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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  UK  /  Scotland  /  Edinburgh  /  The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

4.5
#5 of 5,974 in Things to do in Scotland
Must see · Landmark · Tourist Spot
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  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom © +4
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
  • The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ©
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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.
On the web:  
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/royal-mile-and-grassmarket-p918401
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Recommended duration
:
1h 30 min
Hours
Open 24 hours everyday
Contact

Royal Mile,
Edinburgh EH1 2PB Scotland

+44 131 557 9681

Price range

$$

$$

Parking

Street parking available

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to The Royal Mile

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4.8
Duration: 2 hours
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FROM $18 BOOK WITH VIATOR Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh Underground Walking Tour in Edinburgh
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FROM $25 BOOK WITH VIATOR Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
4.3
Duration: 1 hour
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FROM $20 BOOK WITH VIATOR City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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Duration: 1 hour
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FROM $70 BOOK WITH VIATOR Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh
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FROM $31 BOOK WITH VIATOR Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
5.0
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $31 ›
FROM $28 BOOK WITH VIATOR Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour with Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour with Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle
4.8
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
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FROM $24 BOOK WITH VIATOR The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh
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FROM $28 BOOK WITH VIATOR Small Group Edinburgh Night Walking tour including Underground Vaults Small Group Edinburgh Night Walking tour including Underground Vaults
4.4
Duration: 1 hour
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FROM $35 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues!
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
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FROM $57 BOOK WITH VIATOR Edinburgh Private Walking Tour Edinburgh Private Walking Tour
5.0
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
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FROM $18 BOOK WITH VIATOR Edinburgh: 3-Hours Walking Tour - English Tour Guide Edinburgh: 3-Hours Walking Tour - English Tour Guide
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $18 ›

The Royal Mile reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
25,439 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By Saltrams
    If you insist on walking the Mile, look up; the architecture is interesting and you will avoid the shops. Every single place sells kilts, tweed, whisky, cashmere & small tourist trinkets. Or food. 
    If you insist on walking the Mile, look up; the architecture is interesting and you will avoid the shops. Every single place sells kilts, tweed, whisky, cashmere & small tourist trinkets. Or food.  more »
  • By Colo_Traveler05
    From Edinburgh Castle all the way to Holyrood, there's so much to see and do. There are street performers, cafes, shops, and more. Beware of the shops though. Many are owned by the same... 
    From Edinburgh Castle all the way to Holyrood, there's so much to see and do. There are street performers, cafes, shops, and more. Beware of the shops though. Many are owned by the same...  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By KikiBud S
    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!
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  • By Tamás Schuttovits
    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.
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