• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Truly Edinburgh

A visitor guide to Edinburgh and beyond

  • Home
  • Site Index
  • Blog
  • Edinburgh
  • Whisky
  • Gin distilleries
  • History of Scotland
    • Castles of Scotland
    • Early Kings & Queens
    • Famous Scots
  • About
  • Home
  • Site Index
  • Blog
  • Edinburgh
  • Whisky
  • Gin distilleries
  • History of Scotland
    • Castles of Scotland
    • Early Kings & Queens
    • Famous Scots
  • About
Home » Royal Mile visitor guide

Edinburgh Royal Mile: a visitor guide

What to see on the Royal Mile

edinburgh Royal Mile

The Royal Mile: the most famous street in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile lies at the centre of the city’s Old Town, still in many ways the heart and soul of Scotland’s capital. At the head of this world-famous thoroughfare which Daniel Defoe called, “The largest Longest and Finest Street in the World.” At its head is Edinburgh Castle, at its foot, is the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Visitors to Edinburgh who flock to the capital to explore the Royal Mile, perhaps the most famous street in Edinburgh, are following in the footsteps of kings and queens who for the last five centuries have made the short journey from Castle to Palace.

About the Royal Mile

Edinburgh Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, home to some of Edinburgh’s most popular attractions, is a series of connecting streets.

From the top:

  • Castlehill
  • Lawnmarket
  • High Street
  • Canongate
  • Abbey Strand

Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile

Edinburgh Castle, which stands at the top of the Royal Mile, is Scotland’s top tourist venue, home to the world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo, dominates the Edinburgh skyline and proudly boasts a thousand years of history.

This best-known of all Scottish castles is a fascinating place to visit. You’ll discover the Honours of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny – Scotland’s inauguration stone – and the mighty siege cannon that is Mons Meg. Explore St Margaret’s Chapel, Edinburgh’s oldest building and, the Great Hall built by James IV. The Castle is the highlight of any visit to Edinburgh.

Find out more or book a tour of Edinburgh Castle.

Camera Obscura a Royal Mile attraction

Royal Mile, Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura vortex tunnel
© Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh

Camera Obscura on Castlehill, only 100 metres from Edinburgh Castle, is Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction. It offers a world of optical illusions, tricks, puzzles, a magical mirror maze, the biggest display of holograms in Europe and the ever-popular Victorian ‘Eye in the Sky’.

All this and an amazing view from the roof terrace. It’s an experience for kids of all ages.

More information from the Camera Obscura website

Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience is a five star visitor experience on Castlehill. Take a tour and discover 300 years of Scotch whisky history. If you’re lucky the centre’s resident ghost may reveal some of the blender’s best-kept secrets. Try a nip of Laphroaig the best whisky in the world (in my humble opinion). Dine in the Amber Restaurant and Whisky Bar or immerse yourself in the world of Scotch Whisky on one of their popular whisky training courses

More information from the Scotch Whisky Experience website

Gladstone’s Land

Gladstone’s Land is one of the best surviving examples of a 17th century Edinburgh tenement, complete with ‘luckenbooth’. The building, sited on the Lawnmarket was once owned by Thomas Gledstanes a wealthy merchant. Today, administered by the National Trust for Scotland, the building is open to the public.

Gladstone's Land
Gladstone’s Land interior image credit ©NTS

Gladstone’s Land holds some real treasures for curious visitors. For example, the ‘Little chamber’ complete with the Darien Press is a reminder of the dark days when Scotland tried to establish a colony on what is now modern Panama.

One of the best-loved aspects of the house is the range of period costumes that both adults and kids can try on while exploring

Just a word of warning that on a busy day on the Royal Mile the house is easy to miss so make sure you know the location in advance.

Find out more from the National Trust for Scotland

St Giles’ Cathedral

Exploring St Giles’ Cathedral is one of my favourite things to do in Edinburgh. Don’t miss the Thistle Chapel and its intricate carvings. This magnificent building is inextricably linked to some of Scotland’s most influential figures: The Duke of Argyle, Marquis of Montrose, Jenny Geddes and those who formed the Covenanting movement that swept the nation.

Royal Mile, St Giles Cathedral

Find out more or book a tour of St Giles’ Cathedral.

Parliament Hall

While many visitors to Edinburgh know they can visit the new Scottish Parliament building, opened in 2004, the fact that they can also visit the debating hall where the last Parliament of Scotland sat until the Act of Union in 1707 is less well known.

Parliament Hall, built at the instigation of Charles I and still with its original 17th century hammer-beam roof sits behind St Giles Cathedral.

Although now as part of the Supreme Court and used by lawyers and their clients, it is still open to the public although it’s not widely advertised.

