And if you get a little peckish during your visit, there are plenty of restaurants near Edinburgh Castle to ensure you are well catered for.
From fine dining venues to casual eateries here are 10 of the best places to eat lunch or dinner within walking distance.
Castle Terrace, Edinburgh. Picture: TSPL
Led by Edinburgh-born chef Dominic Jack, this stylish eatery situated underneath the castle is all about showcasing the finest produce in Scotland.
The fine dining venue presents modern British cuisine influenced by French cooking techniques. Using some of the best ingredients from the local area, dishes including Roe Deer, pan-fried Monkfish and roasted venison saddle.
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Nestled inside a collection of historic buildings at the gates to Edinburgh Castle, this lavish, gothic-style restaurant offers a magical dining experience.
Showcasing the best of Scottish produce, with seafood, beef, lamb and game dishes, the restaurant is best known for its legendary Angus beef steak tartare, briny-fresh seafood platters and wild game.
Picture: Wedgwood The Restaurant
Run by chef Paul Wedgwood, this stylish restaurant on the Royal Mile offers relaxed, efficient service, with a regularly changing menu featuring Scottish produce, freshly foraged herbs and the occasional Asian touch.
Fine dining without the pretence, Paul and his wife Lisa don’t ‘turn the tables’ and are happy for diners to stay as long as they want, making it a relaxing stop off point before or after a visit to the castle.
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Situated on the site of the oldest inn on the Royal Mile, this restaurant and bar dishes up some of the best British seafood and shellfish, sourced from boutique suppliers across the country.
From small plates to sharing platters, mussels, lobster tails, king crab legs and octopus are just a few of the delights on the menu.
Picture: TSPL
With bench-style communal dining, this casual Italian restaurant has garnered a reputation for excellent pizza and Italian street food.
Located just 10 minutes from the castle, it offers a wide range of pizzas, pastas and tasty desserts and it’s open till late if you’re looking for a buzzy evening venue.
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With a curved oyster bar as its centrepiece, Ondine prides itself on its locally sourced seafood with world flavours.
Serving a classic fish soup enhanced with North African spices, razor clams with Iberico chorizo and Shetland mussels cooked in Asian broth, Ondine is a must visit for seafood fans.
Picture: Jane Barlow
This laid-back split-level venue serves a large menu of light bites and hearty meals, with burgers, fish dishes, steaks and veggie options offering something for everyone.
Utilising fresh, seasonal Scottish produce, the restaurant is just a five-minute walk from the castle - or you can see it from your table instead.
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Making use of Scotland's natural larder and local suppliers to craft a tasty, seasonal menu, Howies is best known for its traditional dishes, fresh fish and game.
As well as its meaty options, there is a range of vegetarian and vegan options to indulge in, ensuring all diners are well catered for.
Picture: Maison Bleue.
This eclectic bistro with striking blue exteriors is located on colourful Victoria Street, one of Scotland's most photographed streets. Having opened in 1998, it has long been a local favourite, popular for its offering of French, North African and Scottish dishes.
The restaurant serves both lunch and dinner, as well as a set three-course banquet priced at £29 per person.
#Newseason menu at #CannonballRestaurant Ethical fish company Isle of Mull king scallops with pea, broad bean, bacon fricassee and salmon skin crisp and Dulse #tuesdaylunch #dineedinburgh #edinburghdining #dinewithaview #eatscotland #familybusiness @guygrieve pic.twitter.com/6wCEi0JEGL
— ContiniBites (@Continibites) April 16, 2019
Owned by renowned Edinburgh restaurateur Carina Contini, this fine dining restaurant and bar offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, alongside a wide variety of delicious fish dishes and Scottish classics.
As well as a lunch and a la carte menu, there is also a choice of afternoon tea, bar bites, desserts and cheese, along with gluten-free and vegan friendly dishes.
