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The Royal Mile, Edinburgh

4.5
#5 of 5,999 in Things to do in Scotland
Must see · Landmark · Tourist Spot
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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Tours to The Royal Mile

FROM $22 BOOK WITH VIATOR City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
4.2
Duration: 1 hour
Tours from $22 »
FROM $26 BOOK WITH VIATOR Historical Walking Tour with Optional Skip the Line Entry to Edinburgh Castle
4.6
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Tours from $26 »
FROM $34 BOOK WITH VIATOR Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh
4.8
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $34 »

The Royal Mile reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
25,301 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By Perry B
    It was fantastic to have been traversing the Royal Mile again last winter and to have also had the opportunity to show it to my partner during their first ever visit. There were roadside stalls...  more »
  • By Mydream5
    Very beautiful church, very beautiful architecture, we liked the visit of this place full of history, to be done.  more »
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Google
  • By paul brown
    Such a delight walking up and down here. Some great pubs including, the Royal Mile Tavern and the pub next to it. Both do very good food. At top of the mile is a Nicholson pub, the Deacon and the Brodie where RLStevenson gained inspiration for his horror classic. Further up is the castle.
  • By Paul Sullivan
    Great walk and loads of history. Architecture is amazing. Downside is too many tourist shops selling the same thing.
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