Royal Mile Tours and Activities

Royal Mile featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a house
Royal Mile showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Royal Mile which includes a city, street scenes and a bar
Royal Mile
Royal Mile showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a city


With its historic buildings, museums, shops and restaurants, this stretch of Edinburgh's Old Town is a much-loved haunt.

A visit to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a trip along the Royal Mile with its hundreds of years of rich Scottish heritage and culture. This cobblestone stretch runs all the way from Edinburgh Castle on one side, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the other. To this day, its series of streets come together to make up the Old Town's foremost thoroughfare, where you can see its historic buildings and admire some of the city's best sights.

Start off from the castle on the west side and head down the hill. On the way, you'll pass by pubs, restaurants and plenty of independent shops. On the south side, you’ll find Parliament Square, home of Parliament House, which today houses several law courts.

Also in the square, you'll find St. Giles' Cathedral, the Mother Church of Presbyterianism, which has served as a place of worship for locals for almost a millennium. As you venture indoors, look down at the cobbles near its west entrance and you’ll notice the heart-shaped Heart of Midlothian mosaic, marking the very spot where the Old Tolbooth prison was once situated.

Head for the People's Story museum, which traces the history of the city and shares the stories of ordinary Edinburgh citizens all the way back to its early medieval days. Or visit Gladstone's Land and gaze at the interiors of this stunning 17th century townhouse.

Nearby is the Canongate graveyard, where many famous Scottish figures like philosopher and economist Adam Smith are buried. The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre is also well worth a visit if you’d like a taste of Scotland's national drink. The name whisky is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic term "usquebaugh", meaning 'water of life'. All around this part of town, you’ll see examples of the rich history and heritage, discovering hidden passages and alleyways that remain much the same as they would have done hundreds of years ago.

When you reach the Palace of Holyroodhouse, you'll be at the end of the Royal Mile. You can visit this royal residence throughout the year, except when the British royal family is visiting. It will take you a brisk 20 minutes to walk across The Royal Mile, but to explore everything here you could lose yourself for at least a couple of days.

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Popular places to visit


Top Royal Mile Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal

Motel One Edinburgh - Royal

3 out of 5
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile

3 out of 5
77 South Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Cairn Hotel

Cairn Hotel

2 out of 5
10-18 Windsor Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cairn Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Mile

The Royal Mile offers a vibrant mix of activities for tourists, including shopping at unique boutiques and enjoying guided sightseeing tours. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic streets on foot or visit nearby amusement parks for some fun and excitement. With its rich history and lively atmosphere, the Royal Mile is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable experience in Edinburgh.

Shopping

Experience the vibrant shopping scene on the Royal Mile with St James Quarter, a lively shopping mall just 805m away, and the unique Tron Kirk public market also 805m away. For more options, if you're up for a drive, Scottish Gems shopping centre is 805m away, offering a mix of city and family vibes.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, located 4.8km from Royal Mile, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. For a peaceful retreat, head to Blackford Hill, 3.2km away, where you can enjoy stunning views and tranquillity. Families can have a blast at Gambado, a fun-filled playground also 3.2km from Royal Mile.

Adventure

If you’re up for some thrills, head to Midlothian Ski Centre for skiing adventures just 1.6km from Royal Mile. For an adrenaline rush, try Bedlam Paintball, also 1.6km away, where you can unleash your competitive spirit. If climbing's your thing, check out Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, 14.5km away, for a challenging outdoor experience.

Nightlife

Experience Edinburgh's nightlife at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, just 805m from the Royal Mile, offering vibrant entertainment and culture. For a relaxed drink, head to Greyfriar's Bobby (1.3km) or Canongate Tolbooth (322m), both pubs radiating romance and good vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Mile

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is a treasure trove of historic charm, featuring attractions like the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile Gallery. This vibrant area offers a rich cultural experience amidst stunning monuments and scenic hills, making it perfect for those keen on exploring the city’s heritage and enjoying the great outdoors. You'll find plenty to see and do, ensuring a memorable visit to this captivating part of Scotland.

  • University of Edinburgh: Experience the charm of one of the world's oldest universities. Explore its stunning architecture and vibrant student life, while soaking in the cultural atmosphere that has inspired countless thinkers and innovators.
  • Palace of Holyroodhouse: Visit the official residence of the monarch in Scotland. This magnificent palace features beautiful gardens and rich history, allowing you to step back in time and experience royal life firsthand.
  • National Museum of Scotland: Delve into Scotland's diverse history and culture through fascinating exhibits. From ancient artefacts to contemporary art, this museum offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Royal Mile

The best time to visit Royal Mile can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Royal Mile falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Royal Mile falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Mile

To save money on your trip to the Royal Mile, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, preferably on a Tuesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find great deals, combining your hotel with flights and activities for added savings. Take advantage of last-minute deals, and refine your search by budget and location. Walking is also a budget-friendly way to explore the area, allowing you to enjoy the sights without spending on public transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Mile are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Royal Mile about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Mile is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Mile is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Royal Mile hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.