Visiting the Edinburgh Castle is an experience that one must not miss out on while in Edinburgh. The Castle was built in 1130 by David I, who had the Saint Margaret's Chapel built, named for his mother. The chapel still stands today and is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. For many years, the castle was seized by the English, and then recaptured by the Scots, the last siege being in 1745.

David's Tower, named after David II was built in 1368 after David II ordered the rebuilding of the castle. It collapsed in 1573 during an English siege when cannon fire destroyed the tower. It was replaced by the Half-Moon Battery, completed in 1588. The ruins of David's Tower are still visible underneath the Battery.

Every day except for Sunday, the "One O'clock" gun is fired from the top of the castle. The ritual originated in 1861 as a way of giving the time to the ships in the Firth of Forth; the firing can be heard by ships two miles away in Leith Harbour.

The Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre, the Sword of State and the Stone of Scone are kept in the Crown Room. The Crown, Sceptre and Sword are known as The Honours of Scotland, and were buried in mid- 17th century, to hide them from Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell invaded Scotland, executed King Charles I and overtook the castle in 1650. It wasn't until 1818 that Sir Walter Scott, a novelist, rediscovered these items and they were put on display. In the 1940s, the Honours were reburied in case of German invasion and returned back to the Crown Room in 1953 and have been on display since then.

The Edinburgh Castle also has a dog cemetery, but the general public cannot go down and visit it; it is only viewable from above. Buried there are past regimental mascots and soldiers' pets.

If you are visiting Edinburgh in August, you must make sure to go to the castle for the Military Tattoo performances. The performance includes the pipes and drums played by regiments of the British Armed Forces and civilians and a fireworks display. The show is ended with just one piper playing a sad song from the Half Moon Batter. The performers then march off down the Royal Mile playing lively tunes. The Military Tattoo attracts over 200,000 visitors annually and is broadcast worldwide.

When coming to the castle, try to set a whole day aside for your visit as the place is so big and there are countless things to take in and you will definitely want to see it all.