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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Lucy Gillmore

Cannons thundering, military bands marching, drums rolling, pipers playing, fireworks blazing across the night sky: the Tattoo, set against the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, has amazed audiences for more than 60 years.

The 90-minute show, which also includes state-of-the-art light displays and 1,000 musicians, singers and dancers from all over the world, is brought to an end by the soulful lament of a lone piper. It’s a spectacular, emotional rollercoaster.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £25
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
Frequency: annually
When: First 3 weeks August
Duration: 90 minutes

Getting there & doing it

The Tattoo Office is on Market Street next to Waverley Station, but you can buy tickets online or over the phone. Saturday performances book out quickly. On the night, weave your way at dusk up the Royal Mile to the castle. Gates open 45 minutes before the start. The spectacle lasts for 90 minutes.

Edinburgh nights can be chilly – huddle together and take warm clothes, a waterproof and a cushion. No performance has ever been cancelled because of the weather.

When to do it

The Tattoo is held nightly during the first three weeks of August.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Scottish Highlands Day Trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Scottish Highlands Day Trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Edinburgh

Tour the Scottish Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh, and then watch the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at night. Capturin...

£182 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [70 ratings]

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The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner

The Royal Military Tattoo Edinburgh City Tour Rosslyn Chapel and Dinner

Edinburgh

See the Castle, dating back to the Iron Age, home of several Monarchs and to the Scottish Crown Jewels & Stone of Destiny. Take a drive dow...

£390 | Rating 4.78 / 5 [14 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

A cool, central upside-down design hotel with a rooftop terrace and champagne lounge. Perfect for those who love cool design and champagne sundowners.

Official star rating:

Cheval Old Town Chambers

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

Chic, contemporary design and a family and pet-friendly ethos come as standard in these luxury apartments in Edinburgh’s medieval Old Town.

Official star rating:

The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

The grand dame of Edinburgh’s hotel scene, this luxurious landmark hotel is still the epitome of elegance.

Official star rating:

Edinburgh Grand

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

A neoclassical Royal Bank of Scotland building that’s now a high-end aparthotel. One for design-conscious night-owls who like everything on their doorstep.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Region, United Kingdom (UK)

Capital treats abound, from mighty castles and royal palaces to gourmet restaurants and arguably the world’s best performing arts festival.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

National Museum of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Scotland’s history, culture, art and design, science and technology – under one state-of-the-art roof. Special exhibits include the story of Mary Queen of Scots and Dolly the sheep.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

Edinburgh’s impressive hilltop castle, with bags of history and a bird’s-eye view over the capital.

Best for ages: 4+ | £1,750

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Edinburgh Dungeon

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Best for ages: 10+ | £18

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Writers’ Museum
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Writers’ Museum

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Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Camera Obscura - two people inside a mirrored room
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The city’s oldest purpose-built tourist attraction, at the top of the Royal Mile, is topped with a periscope that transfers images of Edinburgh’s skyline onto a table-top.

Best for ages: 4+ | £16 | Around 1 hour 45 min

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