The Royal Mile is the most famous street in Edinburgh, Scotland – and it’s an absolute must see on your vacation. With our free Self-Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour, you can explore the top attractions at your own pace.
The ancient cobblestone street dates to the Middle Ages. While dubbed The Royal Mile, the thoroughfare is officially five roads – Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand.
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The mile-long stretch connects the hill-topping castle in the west to the royal palace in the east. For hundreds of years, it has served as the route of royal processions.
Today, it’s mostly tourists that parade up and down the historic road. Lined with souvenir shops, whisky stores and classic pubs, the Royal Mile can feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t get flustered. Our self-guided walking tour highlights what to see and do – so that you don’t miss the important Royal Mile sights!
Tips for Your Self-Guided Royal Mile Walking Tour
The distance from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is…one mile! Throughout our Edinburgh Royal Mile Tour, we highlight stops on the route that can be entered (either with a ticket or for free).
The walk can be completed in as little as an hour. However, if you intend on visiting any of the churches, museums or attractions along the way, your outing could take the better part of a day.
As the Royal Mile is a highlight of visiting Edinburgh, we recommend exploring it early in your trip. In fact, it’s what we suggest doing on Day 1 of our 3-Day Edinburgh Itinerary.
Royal Mile Edinburgh Walking Tour Directions
We have included a pin drop to each stop on the tour so that you can easily get directions from your location.
In order to use the maps, you will need wireless connectivity. If traveling from abroad, make sure to adjust your cellular data to an international plan or purchase an eSim (with an unlocked phone). Alternatively, invest in a Pocket WiFi Device – like GlocalMe.
Later in the article, we share a Royal Mile Tour Map that pinpoints all the locations on the walking tour.
Where To Eat on the Royal Mile
If you are looking for a bite to eat while walking the Royal Mile, we have some suggestions, too! We believe it’s best to get a taste of the local fare – and pubs are a great place to do just that.
At Deacon Brodies Tavern, The World’s End and Whiski Bar, you can try haggis, steak pies, Cullen skink and more Scottish Food Classics.
What You Will Want for Your Royal Mile Walk
- Wear comfortable travel shoes, as there are cobblestones, steps and some incline.
- Don’t forget your camera! We use a DSLR Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens.
- A versatile day bag is essential for securely storing your everyday travel items, and in Scotland that includes an umbrella!
Edinburgh Tour Options
Want this article without the ads? You can buy our Royal Mile Self-Guided Walking Tour PDF that costs less than a cup of coffee!
Prefer a guided introduction? Join one of the highly rated Guided Walking Tours of the Royal Mile. Alternatively, use this audio guide to help along the way.
Royal Mile Walking Tour: Edinburgh, Scotland
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics, lace up your shoes and let’s go discover the capital of Scotland!
#1 Edinburgh Castle
MAP. All the best Royal Mile walking tours start at Edinburgh Castle. Perched on Castle Rock, the stronghold is an iconic landmark sight.
Dating to the 11th century, the fortress has served as a royal residence, as well as a military fortress. It has come under siege an astounding 26 times. In fact, it ranks as one of the most attacked castles in the world.
The castle is open to visitors, but admission is required. It is wise to purchase tickets in advance – as they do sell out.
Top things to see at Edinburgh Castle are the Great Hall and Royal Apartments, and the Crown Jewels.
Other sights not to miss are St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Battery and One O’clock Gun, the prison, the Scottish National War Memorial and the National War Museum.
For a more in depth introduction, join this tour that includes skip-the-line tickets and a knowledgeable guide to lead the way.
If you don’t want to go inside now, you can still get a good look at the castle from the Esplanade. It’s here that the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo hosts their August performances, so you may see the giant grandstands.
#2 Witches Well
MAP. With the castle to your back, you will start the long walk down the Royal Mile. (And, yes, it’s almost all downhill from here!)
Just beyond the Esplanade, look to the building on your left and find the Witches Well. It commemorates the 16th century witchcraft trials – and marks the site where the accused were burned at the stake.
The building that the well is attached to is the Tartan Weaving Mill. While it’s actually a giant souvenir shop, it does have a weaving exhibition inside that is interesting.
