It connects two iconic landmarks: Edinburgh Castle at the top and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. Lined with medieval buildings, narrow alleyways (known as “closes” or “wynds”), and centuries-old churches, the Royal Mile is a vibrant, atmospheric walk through Edinburgh’s rich history.
The street is actually made up of several streets: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand. Each has its own character and historical significance, with an abundance of sites to explore along the way. For instance, Lawnmarket is home to Gladstone’s Land, a 17th-century townhouse preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, where visitors can glimpse into life in Edinburgh during the 1600s. The High Street section hosts St Giles’ Cathedral, with its crown spire and historic Thistle Chapel dedicated to Scotland’s Order of the Thistle, and Parliament Square, where the historic Old Parliament House stands.
Throughout the Royal Mile, there are fascinating museums and attractions, such as the Museum of Edinburgh, The People’s Story Museum, and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, as well as the famous underground Mary King’s Close, where visitors can explore a preserved street hidden beneath the Royal Mile that offers a look at life in Edinburgh’s dark past.
The Canongate section, named after the original abbey that once stood nearby, takes visitors past the Canongate Kirk, where many notable Scots are buried, including the economist Adam Smith. At the end of the Mile stands the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch, with a storied past as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and many other royal figures.
The Royal Mile is also home to a variety of Scottish shops, pubs, and eateries, where visitors can experience Scottish cuisine and culture firsthand. In August, the Royal Mile becomes the lively hub of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world’s largest arts festival, with performers and artists lining the street, adding to its bustling energy.
Walking the Royal Mile is like taking a journey through Scotland’s history, blending the ancient with the modern in a single, unforgettable path through Edinburgh’s heart.
