The castle from Princes Street.
It's a little pricey (£6.40) and definitely more impressive from the outside looking in (or in most cases, up). However, if you have not visited it before, it should be seen. There are free tours that start from just inside the main gate. The guides are very informative and very enthusiastic about describing English failures in taking the castle. The guides will show the visitor the better attractions around the castle, such as St. Margaret's Chapel, the Scottish Regalia, and Mons Meg. But, the best thing about the castle isn't any of the buildings that make up the complex. It's the incomparable views of the Edinburgh area that one gets that make it worth visiting. Even a camera klutz like me can get picture postcard shots of Edinburgh from on top of Castle Hill. Also, try to be there around 1 p.m. for the firing of the gun to signal the time. It's really not that important; however, there's enough ceremony surrounding the firing that one can get the impression that this act is the most important event in the city.
The castle has a restaurant on the grounds that not very good and very pricey. It might be a good place for a snack, but there are better places in town for a meal. Try to avoid it if at all possible.
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