The Royal Mile is Edinburgh's historic thoroughfare and arguably the most famous street in Scotland. It is roughly 1.8 kilometres long and is the most famous street in the UK, with two iconic buildings - Edinburgh Castle at the top and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the other end.

It's a street where the Middle Ages breathe on you, where Scottish monarchs walked, convicts walked, but also famous poets, philosophers and J.K. Rowling.

A visit to Edinburgh without a walk along the Royal Mile would be like skipping the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It's a place where history meets the present, and every building, passageway and cobblestone has a story to tell.

The medieval heart of the city

The Royal Mile is not one street, but a collection of four historic streets: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate.

Each has its own character and significance. You'll find gothic churches, townhouses, old courthouses, but also narrow lanes called 'closes' and 'wynds' that run between the main buildings and often lead to inner courtyards or small courtyards.

The dominant feature of the upper part is St Giles' Cathedral, the spiritual centre of the Church of Scotland. There is also John Knox House, the reputed home of the famous reformer, and the modern Scottish Parliament in the lower Canongate. The Royal Mile is steeped in history, but also full of life - music plays, street performers perform and festivals and markets are held year-round.

Shops, businesses and atmosphere

The Royal Mile is a paradise for lovers of Scottish souvenirs. You'll find specialist shops selling Scottish tartan, kilts, whisky, shortbread or crystal. But alongside these are independent galleries, antique shops and themed boutiques.

At every turn you'll find traditional pubs serving haggis and local beers, as well as cafes and restaurants with a modern twist. It's also worth a stop at one of the small museums - such as the Museum of Edinburgh or The People's Story, which chronicle everyday life in the city over the centuries.

In the summer, the Royal Mile is the epicentre of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - thousands of artists perform for free right on the street, creating an indescribable atmosphere that will linger in the memory.

Practical information and itinerary

The Royal Mile is completely accessible on foot and the walk from the castle to Holyroodhouse Palace takes approximately 30 minutes, without stopping. But that would be a mistake - count on a few hours if you want to soak up the atmosphere, visit the sights, sit for a coffee and discover the side streets.

It's recommended to start at Edinburgh Castle and work your way down - not only for the view, but also for less physical exertion, as the walk back is a long climb.

The Royal Mile is lit, safe even in the evening and its central location makes it an ideal base for walking in all directions - whether you're heading to the Grassmarket, Calton Hill or New Town.

Tips for visiting

Take advantage of free admission to some museums (e.g. Museum of Edinburgh).
If you want to escape the crowds, head to the Royal Mile early in the morning or in the evening after 8pm.
Don't forget to look into the side streets and passageways - the most interesting experiences are often hidden there (e.g. Mary King's Close).
In summer, check the place out twice - once during the quieter part of the day and once during the Fringe Festival to compare the atmosphere.
Another interesting stop is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions at Castlehill - a fun interactive exhibition with views of the city.