Visiting The Royal Mile in Edinburgh
Discover the most popular activities and locations on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Read on to learn more about this famous street in Edinburgh and
all the major attractions you can access nearby.
About The Royal Mile
If you are planning a trip to Scotland’s capital, you don’t want to miss out on visiting the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is one of the most famous areas of the city. Located in the Old Town, Edinburgh’s Royal Mile runs about 1.81 km long (the equivalent of one Scots mile).
The area is filled with various historical sites, traditional Scottish architecture and great places to relax with friends and family on holiday. Although there are many great spots for visitors, the Royal Mile is also popular with locals.
Places To Visit On The Royal Mile
With its cobbled streets and historical architecture, the Royal Mile offers various attractions for visitors to explore. From museums to restaurants and souvenir shops, the streets of the Royal Mile are sure to have something that will pique your interest.
Here are some must-see attractions on the Royal Mile.
Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock
The Edinburgh Castle rests atop Castle Hill at the end of the Royal Mile. Dominating Scotland’s skyline, Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular sites in Old Town Edinburgh. Welcoming around 2 million visitors per year, the site holds a rich history of Scottish independence and royalty.
Edinburgh Castle is also home to the Castle Esplanade — a popular outdoor venue for concerts and large events. The castle itself sits on a base of volcanic rock — adding even more historical value to the site. Ultimately, if you are looking to soak up rich Scottish history during your trip, the Edinburgh Castle is a can’t-miss sight.
St. Giles Cathedral
St. Giles Cathedral on the Edinburgh Royal Mile is another well-admired attraction in Scotland. Located on High Street in the Old Town, St. Giles Cathedral is home to almost 200 statues and houses a 4,000-pipe organ. Still active as a site of worship, the cathedral forms a critical part of Edinburgh’s history with religion.
The majority of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, aside from the cafe and Thistle Chapel. Although it is free to enter, donations are welcomed. Remember to purchase a permit to take photographs if you plan on snapping a pic to preserve your memories.
John Knox House
Dating back to 1470, the John Knox House is the oldest surviving building in the Old Town of Edinburgh. Similarly, this makes it the oldest of all museums in the Royal Mile. The museum offers audio tours that walk you through the history of the house’s inhabitants.
You can also view a three-story exhibition at the John Knox House that displays the home’s traditional craftsmanship. The museum tells the story of how the building was saved from destruction in the 1800s and also showcases research on recent excavations that uncovered more about the site’s history.
Netherbow Port
Halfway down the Royal Mile, you’ll find the Netherbow Port. This site stood as the main entrance into the city during medieval times. Guarding the city walls, it acted as the main defence system against English troops.
Unfortunately, the original port was damaged in the 1500s during an invasion. Consequently, a new building was created and placed further along in the Old Town. Needless to say, the Netherbow Port has a rich history that forms an integral part of Edinburgh’s past.
Cockburn Street
If you’re looking for a magical detour for your adventure in the Old Town, look no further than Cockburn Street. It has been suggested that Cockburn Street was the inspiration behind ‘Diagon Alley’ in the Harry Potter Novels.
This small, Victorian-style street is home to many boutiques and shops for you to peruse on your journey along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
Parliament Square
Parliament Square is right outside of St. Giles Cathedral. Here, you’ll find a collection of historical statues and monuments. Visitors can also enjoy an array of coffee shops and other boutique stores around the square.
The square is directly adjoined to the West Square, which acts as an access point for the rest of the Royal Mile.
Royal Mile Activities
Whether you’re looking to experience local Scottish culture or want to learn more about the history of Scotland,
there are plenty of fun things to do on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Shop on St Mary’s Street
If you’re looking for architecture-focused activities on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, take the chance to explore St. Mary’s Street. Its combination of both Gregorian and Medieval architecture reflects the history of Edinburgh’s urban evolution.
You can also find all sorts of artisanal shops on this street selling textiles, leather goods and knitwear, making it the perfect spot to find some souvenirs.
