Royal Mile in Edinburgh

About Royal Mile in Edinburgh

The Royal Mile is the historic spine of Edinburgh's Old Town — a succession of streets running almost exactly **one Scottish mile from Edinburgh Castle**, perched on the remnant of an ancient volcanic plug, to the **Palace of Holyroodhouse** at its lower end, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Along its length is compressed **more Scottish history than any other single street in the country**. **Mary Queen of Scots walked these streets**; John Knox thundered against her from the pulpit of St Giles' Cathedral; **Deacon Brodie** — the respectable city official who robbed houses by night and inspired Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde — had his workshop here. Edinburgh's medieval city grew **upward rather than outward** — constrained by the castle rock and defensive walls — producing some of the earliest multi-storey urban housing in the world, with **buildings reaching ten storeys or more by the 17th century**. Much of this vertical city survives in the warren of closes and courtyards behind the Royal Mile's main frontage. **Mary King's Close**, a street buried beneath the Royal Exchange in the 18th century and preserved almost intact, gives an extraordinary glimpse into the living conditions of 17th-century Edinburgh. Edinburgh is best visited year-round, though **August — when the Royal Mile becomes the outdoor stage for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe**, the largest arts festival in the world — transforms the city. The quieter months of **October to April** offer a moodier, more authentically atmospheric Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, and the Scottish Parliament are essential. **Arthur's Seat** — an ancient volcano in Holyrood Park — offers a 45-minute climb rewarded with the finest views in the city.

Highlights

• ✦ Historic spine of Edinburgh's Old Town
• ✦ Stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
• ✦ Lined with closes, courts, and medieval tenements

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

Is walking the Royal Mile free?

Yes, the street itself costs nothing to walk end to end. You'll only pay for specific attractions along the way, such as Edinburgh Castle (from about £19-20 for an adult), St Giles' Cathedral's optional donation, or one of the underground 'close' and vault tours.

How long is the Royal Mile and how long does it take to walk?

It runs about 1 mile (1.6 km) from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Walking it end to end without stops takes 20-30 minutes, but with shops, closes and street performers most visitors take 2-3 hours, or a full day with the paid attractions included.

How do you get to the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Waverley station?

It's a very short walk, only a few minutes uphill from the station exit onto Waverley Bridge or Market Street, putting you right at the eastern end of the Mile near St Giles' Cathedral. No bus or taxi is needed.

What are the 'closes' along the Royal Mile?

Closes are the narrow alleyways branching off the main street, many leading to hidden courtyards, old tenement stairs or entrances to underground vault tours like Mary King's Close. They're free to peek into during the day and a big part of what makes the Royal Mile feel layered and historic rather than just a shopping street.

Is the Royal Mile worth visiting during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

It's one of the best free things to do during the Fringe in August, with street performers, flyering and pop-up shows lining the whole route, but it also gets extremely crowded and prices for nearby food and accommodation rise sharply. If you prefer a quieter, more contemplative walk, visit outside August.

Explore more

• United Kingdom
• Stonehenge
• Westminster Abbey

Join the community

Track your visits to Royal Mile in Edinburgh and other world miracles, rate your experience, and share photos with fellow travelers.