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.
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Tours to The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile reviews
-
We spent a few days and we could have spent more. There is so much to see and do; and so many places to eat. Everyone was so friendly.
We spent a few days and we could have spent more. There is so much to see and do; and so many places to eat. Everyone was so friendly. more »
-
A nice and long street filled with Harry Potter Gothic looking buildings, historical sites, souvenir shops, restaurants and street performers. Well worth a visit.
A nice and long street filled with Harry Potter Gothic looking buildings, historical sites, souvenir shops, restaurants and street performers. Well worth a visit. more »
-
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!
-
As beautiful as ever. Can be chaotic when the weather is warm but the beautiful aesthetics of the buildings and houses around here always worth a visit when you are in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh Castle is a nice stroll from here. In the last few months there have been a lot of outside sitting areas installed on the road which really add to the liveliness of the places.
Plan your trip to Edinburgh
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
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
19 days in United Kingdom
BY A USER FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Brighton and Hove
Edinburgh
York
38 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
London
Edinburgh
Oslo
16 days in England, Edinburgh & Dublin
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
London
York
Edinburgh
58 days in United States & Europe
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
New York City
Southampton
Bradford-on-Avon
3 days in Scotland
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Edinburgh
17 days in United Kingdom & Dublin
BY A USER FROM CANADA
London
Dublin
Inverness