The Hall is peppered with statues and portraits of politicians and legal grandees who once plied their trade in this historic building. Among them Henry Erskine who found himself with the unenviable task of defending the celebrated Edinburgh thief Deacon Brodie.

The Real Mary King’s Close, a Royal Mile attraction

The Close was part of a 17th century street running north under what is now Edinburgh City Chambers.  A visit is an opportunity to take a look at life in the city before the Black Death arrived in 1645 and discover the stories of some of the people who once lived here. If you’re interested in the history of Edinburgh then a visit to the Real Mary King’s Close is for you.

Find out more from the Mary King’s Close website.

Museum of Childhood

It’s the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood. it can be the nosiest museum in town. With toys from across the generations and around the world, it’s fun for big people as well.

Find out more from the Museum of Childhood website.

John Knox House

John Knox House, part of the Scottish Storytelling Centre is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, mostly built in the 16th century with earlier sections dating to 1470. In 1556 wealthy goldsmith James Mossman and his wife bought the building.

Mossman, a supporter of Mary Queen of Scots, was later hanged during the religious turmoil of the period. However, whether John Knox ever lived here is a matter of debate. Today the building is a museum dedicated to the history of the Reformation. It’s a fascinating place to visit.

Dunbar’s Close Garden

Dunbar's Close Gardens
Dunbar’s Close Garden

Dunbar’s Close Gardens is one of the nicest free things to do in Edinburgh. Taking its name from Edinburgh writer David Dunbar, is one of these wonderful ‘hidden gems’. Set back and hidden from the street this little garden, laid out in 17th century style, was a favourite of Robert Burns. It’s a place to relax and draw breath while escaping the bustle of the Old Town.

Find out more about Dunbar’s Close Garden on Truly Edinburgh.

Writers’ Museum

The Museum, a reminder perhaps that Edinburgh is the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, is in Lady Stairs Close part of Lawnmarket.  It’s dedicated to the lives of some of Scotland’s finest writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns who stayed here when he visited Edinburgh. It houses a fascinating collection of manuscripts, portraits and personal items.

Find out more from the Writers’ Museum website.

People’s Museum

Housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, at the lower end of the Royal Mile, the museum is filled with past sights, sounds and smells from the lives of the people who lived in Edinburgh.

This interesting museum takes a look at some of the early working conditions that real people had to endure along with social housing, crime and leisure activities in Scotland’s capital city. It’s a story told through the medium of photographs,and personal and household items.

Find out more from the People’s Story Museum website.

Bakehouse Close – Outlander film location in Edinburgh

Bakehouse Close, better known to Outlander fans was Carfax Close in season 3, the site of Alexander Malcolm’s print shop. The close with its 16th century entrance runs off the Canongate close to the Museum of Edinburgh.

Bakehouse Close Outlander film location in Edinburgh
Bakehouse Close

Although there is little to see today, turn the clock back and there are historical connections to Robert Louis Stevenson and other historic figures.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Holyrood Palace, the residence of Her Majesty the Queen when she visits Scotland. started life as a monastery in 1128. A visit to the Palace gives you a taste of Scotland’s turbulent past, a great place to explore if you have an interest in Scotland’s best loved monarch Mary Queen of Scots.

The Palace lies at the foot of the Royal Mile.

Scottish Parliament

Visiting the Scottish Parliament building is another of the most popular free things to do in Edinburgh. While not traditionally considered as part of the Royal Mile it lies close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Holyrood Park. With its controversial, yet award-winning design. it’s well worth a visit. There are a number of tour options available.

Find out more from the Scottish Parliament website.

The Royal Geographical Society – Royal Mile Walk

The Royal Geographical Society publishes a really helpful self-guided walk of the area. If you prefer there’s an app you can download to your phone. Find out more on their Discovering Britain site.


Sidebar

Things to do in Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Truly Edinburgh Whisky Page

whisky in Edinburgh

Best Whisky Shops in Edinburgh

whisky in Edinburgh

Scotland’s History

outside Edinburgh attractions
visitor guide to Edinburgh Royal Mile attractions

Famous Scots

Famous Scots

Affiliate links

This website includes affiliate links to GetYourGuide. We make a small commission if you book a tour, through these links. This helps to offset the cost of running the website. There is no extra cost to you

feature articles

Truly Edinburgh is not just about things to do in Edinburgh. There are also feature length articles on other parts of Scotland with biographies on Scotland’s early kings and queens and famous Scots in history.

site index

The Site Index will give you quick access to all the content on Truly Edinburgh. Click the button below and start your journey of discovery. Plan your Edinburgh itinerary.

Site Index

Copyright © 2022 · Truly Edinburgh · All Rights Reserved

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All


Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT