Edinburgh Castle is Scotland’s most visited paid attraction and one of the most iconic fortresses in the world, perched atop an extinct volcanic rock that has been a seat of power for over 900 years. The castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline from every angle, its dramatic silhouette visible from miles away. Within its walls, visitors discover the tiny 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel — the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh — the Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland), and the Stone of Destiny, upon which Scottish and later British monarchs have been crowned.

The castle complex spans centuries of military architecture, from medieval towers to 19th-century military prisons. The One O’Clock Gun, fired daily (except Sundays) from the Half Moon Battery, has marked the time for Edinburgh’s residents since 1861. The views from the castle ramparts encompass the entire city, from the spires of the Old Town along the Royal Mile to the distant Firth of Forth and the hills of Fife beyond.

Pro tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the ticket queue and save a few pounds. Time your visit to be at the Half Moon Battery just before 1:00 PM to witness the firing of the One O’Clock Gun — it is startlingly loud and a wonderful Edinburgh tradition. Walk back down the Royal Mile afterward, stopping at the many closes (narrow alleyways) that branch off the main street for hidden courtyards and historic gems.