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Castles & palaces

Holyrood Palace

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Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Located at the end of the Royal Mile, this historic palace has served as the official residence of the Scottish royal family since the 15th century. It was used as the summer residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Visitors go here to view the royal apartments and explore the history of the Scottish monarchy.

Getting There

The palace is situated at the lower end of Edinburgh's city centre. From the Royal Mile, you can walk south directly to the entrance. Depending on your starting point in the centre, the walk typically takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Time Allocation

Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours to tour the state apartments and the surrounding grounds. This provides enough time to move through the exhibits at a steady pace.

When to Visit

The site often gets crowded during the peak summer tourist season and during royal events. To avoid the largest crowds, arrive early in the morning. Be aware that access to certain areas may be restricted when the palace is in official use by the monarch.

Nearby Attractions

The palace is positioned close to several other sites of interest, making it easy to combine visits:

  • Holyrood Abbey: 0.1km
  • Holyrood Park: 0.3km
  • Holyrood: 0.6km
  • National Monument of Scotland: 0.6km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Holyrood Palace

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Holyrood Palace Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

2 nights, 3 days

Edinburgh 3-Day Itinerary (2 Nights)

A 3-day route through Edinburgh grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

3 nights, 4 days

Edinburgh 4-Day Itinerary (3 Nights)

A 4-day route through Edinburgh grouped by daily travel distance for optimal sightseeing.

Good to visit alongside

Holyrood Abbey

Temples & religious sites

Holyrood Abbey

Holyrood Abbey was a monastery in Edinburgh founded in 1128 by King David I of Scotland. Only ruins remain today, standing beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

0.1 km away
Holyrood Park

Parks & gardens

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park is a vast park within walking distance of Edinburgh Castle, featuring wild, untouched scenery of hills, lochs, and cliffs. It borders the Palace of Holyroodhouse, reflecting its history as a former royal hunting ground.

0.3 km away
Holyrood

Shopping & districts

Holyrood

An area at the eastern end of Edinburgh's city centre, where the Royal Mile comes to an end. It's a lovely place to stroll along the historic streets of Scotland's capital and soak up its old-world charm.

0.6 km away
National Monument of Scotland

Heritage & monuments

National Monument of Scotland

The National Monument of Scotland stands on Calton Hill, built to honor the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It bears an inscription meaning 'to commemorate the past and inspire the courage of the future.'

0.6 km away
Calton Hill

Nature

Calton Hill

A hill in the heart of Edinburgh, known for its beautiful city views that often appear on postcards. It pairs well with a visit to Holyrood Palace at its foot.

0.7 km away
City Observatory

Attraction

City Observatory

The City Observatory is a former astronomical observatory perched atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh. Climb the hill for sweeping views over the city center and surrounding landscape.

0.7 km away