Royal Mile

The basics

Because it penetrates the very heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and is home to so many of the city’s star attractions, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and Camera Obscura, the Royal Mile is a staple on Edinburgh sightseeing tours. Classic walking tours, Harry Potter–themed tours, and tours of the underground Real Mary King’s Close all cover portions of the Royal Mile, as do hop-on hop-off and ghost bus tours. Visitors based in Glasgow can take day tours to the city to see Edinburgh’s biggest attractions, among them, of course, the Royal Mile.

Things to know before you go

• Wear sturdy walking shoes as some surfaces are uneven and sloping.

• To avoid an uphill slog, start at Edinburgh Castle and walk downhill to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, then use public transport or a taxi to get back up.

• The cobblestoned sections of the street can cause difficulty for some wheelchairs, strollers, and mobility devices.

How to get there

The Royal Mile comprises a succession of streets, namely Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Princes Street tram station and even quicker from Edinburgh Waverley train station.

When to get there

The Royal Mile is a much-frequented thoroughfare, and during the annual Edinburgh Festival in August, it is packed with visitors. If you can stomach the crowds, the atmosphere is truly something special with curbside entertainment courtesy of buskers and street performers.

Things to see on the Royal Mile

Many of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks are situated on the Royal Mile. In addition to the palace and castle at either end, you’ll find other centuries-old landmarks such as St Giles' Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, and Canongate Kirk. It’s not all dusty old attractions, though—the Royal Mile is also the setting for the contemporary Scottish Parliament Building, a striking 2004-built concrete structure with abstract shapes and forms that take inspiration from such diverse references as Scottish landscapes and Charles Rennie Mackintosh's paintings.

Ways to explore

The Royal Mile is a prime location at the heart of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and it’s home to so many of the city’s star attractions, including St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scotch Whisky Experience, and Camera Obscura. Therefore, it’s a staple on Edinburgh sightseeing tours.

Classic walking tours, Harry Potter–themed tours, and tours of the underground Real Mary King’s Close all cover portions of the Royal Mile, as do hop-on hop-off and ghost bus tours. Visitors based in Glasgow can also take day tours to the city to see Edinburgh’s biggest attractions, among them, of course, the Royal Mile.

Accessibility

The Royal Mile is mostly paved, but steep gradients, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces can be challenging for some wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, small umbrella, contactless payment method

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes, layered clothing for wind or rain

Not allowed

Littering, flying drones, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Restaurants, bars, public restrooms, souvenir shops

Address 

The Royal Mile runs through Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It’s centrally located and easy to get to on foot, by bus, or on guided walking tours.

Driving

While driving into Edinburgh’s Old Town is possible, it’s inconvenient due to traffic and limited parking. It’s better to park outside the center or use a rideshare app or public transportation.

Public transportation

Multiple Lothian Buses routes stop along or near the Royal Mile. Waverley station is also close by, making train travel one of the easiest ways to reach the area.

Best times to visit

To avoid peak afternoon crowds, aim to come to the Royal Mile in the morning if you can.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—Mondays through Thursdays—are typically quieter than Saturdays and Sundays.

Best months to visit

Edinburgh can be very cold in winter, so May, September, and October are good picks to balance weather and crowds.

Special events

August is a fun time to visit for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—a city-wide performing arts festival, known for its comedy shows.