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About Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh's most famous street, stretching one Scots mile (about 1.1 English miles) from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This historic thoroughfare is lined with medieval tenements, hidden closes (alleyways), churches, museums, shops, and pubs. Walking the Royal Mile is a journey through centuries of Scottish history, from Mary Queen of Scots to modern Scottish Parliament. Pair this stop with the Edinburgh guide and the wider Scotland overview.
⏰ Hours & Best Times
- Street: Always accessible
- Shops/attractions: Generally 9 AM - 6 PM
- Best: Early morning (before 10 AM) or evening (after 5 PM) for fewer crowds
- Avoid: Midday during August Festival - extremely busy
💰 Costs
- Walking the Mile: Free
- St Giles Cathedral: Free entry (£5 suggested donation)
- Museum visits: £8-15 per attraction
- Guided tour: £15-25 per person
✨ Highlights
- ⛪ St Giles Cathedral: Stunning Gothic church with Thistle Chapel
- 🏛️ Historic closes: Mary King's Close, Advocate's Close - hidden alleyways
- 🏰 Palace of Holyroodhouse: Official royal residence at bottom
- 🏛️ Scottish Parliament: Modern controversial building near palace
- 📸 Camera Obscura: Victorian optical attraction with city views
- 🥃 Scotch Whisky Experience: Whisky education and tasting
📝 Tips
- Walk downhill: Start at Castle, walk down to Holyrood - easier on legs
- Explore closes: Duck into narrow alleys for hidden courtyards and views
- Cobblestones: Wear comfortable, flat shoes
- August buskers: Street performers everywhere during Festival
- Allow half day: Lots to see if you enter attractions