#3 Lady Stair’s Close
MAP. Continue your Self-Guided Tour of the Royal Mile to Lady Stair’s Close. The alleyways that branch off the Royal Mile are called Closes – and Lady Stair’s Close is one of the best.
These lanes – often with steep staircases – connect the Royal Mile to parallel streets or lead into the courtyards of residences.
In the case of Lady Stair’s Close, the narrow and nearly hidden alleyway opens onto a hidden courtyard and our next stop.
#4 Edinburgh Writers’ Museum
MAP. The Writers’ Museum is an interesting place for both fans of literature and architecture. With winding stairs and original elements, the house itself dates to the year 1622 and is a true gem.
The museum exhibits, however, are why most people visit. It’s entirely dedicated to the lives and stories of the three most famous Scottish writers: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.
The exhibits showcase personal objects, manuscripts and backstories of the authors, who are very much a part of the Scottish culture.
If you have time, put your Royal Mile Self-Guided Tour on hold for a moment and go inside. It’s free to visit.
#5 Heart of Midlothian
MAP. Back on the Royal Mile, walk east in the direction of the cathedral (which is easily identifiable by its crown steeple). As you near the cathedral, you will pass the statue of Walter Montagu Douglas Scott, 5th Duke of Buccleuch.
Just a few paces beyond the statue, look down on the pavement to find a unique mosaic: the Heart of Midlothian.
The easy-to-miss mosaic heart marks the spot of the Old Tolbooth. Like a Town Hall, it served as the administrative center of the city during medieval times and housed a prison.
In fact, the jail entrance was right where the heart is now. Due to the deplorable conditions inside the prison, locals would protest by spitting on the ground at the door.
Today, it’s still a tradition. Locals spit on the Midlothian mosaic for good luck and tourists are encouraged to do the same. It supposedly will ensure a return trip to Edinburgh. (Hey, it worked for us!)
#6 St. Giles’ Cathedral
MAP. Next up on our Royal Mile Edinburgh Tour is the dazzling St. Giles’ Cathedral. In our opinion, it’s one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
The Gothic St. Giles’ Cathedral was established by King David I in the year 1124. It served as a catholic church for nearly 400 years.
Then, in the mid-1500s during the Scottish Reformation, it became a Protestant church. John Knox, a leader of the reformation and founder of the Church of Scotland, served as minister.
The top features are the stunning stained-glass windows and elegant organ. That said, do not miss the opulent Thistle Chapel!
#7 Advocates Close
MAP. Across the street from the cathedral, find the entrance to Advocates Close. It is one of the alleyways that connects the Royal Mile to Market Street – but we like it for a different reason.
The arched entrance perfectly frames the distant Scott Monument. It’s a great photo op! If you want to know more about the monument, we feature it on our Free New Town Walking Tour.
To the east of Advocates Close is the Real Mary King’s Close. The ticketed attraction is highly rated as one of the top things to see in Edinburgh. Guided tours explore underground streets, bringing to life the darker side of the historic city.
#8 Mercat Cross
MAP. Continue your eastward walk on the Royal Mile. At the back of St. Giles’ Cathedral, find the Mercat Cross.
The pillar, which is topped with a unicorn, marks the location of the old local market. The unicorn – a symbol which you will see throughout Edinburgh – is Scotland’s national animal.
Just beyond the cross, you will see a statue of Adam Smith. A key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith was both a philosopher and political economist.
#9 Cockburn Street
MAP. Take a moment to detour from your Royal Mile walking route to see Cockburn Street. We feel it is one of the prettiest streets in Edinburgh.
The curved and sloping street was created in the mid-1800s to provide an easier route from Waverley Station to High Street. Four-story buildings rise on both sides of the narrow, pedestrian lane.
Named for Lord Cockburn, a champion of architectural preservation, boutique shops and restaurants occupy the Victorian-era buildings. The charming street is said to have served as inspiration for scenes from Harry Potter.
#10 Museums on the Royal Mile
The next section of the Royal Mile – where High Street turns into Cannongate – is lined with beautiful architecture. The buildings are occupied by cafes, shops and some of the best museums in Edinburgh.
