Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the historic main street of Edinburgh's Old Town, running roughly a mile from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, lined with closes (narrow medieval alleyways branching off the main street), St Giles' Cathedral, and a dense concentration of shops, pubs, and attractions. It's less a single sight than the connective backbone of the Old Town, with most of Edinburgh's central attractions either on it or a short detour off it.
The closes are worth ducking into rather than staying on the main thoroughfare, since many preserve narrower, older streetscapes and lead to hidden courtyards (Mary King's Close, accessible via a paid underground tour, is the best-known example of a close preserved below street level). During the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August, the street becomes intensely crowded with street performers and flyering, which is either a highlight or something to plan around depending on your tolerance for crowds.
Walking the full length takes about 20-30 minutes without stops, but most visitors spend several hours here across a trip, popping into shops, closes, and St Giles' Cathedral along the way.
Royal Mile FAQs
Roughly one mile (1.6km), running from Edinburgh Castle at the top down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom.
Narrow medieval alleyways branching off the main street, some leading to courtyards, others (like Mary King's Close) preserved below current street level and open for paid guided tours.
Yes, the street itself is free and open at all times; individual attractions, closes tours, and shops along it charge separately.
Yes, it becomes extremely crowded with street performers and festivalgoers throughout August, which adds energy but also significant congestion.
St Giles' Cathedral, the Real Mary King's Close, Camera Obscura near the castle end, and countless shops, pubs, and closes along its length, connecting Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse.
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