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The Palace of Holyroodhouse is one of the top attractions in Edinburgh. But if you’re not particularly interested in the Royal Family or The Crown filming locations, is Holyroodhouse worth a visit?
I think so!
The good news is that visiting Holyroodhouse is very straightforward and well organised.
If you’re trying to balance paid attractions with all the amazing free things Edinburgh has to offer, this is one of the places that usually makes sense to prioritise spending a bit of money on.
Where is Holyrood Palace and how do you get there?
Holyrood Palace sits at the bottom of the Royal Mile, with Edinburgh Castle at the very top. It’s also right across from the Scottish Parliament, a building that is often debated as the ugliest in the city.
If you’re staying near the Royal Mile, it shouldn’t be more than a 15-minute walk to reach it the Palace.
If you’re staying further out, you can also grab a bus that will drop you off very close to the entrance.
A quick note on buses in Edinburgh: they’re extremely easy to use. You just tap your debit or credit card once when you get on, and there’s no need to tap when you get off. You can easily find routes using just your phone, so if the weather is not the best and you want to avoid spending too much money, then a bus is a great option!
But on a beautiful day, walking is definitely the way to go, as you’ll want to explore the nearby streets and attractions along the way.
Where do you get tickets?
You can buy tickets either on arrival or in advance online. Depending on when you’re visiting, especially during peak season, prebooking is often a good idea. You can buy tickets directly here.
All tickets include a self-guided audio tour, which you pick up after going through the main gates. It’s excellent, and honestly a feature I wish more museums and historic sites had.
You can move through the rooms at your own pace, and the audio includes interviews and visuals to go along with some of the stories, which makes the experience feel much more engaging.
How much is the ticket?
I would consider Holyrood Palace to be on the pricier side, especially when you compare it to some other attractions in Edinburgh, or all the free things you can do in the city.
That said, it does help to know that your ticket can be reused for up to one year, as many times as you want. So if you happen to return to Edinburgh within 12 months, keep your ticket and write your name on it.
How long should you plan to spend here?
I’d estimate the visit takes about one to one and a half hours. This will depend on how many rooms are open and on the weather, as you may feel more inspired to explore the gardens outside on a nice day.
What should you expect in general?
Everything is well signposted and easy to understand. You follow a pre-determined path through the rooms, stopping to listen to the audio guide or read more about each space.
There are a few rooms with benches, so if you need to sit down or rest for a moment, you’ll be able to do that. Just try to avoid visiting on an extremely busy day.
It’s also worth knowing that there can be changes to your visit if a royal visit or event is taking place. Some rooms may be closed, used for official purposes, or the palace may occasionally close to visitors altogether.
Is it worth it?
For me, yes, 100% — but it does depend on what you enjoy when visiting a new city.
One of my favourite rooms during my most recent visit was actually the reading room set up for families. There are some really interesting children’s books that explain the history of the royal family and the palace, and I ended up spending a good half hour going through them. This may partly be due to my love for children’s books, but it also made the history feel much easier to take in. Plus, who doesn’t love comfy and warm seating areas with books!
In general though, Holyrood Palace is great for visitors who enjoy royal history, interior design, art and architecture. Or maybe you are just curious to see how the 1% lived.
Another thing to note, as you’ve probably guessed by now, is that photos of the interior are not allowed. So don’t be that person trying to sneak one. It’s really not worth the risk and realistically, where would you even use it?
Mary Queen of Scots and Why Holyrood Matters
Another highlight of the castle though, is the way it is tied to Mary Queen of Scots. So if you enjoy this part of history then you should make it a point to visit the chambers she once lived in.
Mary Queen of Scots lived at Holyrood from about 1561 to 1576, so not long at all. However, they were the turbulent years of her life and reign. It was here she married Lord Darnley and gave birth to her son James VI of Scotland… who later became James I of England.
Her rooms are found in the top floors and they are usually open to visitors. During my last visit, King Charles was visiting, so they had been shut for cleaning, so that can happen as well.
What else is nearby?
After you browse the interior, it is time to explore the gardens and Abbey.
There’s also a lovely café and a gift shop, with some great (if slightly overpriced) items. Do keep in mind you’ll have to exit and re-enter though if you want to grab a coffee!
You’re also very close to Arthur’s Seat, if hiking is something you enjoy, making it easy to combine the two in one day.
Looking for more things to do in Edinburgh?
If you’re trying to keep costs down, check out my guide to 15 totally free things to do in Edinburgh, or take a look at my more comprehensive guide that covers food, attractions, and more.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Must Know When Visiting the UK
- Emergency: Dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire. 112 also works as an emergency number. English is spoken everywhere, so communication won’t be an issue in emergencies.
- Language: English is the main language across the UK. You may hear strong regional accents (especially in Scotland, Wales, Northern England, or Northern Ireland), but visitors generally won’t have trouble communicating.
- Currency: The UK uses the British Pound. Card payments are most common and a lot of food halls or shops don’t accept cash anymore. It’s only useful for random things like laundromats or certain markets.
- Transport: Uber operates in most major cities (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, etc.). Taxis are widely available and are usually metered, especially in cities. Trains connect the entire country and are fast but can be expensive if booked last-minute — booking in advance saves money. Buses are cheaper but slower. Renting a car is easy, especially outside London, but driving is on the left. I would not rent a car if you stay in one city. If you rent, check out Discover Cars for the best rates and comparisons across all major and local companies.
- Accommodation: Booking.com is always my preferred first choice.
- Safety: The UK is generally considered safe for travelers. In recent years, phone snatching is quite common in London, so be extra careful when using your phone, especially near a road where motorbikes can come close.
- Tours & Activities: For city tours, day trips, museums, and experiences, platforms like GetYourGuide offer plenty of options, especially in London, Edinburgh, and major tourist hubs. Prices are higher than Eastern or Southern Europe, but tours are well organized and professional.
