'Underwhelming and overpriced' Scottish landmark is Europe's most overcrowded tourist attraction

Daily Record

a day ago

Tourists have been left unimpressed by the crowds at this popular visitor spot.
Everyone going on holiday knows they'll have to deal with overcrowding at some point. Whether it's the sun-soaked beaches of Mallorca or the Fontana di Trevi in Rome, popular places, inevitably, draw large numbers of tourists.
But, in fact, it's an iconic Scottish landmark that has taken the dubious title of the busiest attraction in Europe. Edinburgh Castle has been ranked the busiest destination on the continent.
The capital hotspot even placed ahead of Buckingham Palace, which came second on the list from The Thinking Traveller.
As reported by the Express, Edinburgh's iconic fortress, which has stood atop Castle Rock since the 11th century, continues to draw huge numbers of visitors from around the world.
It was visited by about 2million people in 2024, according to Visit Scotland. While the castle's popularity remains undisputed, not all visitors have been impressed by the experience.
Several Tripadvisor reviewers raised concerns over overcrowding, high ticket prices, and the overall value for money.
User Joe_Railwayman commented: 'An underwhelming visit. We found certain areas to be very overcrowded and the cafe very expensive. Maps were unclear but may have been a different experience if we had upgraded to include audio guide or tour.'
Caz881975 echoed the sentiment, writing: 'Paying over £70 for three Adults and two Children (one Senior) we thought that it was overpriced. We explored most areas, however, in general, I thought it was a place with lots of good viewing points for Edinburgh.'
Despite some negative reviews, many visitors have praised the castle for its rich history and panoramic views of the city. Several described the visit as a moving experience, particularly when visiting the Scottish National War Memorial housed within the castle walls.
Emwhitnall shared: 'There is so much to explore within the castle walls, I'd recommend getting the audioguide to make the most of the experience.
"It was also very moving exploring the war memorial, dedicated to all those who have served for Scotland. Make sure to time your visit if you want to watch the Mons Meg cannon firing as it only happens once a day.'
Jason F also left a glowing review, writing: 'What an amazing castle! So much to see and do. We spent half the day here, enjoying the Cafe and many exhibits on display. The views from the castle, of Edinburgh, are amazing.'
The fortress remains one of the top attractions in the UK and was recently named fifth in the country in Tripadvisor's annual Travellers' Choice Awards.
Its elevated position in the heart of Edinburgh offers spectacular views across the capital, making it a must-see for tourists willing to tackle the steep walk up to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Among the highlights within the castle grounds are the Great Hall, St Margaret's Chapel, the One o'clock Gun, the Prisons of War, and The Queen's Embroideries. Visitors are also drawn to the site's connection to figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, whose story is woven into its royal past.
In addition to its status as a top destination, Edinburgh Castle also features prominently on Tripadvisor's list of the best experiences in the UK.
One of the most popular options is the Guided Walking Tour, where visitors are led through the grounds while learning about the lives of the castle's historic residents.
After the guided portion, tourists are free to explore the castle's interior and surrounding grounds at their leisure.