11 Unmissable Places Along the Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Visiting Edinburgh and looking for some amazing and free things to do in Edinburgh? Look no further!
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s most famous road and one of the oldest. It starts at Edinburgh castle all the way down to parliament building, a stretch of 1.83 miles, there are multiple free things to can do along the Royal Mile or you can spend more time and pay for some tours and experiences!
General Tips for Walking the Royal Mile
Where is it?
The Royal Mile is apart of the Old Town of Edinburgh. You can see Edinburgh castle pretty much from any point in Edinburgh. It is also up a hill, therefore if you're walking uphill, you're probably walking the right way!
What to Wear
The Royal Mile is cobbled streets and it's on a slope since Edinburgh is a fairly hilly city. Therefore, I definitely wouldn’t suggest high heels, normal flat shoes of any sort, however, would be fine.
It’s Not Pedestrianised
The Royal Mile is not a pedestrianised road like you may expect, therefore be careful of cars and be careful when crossing. Tourists often walk all over the road as it can be busy at prime times and therefore can be dangerous. So take care
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is right at the top of the hill and can be seen from any point in Edinburgh. It is one of Edinburgh’s main attractions and definitely top of the list for free things to do in Edinburgh, admire all views from the outside of the castle.
It was built back in the 11th century on top of this hill. Built on top of a hill showed dominance overall! The flat area around the front of the castle has some great sights over the rest of Edinburgh without walking up anything particularly steep (not like Arthurs seat!). You can visit inside the castle too, but have to pay
But if you’re not wanting to do that, it is very pretty from outside and views of all around.
Scotch Whiskey Experience
Does what it says on the tin really! Experience Scotland’s Whiskey!
You can do tours here or simply visit their shop and try different tasters for free! Of course, if you’re going to do a tour then book online in advance! Always a good way to be organized, go when you want, and save money!
The Tourist Shops
Especially near the top of the Royal Mile, every shop is a tourist/souvenir shop
Great place to buy your mugs, magnets, tartan items, and anything else! Especially if you’re a bit of a souvenir buff like me and can’t travel somewhere without buying a magnet!
They’re all fairly similar priced and not expensive too. My favourite buy was definitely my Tartan scarf which was only £10 and so soft!
Wanting a reliable guidebook? We only ever use Lonely Planet Guidebooks! They're so concise but include everything you may need... and more! Wanting to see more history and more activities and interesting things to do in Edinburgh? May as well check out a good guidebook right?
Deacon Brodies Tavern
Beacon Brodies Tavern is on a corner along the Royal Mile. It was built in the 1800s after William Brodie who was a businessman who took up a secret life of gambling and mistresses.
He ended up carrying out burglaries to pay off his debts which is why the pub's hanging signs are different on both sides!
William Brodie was also the inspiration for the novel Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
It can be an extremely busy pub due to the history of it and being a famous Edinburgh pub, but a drink or two is definitely worth it for the atmosphere.
Bagpipe Players
How can you go to Scotland, especially Edinburgh, and not hear bagpipe players? Opposite St Giles Cathedral is the High Court. Outside this building, every day is bagpipe players! Of course, you can hear them way before you get close to them at all as they’re so loud! Nice to stand and watch for a few minutes
St Giles Cathedral
St Giles Cathedral is about a third of the way down the Royal Mile and was built back in the 12th Century and restored in the 19th century.
Of course, different parts of the cathedral were added across history such as the spire and windows of remembrance but it always baffles me when buildings nearly a thousand years old are maintained so well.
Close’s
What on earth are close’s you may ask? Well, they are small little alleyways in between the Royal Mile and other adjacent roads. They are named after people that lived there in the past and are usually extremely steep small paths or stairs.
One of the most famous ones is Lady Stairs Close, which was named so after the Lady Stairs House build in 1622! You can walk from the Royal Mile through Lady Stairs Close to Gladstone’s Land which is where the Writers Museum is. Celebrating Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Close’s are situated all at different points down the Royal Mile and all with varying odd names and nice to explore some and where they come out at the other side!
Edinburgh Fudge Kitchen
Edinburgh Fudge Kitchen is about halfway down the Royal Mile. You can go inside where they show you how they make fudge!
Of course, you can try some which is so tasty! It was really interesting to hear how they make the fudge and can always buy some too.
Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh is the cities history, in an 16th-century house!
It is free to enter and is near the bottom of the Royal Mile. It is free to enter and has various exhibitions about the local history of Edinburgh.
There is a dress-up section too and lots of interactive parts for kids!
Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament Building is right at the bottom of the Royal Mile. It must be the newest building in Edinburgh or at least looks it! You can arrange a tour around the Parliament Building or simply admire it from the outside.
The Queens Gallery and Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Queens Gallery also at the bottom of the Royal Mile. Because of the Queen's connection, lots of lampposts around this area have crowns on the top of them.
You can admire the gallery from outside or you can venture in! The exhibitions change twice a year and can be busy at times. Art isn’t particularly our thing so we’ve never been inside however have heard good things about it!
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the royal family in Edinburgh. I have heard you may potentially see some royals walking about which would be great!
When visiting Rome, we happened to see the Pope which was completely unexpected so I wouldn’t be surprised if a royal could be spotted!
The Royal Mile is full of history and activities for everyone. From Edinburgh Castle, all the way down to the Parliament building there is so much to do! If you have anything else you’ve enjoyed down the Royal Mile please let me know and leave a comment below!
