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.
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The Royal Mile reviews
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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 »
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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 »
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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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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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