The Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the historic spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town, stretching for a “Scots mile” between the imposing Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, and narrow closes, it offers a vivid journey through the city’s past. Along its length stand landmarks such as St Giles’ Cathedral, John Knox House, and the atmospheric Mary King’s Close, each revealing layers of political, religious, and social history. Today, the Royal Mile is alive with traditional shops, whisky bars, street performers, and seasonal festivals, including the world‑famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its blend of medieval architecture, vibrant culture, and sweeping views makes it both a living museum and a bustling thoroughfare, embodying the heritage and spirit of Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh ScotlandThe Royal Mile is a historic street that runs through the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, stretching approximately one Scots mile from the iconic Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. It is made up of five connected sections: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand, each featuring their own unique landmarks and attractions. This vibrant and atmospheric thoroughfare is lined with charming cobblestones, towering tenements, and narrow closes that reveal Edinburgh's rich medieval history. Along the Royal Mile, visitors can explore famous sites such as St Giles' Cathedral, John Knox House, the Real Mary King's Close, and the Scotch Whisky Experience, as well as a variety of shops, cafes, and traditional Scottish pubs. Adjacent areas like the Grassmarket and Victoria Street offer further historic charm, eateries, and lively nightlife. The Royal Mile also hosts many street performances and cultural events, especially during the festival season, remaining a lively and essential part of Edinburgh's heritage and daily life.
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Museum of Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Surgeons’ Hall Museums
Edinburgh
Museum of Childhood Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Museum on the Mound
Edinburgh
National War Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh
Newhaven Heritage Museum
Edinburgh
People’s Story Museum
Edinburgh
Writers’ Museum
Edinburgh
St Cecilia’s Hall
Edinburgh
Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage
Edinburgh
Corstorphine Heritage Centre
Edinburgh
Queensferry Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum
Edinburgh
Royal Observatory Visitor Centre
Edinburgh
Our Dynamic Earth
Edinburgh
Trinity House Maritime Museum
Edinburgh
Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft
Edinburgh
King’s Theatre
Edinburgh
Festival Theatre
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh
Queen’s Hall
Edinburgh
Usher Hall
Edinburgh
Royal Lyceum Theatre
Edinburgh
Traverse Theatre
Edinburgh
Bedlam Theatre
Edinburgh
Church Hill Theatre
Edinburgh
Rose Theatre
Edinburgh
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Edinburgh
Summerhall
Edinburgh
St Stephen’s Theatre
Edinburgh
Festival Square Theatre
Edinburgh
Leith Theatre
Edinburgh
Portobello Town Hall
Edinburgh
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Edinburgh
City Art Centre
Edinburgh
Collective Gallery
Edinburgh
Fruitmarket Gallery
Edinburgh
Open Eye Gallery
Edinburgh
Leith Walk Gallery
Edinburgh
Braewell Gallery
Edinburgh
Dovecot Studios
Edinburgh
Morningside Gallery
Edinburgh
West End Craft & Design Fair
Edinburgh
Bourne Fine Art Gallery
Edinburgh
Red Door Gallery
Edinburgh
Marchmont Gallery
Edinburgh
Talbot Rice Gallery
Edinburgh
Torrance Gallery
Edinburgh
Gallery TEN
Edinburgh
Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery
Edinburgh
Rhubaba Gallery and Studios
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Edinburgh
Craigmillar Castle
Edinburgh
Holyrood Park
Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens
Edinburgh
The Meadows
Edinburgh
Inverleith Park
Edinburgh
Calton Hill
Edinburgh
Harrison Park
Edinburgh
Victoria Park
Edinburgh
Pilrig Park
Edinburgh
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat
Edinburgh
Scott Monument
Edinburgh
St Giles’ Cathedral
Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Dean Village
Edinburgh
Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path
Edinburgh
The Real Mary King’s Close
Edinburgh
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Dungeon
Edinburgh
Grassmarket
Edinburgh
Stockbridge Market
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
Edinburgh
Leith Market
Edinburgh
Tron Kirk Market
Edinburgh
Ocean Terminal Market
Edinburgh