The Royal Mile is the main thoroughfare in Edinburgh's Old Town. Actually a bit longer than 1 mi (1.6 km), this succession of multiple streets spills downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Stroll past stately Victorian buildings that now house restaurants, pubs, and shops, and stop to enjoy a street performance or two. The streets are steep in some places, so you can take a bus tour uphill to the castle and walk back down if you prefer. The Edinburgh Festival, a collection of smaller outdoor arts festivals, takes place throughout August with this area as its nexus. This might be the most exciting, if crowded, time to be on the thoroughfare. Plan to visit The Royal Mile during your Edinburgh vacation using our convenient Edinburgh trip planner.
Tours to The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile reviews
-
Great architecture. Start at the castle end and walk mostly downhill. Lots of shops and restaurants. Very busy area.
Great architecture. Start at the castle end and walk mostly downhill. Lots of shops and restaurants. Very busy area. more »
-
A fun, historical place to walk, window shop, have lunch, or people watch. Something for everyone. Edinburgh Castle at one end, Holyrood Palace at the other. Many of the shops are very touristy and...
A fun, historical place to walk, window shop, have lunch, or people watch. Something for everyone. Edinburgh Castle at one end, Holyrood Palace at the other. Many of the shops are very touristy and... more »
-
Absolutely magical and stunning street. The buildings really make you go back in time and all the different pubs and shops give a very nice atmosphere to the area. It's also a splendid walk to get to the castle. One of the top things to do in Edinburgh
-
Incredible part of the old city. Edinburgh castle itself would take almost the whole day to visit. The Scottish whiskey experience is not to be missed. The tartan weaving mill is excellent and loved the bagpipes being played on the road. I would love to visit again.
Plan your trip to Edinburgh
best routes and schedules
Popular things to do in Edinburgh
Side trips from Edinburgh
Historic Sites in Edinburgh
Hidden gems in Edinburgh
Museums in Edinburgh
Nearby attractions in Edinburgh
Trips in The Royal Mile by other users
58 days in United Kingdom
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Belfast
Weymouth
Bath
9 days in Paris, London & Scotland
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Paris
London
Edinburgh
9 days in Paris, London & Scotland
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Paris
London
Edinburgh
56 days in United Kingdom
SEE PLAN
London
Inverness
Edinburgh
13 days in United Kingdom
SEE PLAN
Manchester
York
Leeds
21 days in Kochi (Cochin) & United Kingdom
SEE PLAN
Kochi (Cochin)
London
Bath