Have a Drink at The Grassmarket
After a long day of exploring, you might want to stop for a drink at a good old Scottish pub. In this case, take a trip to Grassmarket. Located on the Royal Mile in the Old Town, Grassmarket has a wide selection of pubs to unwind and get to know the locals.
If you still want to experience some history while you unwind, consider trying out the White Hart Inn. Famously, Robert Burns — a well-known Scottish poet — spent a week at this pub during the 70s.
Tour Real Mary King’s Close
If you’re interested in joining some Royal Mile tours, consider taking a walking tour through the Real Mary King’s Close. Acting as a time capsule, this close on High Street is an integral part of Edinburgh’s history.
On this tour, you’ll walk through the hidden streets below the city and hear the stories of the close’s residents. You’ll learn about the plague and discover how the city operated between the 16th and 19th centuries.
Book A Multi-Media Tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse
A tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse is another must-do activity for any history lover. As the official residence of the Scottish monarchy, the palace has been home to royalty for over 500 years. You can book a multi-media tour of the grounds to learn more about the palace’s history and cultural significance.
During your visit, why not take a walk through the palace’s park to Arthur’s Seat? From this vantage point, you’ll get stunning views of the city below. You can also make a short trip down to the Abbey Strand Centre to learn about the royal collection.
Sample Traditional Scottish Dishes
To immerse yourself in local culture, why not try out some traditional Scottish eats? Along the Royal Mile, you’ll find various cafes, pubs and restaurants where you can sample classics like black pudding, shortbread and even haggis.
One of the most well-loved pubs on the Royal Mile is The World’s End Bar. This pub attracts thousands of tourists each year with its homely, intimate atmosphere and traditionally Scottish menu.
Benefits Of Visiting The Royal Mile
Here’s why visiting the Royal Mile with Bright Bus Tours is a must-do activity while you’re in Edinburgh.
Proximity to Nearby Attractions
The Royal Mile is located in the heart of the Old Town in Edinburgh. Some key streets within the Royal Mile include St. Mary’s Street, High Street and Blackfriars Street.
With a wide selection of cafes, bars and boutiques, it’s the perfect place to relax and do some shopping. It’s also the access point to many big attractions, so it’s a convenient stop to make while you’re exploring the city.
Close to Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle
The Royal Mile runs between the Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Park. These historically significant sights are must-see locations on your trip to Edinburgh. With Bright Bus Tours, you’ll be able to learn the history, cultural relevance and many fun facts about these sights.
If you want to tour the palace on the Royal Mile, tickets can be booked online through the Royal Collection Trust or on the Edinburgh Tickets website. Remember to double-check your booking to make sure that you have the times and dates noted down correctly.
Choose Bright Bus Tours for friendly, convenient transport during your trip to Edinburgh.
Contact us today to learn how our shuttle service can brighten your holiday.
Bright Bus Tours: The Brightest Way To Reach the Royal Mile
At Bright Bus Tours, we’re committed to providing you with the friendliest bus service in Edinburgh. Our team of drivers and on-street ambassadors are happy to help you with any questions you might have during your journey. Navigating a busy area like the Royal Mile can get confusing, so look out for our team if you need any assistance — we’re the ones in orange!
Our hop-on, hop-off shuttle tour is the best-value bus service in Edinburgh, with affordable tickets and select partnership discounts on offer to our customers. Both our City Tour and Britannia Tour have stops near many key attractions, including the Royal Mile, Dynamic Earth and the Royal Botanic Gardens. This allows you to see more of the city with less of the stress that comes with organising transport between attractions.
If you have flown in from out of town to visit the Royal Mile, check out our Airport Shuttle Express for convenient, fast and affordable transport to and from the airport.
Get the best value shuttle service when you explore the Royal Mile in Edinburgh with Bright Bus Tours.
Book tickets online today and get affordable transport with a friendly team of drivers.