Edinburgh Palace Tour: Worth It?

A palace tour in Edinburgh usually means exploring either the grand Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom of the Royal Mile or combining it with Edinburgh Castle at the top. Expect a mix of opulent state rooms, historical artifacts, and stories of kings, queens, and political intrigue. The sites are well-maintained but can get crowded; tours last 1-2 hours each with some walking involved. Holyroodhouse feels more like a lived-in royal residence while the Castle offers military history and panoramic views. Audio guides are decent but a live guided tour brings the stories to life better.

The best time to go is spring or early autumn when crowds are lighter and weather is more reliable. Summer is busy but has longer opening hours. Expect to pay around £35-£65 per person depending on whether you do one site, both, or add a guided walking tour. Book ahead, especially from April to September.

Pick a morning guided walk that covers the Royal Mile and ends with skip-the-line entry to one of the palaces; it sets the historical context well. Skip the overly long full-day bus tours if you're short on time - they're tiring and you absorb less. Wear comfortable shoes as there are cobbles and stairs.