The Museum of Childhood (MAP) features five floors of historic toys and games. It evokes nostalgia for adults and wonder in kids. It’s free to enter.
Next up is the John Knox House and Storytelling Center Museum (MAP). The 15th century home details the life of John Knox and his part in the Scottish Reformation. Tickets are required.
Just around the corner is the Chocolatarium (MAP). It’s a unique place to learn about, sample and create your own chocolates. Tickets required.
Continue your walking tour of the Royal Mile to the People’s Story Museum (MAP). Sharing some of the social aspects of Edinburgh from the 1700s, the venue offers insight into the daily life its citizens. Free entry.
The last cultural institution we want to mention is the Museum of Edinburgh (MAP) – and it is one of our favorites. Featuring exhibits that detail the history of the city, the space also contains collections and artifacts of the culture and its people. Free to enter.
#11 Canongate Kirk
MAP. The next stop on our Royal Mile Free Walking Tour is Canongate Church – and it’s directly across from the Museum of Edinburgh.
Canongate Kirk – recognizable by the stag’s antlers and cross – is a historic Presbyterian Church that has long been associated with the Royal Family.
The interior features eye-catching banners and a front pew marked with the Honors of Scotland. Behind the church is a small graveyard, where many prominent citizens have been laid to rest.
#12 Dunbar’s Close
MAP. Just east of Canongate Kirk is Dunbar’s Close. It’s easy to pass by, but you won’t want to miss this hidden gem!
Dunbar’s Close is a narrow passageway that leads into a secret garden. Lush, green, serene and quiet, it feels miles away from the Royal Mile.
Designed just as pocket gardens of the 1600s would have been, the space is a peaceful respite away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are benches here where you can give your feet a quick rest.
#13 Scottish Parliament Building
MAP. Nearing the end of the Royal Mile, you will find the modern (and seemingly out of place) Scottish Parliament Building.
While in stark contrast to the rest of the historic street, we think it is definitely a must-see Edinburgh sight.
The original Parliament of Scotland formed in the early 13th century and served as the legislature for the independent Kingdom of Scotland.
When it merged with the Kingdom of England in 1707, forming Great Britain, the Parliament of Scotland was abolished.
A New Scottish Parliament was established in 1999 and was granted broad powers to govern. However, it is still under the Parliament of Great Britain (but Scottish independence is a hot topic).
The parliament building is – obviously – new. The contemporary design uses concrete, steel, wood and glass to symbolize Scottish life, history and culture. Visitors can join tours and attend sessions for free.
#14 Palace of Holyroodhouse
MAP. The last stop on our Royal Mile Self-Guided Walking Tour is Holyrood Palace. Marking the east end of the Royal Mile, the Palace evolved from an Abbey and is the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland.
Everyone can get a glimpse of the building through the gates. Tickets are required to see the lavishly decorated State Apartments, the grand Throne Room, the Great Gallery, and the Chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Each room is decorated with fine furnishings and artwork. Admission also permits guests to visit the medieval Holyrood Abbey and palace gardens.
The King’s Gallery (formerly The Queen’s Gallery) is also part of the estate, but requires a separate ticket (MAP). The small venue hosts a rotating selection of the royal collection of art, including works by masters.
On the north side of the palace is the free Physic Garden (MAP). Here, they grow plants that were traditionally used for medicinal purposes. When monks lived in Holyrood Abbey, they would have tended to a similar garden.
Continue Sightseeing Edinburgh
Congrats, this marks the end of the Royal Mile Walking Tour Route, but there is still so much more to see!
We recommend climbing up Calton Hill or hiking up to Arthur’s Seat. If you want to see more city sights, use our New Town Walk to discover another side of Edinburgh!
Royal Mile Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Royal Mile Sightseeing Walking Tour.
More Edinburgh Sightseeing Guides
- The Best 3 Days in Edinburgh and Where to Eat
- Unique Things To Do in Edinburgh
- Scotland Travel Tips
- Free Edinburgh Things To Do
- Day Trip To Dunbar from Edinburgh
- 10 Day Scotland Itinerary
- What To See in the Highlands
- Visiting the East Coast of Scotland
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