Location:

Royal Mile is the historic main street running through Edinburgh’s Old Town, connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top with the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom. It is actually made up of a series of streets, including Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, and Canongate. Lined with centuries-old buildings, closes, and landmarks, it is one of the most famous streets in Scotland.

Top 3 things to do on the Royal Mile:

• Walk the full stretch – Stroll from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyroodhouse, taking in the history along the way.

• Explore hidden closes – Discover narrow alleyways, courtyards and hidden passageways branching off the main street.

• Visit key landmarks – Stop at St Giles’ Cathedral, museums and historic buildings along the route.

Dogs allowed:

Yes — Royal Mile is dog-friendly as a public street, though dogs should be kept on a lead due to crowds and cobbled surfaces.

Entry Fees:

Free — the Royal Mile is a public street and can be accessed at any time with no entry fee.

More information:

Royal Mile dates back to medieval times and has been the backbone of Edinburgh’s Old Town for centuries. It was historically the main route for royal processions between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace, and today it remains one of the most visited streets in Europe. The area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and combines living city life with deep historical significance, making it one of Edinburgh’s most iconic experiences.