EUROPE EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM

Royal Mile

A free Old Town walk linking Edinburgh Castle, historic closes and Holyroodhouse.

What to expect

The Royal Mile is a sequence of linked Old Town streets running downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Lawnmarket and High Street pass St Giles' Cathedral, Parliament Square and narrow closes; Canongate continues east toward the palace and the Scottish Parliament. It is a working city street as well as a historic route, so pick a few stops instead of trying to enter every museum, church or courtyard along it.

Free public street

Before you go

Entry and costs

Walking the public street is free. Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, paid tours, museums and some church interiors have separate entry rules and prices; shops and cafés are also separate purchases.

Visitor notes

The route is cobbled, busy and steep downhill toward Holyrood. Festival crowds, civic events and temporary street restrictions can change how easily you move along it. The Council updates its roadworks and disruption page; check it and the opening page of any indoor stop before setting out.

Opening hours

Date-specific hours are not available for this place. Check the official page for the day you plan to visit.

Good for

Old Town architectureHistoric street walkIndependent short stops

Official sourceForever Edinburgh — Royal Mile

Checked 1 November 2026. Hours, entry rules and access can change; check this page again before you visit.

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