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.
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The Royal Mile reviews
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A walk along the Royal mile is must do experience!!! From Holyrood Palace up to Edinburgh castle and everything in between. There is so much to see along the way. Don’t miss stepping into the...
A walk along the Royal mile is must do experience!!! From Holyrood Palace up to Edinburgh castle and everything in between. There is so much to see along the way. Don’t miss stepping into the... more »
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The old heart of the city, stretching for a Scottish mile up to the castle, lined with all sorts of wonderful old buildings somewhere between Hogwarts and Ankh Morpork! A tourist magnet, of course.
The old heart of the city, stretching for a Scottish mile up to the castle, lined with all sorts of wonderful old buildings somewhere between Hogwarts and Ankh Morpork! A tourist magnet, of course. more »
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It's cool how you have a guide on your phone and you can browse around the Royal Mile. It was nice to walk and see the history of Scotland. If you're starting at the castle, then it's quite a trek up but when walking down to the Scottish Parliament, it's all down hill. But it obviously is uphill on the way back. But it's nice. And we got the privilege of hearing some bagpipe on the way. :) Its a good place for a small historic walk!
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It was good. Bustling with activity by way of buskers, tourists, plenty of oddballs. Every building is around 500 years old or more. So you are walking. St. Giles' cathedral was stunning inside and outside. The star of the Royal mile is Edinburgh Castle. History lovers don't miss it.
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