction verdict for Edinburgh: what must be booked in advance and how far ahead, when tickets are released, the quietest time to visit and what it costs. Sorted by how early you need to act.

Verdicts checked 2026-09-29 · 14 verified verdicts

Book these in advance

Mary King's Close
Book 7 days ahead
Book in advance, it sells out
A hugely popular timed guided tour that regularly sells out, especially in summer.
How far ahead:
Up to a week or more in summer
Timed entry:
Yes
Quietest time:
First and last entries of the day
Typical price:
GBP 30-34
Official site
Edinburgh Castle
Book 3 days ahead
Booking ahead is recommended
Popular castle with timed entry; book ahead to secure your preferred slot and avoid cues.
How far ahead:
A few days to a week in summer
Ticket release:
Tickets are released on the official site, typically available several weeks ahead
Timed entry:
Yes
Quietest time:
First entry slot, late afternoon
Typical price:
GBP 19.5
Official site
Royal Yacht Britannia
Book 3 days ahead
Booking ahead is recommended
A popular Edinburgh attraction that can have queues; booking in advance secures a timed entry slot.
How far ahead:
A few days to a week in summer
Timed entry:
Yes
Quietest time:
First entry after opening
Typical price:
GBP 21.5
Official site
Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace)
Book 2 days ahead
Booking ahead is recommended
Royal residence with timed entry; booking ahead avoids long queues.
How far ahead:
A few days ahead in summer
Timed entry:
Yes
Quietest time:
First entry, late afternoon
Typical price:
GBP 16.5
Official site
Water Sports on Portobello Beach
Book a day ahead
Booking ahead is recommended
Water sports lessons and hires are best booked ahead to secure instructor and equipment slots.
Not verified yet, check the official site before you go
How far ahead:
A day or two ahead, especially at weekends
Timed entry:
No
Quietest time:
Mornings on weekdays
Typical price:
GBP 30-80
Official site

Walk in, no need to pre-book

Scott Monument
Walk in OK
Walk-in tickets are fine
Small monument with modest queues; buying on the day is usually fine.
Not verified yet, check the official site before you go
Quietest time:
Opening hour, early afternoon
Typical price:
GBP 8
Official site
Gladstone's Land
Walk in OK
Walk-in tickets are fine
A paid heritage house that does not normally require booking, though buying at the door is fine.
Not verified yet, check the official site before you go
Quietest time:
Late afternoon before closing
Typical price:
GBP 7-8
Official site
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Walk in OK
Walk-in tickets are fine
The garden has paid admission but rarely sells out, so buying on arrival is fine.
Quietest time:
Mornings right after opening
Typical price:
GBP 8-10
Official site
Surgeons' Hall Museums
Walk in OK
Walk-in tickets are fine
A moderately sized museum where walk-up entry on the day is normally fine.
Not verified yet, check the official site before you go
Quietest time:
Weekday afternoons
Typical price:
GBP 9-12
Official site

Free, no ticket needed

Royal Mile
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
An open public street with no admission charge; you simply walk along it.
Quietest time:
Early morning
Typical price:
Free
Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park)
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
Open hill and park with no admission charge; just hike up.
Quietest time:
Early morning, weekdays
Typical price:
Free
National Museum of Scotland
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
National Museum of Scotland offers free general admission; no ticket needed.
Quietest time:
Weekday mornings
Typical price:
Free
Calton Hill
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
Open public hill with no admission charge; just walk up.
Quietest time:
Early morning
Typical price:
Free
Princes Street Gardens
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
Public park with no admission charge; you simply stroll in.
Quietest time:
Early morning, weekdays
Typical price:
Free
St Giles' Cathedral
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
A working church with free entry, though donations are welcome.
Quietest time:
Early morning on weekdays
Typical price:
Free
Pentland Hills Regional Park Hike
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
A public regional park open 24 hours with no admission charge.
Quietest time:
Early weekday mornings
Typical price:
Free
Visit Portobello Promenade
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
An open public promenade with no admission charge.
Quietest time:
Weekday mornings
Typical price:
Free
Visit Writers' Museum
Free entry
Free, no ticket needed
A free admission museum run by the city; just walk in during opening hours.
Quietest time:
Weekday mornings
Typical price:
Free

Booking questions about Edinburgh

What should I book in advance in Edinburgh?

Book these first: Mary King's Close (Up to a week or more in summer), Edinburgh Castle (A few days to a week in summer), Royal Yacht Britannia (A few days to a week in summer), Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace) (A few days ahead in summer). Everything else can be bought on the day or is free.

Do I need to book Mary King's Close in advance?

Yes. A hugely popular timed guided tour that regularly sells out, especially in summer. How far ahead: Up to a week or more in summer.

Do I need to book Edinburgh Castle in advance?

It is recommended. Popular castle with timed entry; book ahead to secure your preferred slot and avoid cues. How far ahead: A few days to a week in summer.

Do I need to book Royal Yacht Britannia in advance?

It is recommended. A popular Edinburgh attraction that can have queues; booking in advance secures a timed entry slot. How far ahead: A few days to a week in summer.

Do I need to book Palace of Holyroodhouse (Holyrood Palace) in advance?

It is recommended. Royal residence with timed entry; booking ahead avoids long queues. How far ahead: A few days ahead in summer.

Do I need to book Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in advance?

No. The garden has paid admission but rarely sells out, so buying on arrival is fine.

Do I need to book Royal Mile in advance?

No, entry is free. An open public street with no admission charge; you simply walk along it.

Do I need to book Arthur's Seat (Holyrood Park) in advance?

No, entry is free. Open hill and park with no admission charge; just hike up.

Do I need to book National Museum of Scotland in advance?

No, entry is free. National Museum of Scotland offers free general admission; no ticket needed.

Verdicts are compiled from official ticketing policies and visitor demand and are checked periodically. Always confirm on the official site before you travel.

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