The Royal Mile
Historic street in Edinburgh filled with visitor attractions
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh's historic highway and synonymous with the Old Town. At 1 mile and 107 yards it connects two of Edinburgh's most important attractions -- Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House. Along the way there are countless specialized shops, pubs, restaurants, hotels and many places of historical and cultural interest.
The Royal Mile is actually made up of several streets though it is generally known as the 'High Street'. These are from top to bottom:
- The Esplanade
- Castlehill
- Lawnmarket
- High Street
- Netherbow
- Canongate
- Abbey Strand
The Royal Mile is the backbone of Edinburgh's Old Town and key moments in Scottish history have been played out in the area. Being such an intensely populated street, legends of ghosts and mystery have been around for hundreds of years. Today the Royal Mile is Edinburgh's hottest tourist spot.
When to visit the Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is far too extensive to explore in detail in a single day. However, if you're short on time you can just visit the highlights as presented below.
You can split your Royal Mile tour in 2 days as follows. On the first day start from the North Bridge and make you way up on the right hand side to Edinburgh Castle and then down on the left hand side to the Tron Kirk. You can have lunch and refreshments on the way.
Start your second day of the Royal Mile tour by walking down from North Bridge along the left hand side of the Royal Mile, visit Holyrood Palace and then start making your way up again until you reach to the Tron.
All Edinburgh Royal Mile articles:
Edinburgh Old Town An introduction to historic Edinburgh.
Highlights of the Royal Mile Overview of the most important visitor attractions on the Royal Mile.
Other tourist attractions on the Royal Mile Brief description of other places and things of interest on the Royal Mile.
Wynds and closes of the Royal Mile Description of the most picturesque narrow streets off the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile during Edinburgh Festival Information on the Royal Mile during August's Fringe Festival.
Royal Mile shops and pubs Some particularly attractive shops and pubs on Edinburgh's historic street.
St Giles Cathedral Picture and information on the High Kirk of Edinburgh.
Mary Kings Close The allegedly haunted street beneath the Royal Mile.
Scottish Parliament Pictures and information on the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood.
Pictures of the Royal Mile Pictures taken along the Royal Mile.
Attraction Details - Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town Practical information on the Old Town and the Royal Mile including the Hub and Tourist Information Centre.
Royal Mile and Old Town on the web Web links and information on the Old Town and its attractions.
Also see:
Ghost walks in the Old Town Tourist information on day and evening ghost tours in Edinburgh's Old Town
Edinburgh attractions and sightseeing All of the best attractions in Edinburgh plus pictures and sightseeing tips.