16 Best Things to do on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland

While in Scotland, Edinburgh is a must-see city. The compact capital is an elegant mixture of an old town feel with nature and gardens. At the heart of the city is the infamous Royal Mile. At one end of the road is Edinburgh Castle and almost exactly a mile down the road is the Holyrood Palace, hence the name. There are so many things to do on the Royal Mile – all in one short walk! The road is actually four connecting streets (Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, and Canongate).

The Royal Mile is the top tourist destination in Edinburgh and it’s worth a visit because it’s the heart of the city. You can spend half a day up to a full day on this road – depending on how long you want to explore. There is a mixture of big and little things to see on the road. Be sure to check out my tips on visiting Scotland before you go!

If you have more time in the city, be sure to book one of these awesome hotels near the Royal Mile (all within walking distance) and there are plenty of amazing things to see in Edinburgh!

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Fun Fact: The hill of the royal mile is actually an extinct volcano and the slope was formed by the retreat of an ice age over 325 million years ago.  

Here are the best things to do on the Royal Mile—starting from the top and working our way down.

Edinburgh Castle

The castle looms over the city at the top of the mile and boasts jaw-dropping views of the city.  I highly recommend exploring the castle, but even if you decide not to, you can still see the city from the outside. In the courtyard area of the castle, you can also see the Witches Well.  It marks the spot where witches were burned at the stake. There’s a carving on the wall with some flowers.

 If you do have time to explore the castle, there is so much to see.   You can walk the walls on the perimeter to overlook the city, learn about the Scottish military history, and even visit a small dog cemetery.  Don’t stay too focused on your camera taking pictures, take in the moment and where you’re walking – in the same places as many Kings and Queens, and some pirates.  

Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance.

Views of Edinburgh from the Castle

Camera Obscura

There are so many people in line for Camera Obscura that you should definitely purchase your tickets in advance.  Camera Obscura is the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, opening in 1853. This attraction is great for families of all ages and is quite quirky.  It’s five floors of optical illusions – enough space to explore for a few hours! There is also a rooftop terrace to enjoy 360-degree views of the city.  This is one of the best things to do on the Royal Mile since it’s one of the most unique – not to mention the incredible view!

Scotch Whiskey

I typically wouldn’t recommend a tourist destination for an authentic food/drink experience, but if you’re limited in time, then your options are also limited. The Scotch Whisky Experience comes highly recommended and informational. There are a variety of tours depending on your interest of whiskey, and kids can taste some Irn Bru (a non-alcoholic Scottish drink). If you already know about whiskey then you can visit Cadenheads – Scotland’s oldest independent whiskey bottler and get yourself a souvenir!  

Travel Tip: There are SO many places to eat in Edinburgh that you won’t go hungry. Check out this Vegan Guide to Edinburgh for inspiration!

Street Performers

One of my favorite parts of a crowded touristy area is the street performers. The Royal Mile has performers that play bagpipes, do magic tricks, dress up as famous people, comedians, jugglers, and dancers. They perform year-round, even in the winter.

Shopping

As the most popular tourist destination in the city, there is bound to be great shopping. Some of the shops sell your usual trinkets and souvenirs (sometimes they’re overpriced too), but some of the shops are pretty awesome. There are numerous places to purchase tweed, tartan and cashmere, but at the Tartan Weaving Mill you can learn about the weaving process as well.  If you’re like me and love Christmas, you can visit the Nutcracker which sells Christmas items all year round. Antique jewelry can be purchased at Curios as well.  Shopping is one of the best things to do on the Royal Mile.

There’s plenty to see outside of Edinburgh as well, check them out here.

Heart of Midlothian

My first time on the Mile I couldn’t find the heart. But the second time, I was determined to, and succeeded. The heart marks where a number of public executions took place – there used to be a jail located there as well. For good luck, you can spit on the heart. It’s tradition, so don’t stand too close to the heart in case someone misses it. This is a small gem that is a must-see on the Royal Mile!

For photos of Edinburgh during the covid-19 lockdown, check this out!

Museums

Some of the best things to do on the Royal Mile are the incredible museums along the way. There’s a variety, so choose something that interests you. The Real Mary King’s Close unveils the dark history of Scotland. It’s almost like taking a step back in time and hearing the stories from the people themselves. The Childhood Museum is great for children of all ages. It’s a mixture of old toys and hands-on exhibits to enjoy. If you’re interested in learning more about the city of Edinburgh, then the Edinburgh Museum is for you. It’s full of city history and it’s free! The People’s Story Museum is about the working class in Scotland from the 18th century through the 20th. This museum is unique because the exhibits are formed from oral and written history from the people themselves. Some of these museums don’t look like museums from the outside, so keep an eye out for smaller signs. Learning about the fascinating history of Edinburgh is one of the best things to do on the Royal Mile.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

While some of the museums are easily missed, the next one is not.  Across the street from The Real Mary King’s Close is the St. Giles’ Cathedral which was founded in 1124 by King David I.  Saint Giles is the patron saint of lepers and cripples, and of Edinburgh. If you’re there on a weekend, you can book a rooftop tour the day you’re there for only 6 euros. There is a short daily service from 12:00 to 12:10 where guests are asked to be silent and photography is not allowed. Even if you don’t go inside or for a service, the architecture outside is impressive, so be sure to stop by for a photo.

Palace of Holyrood House

At the end of the mile is the official residence of the King when he’s in Scotland – the Palace of Holyrood House. While small when compared to Buckingham Palace, it is still majestic. Both times that I have been in Scotland, the Queen was in residence so I still have not gotten a chance to go in. Typically you can take a tour of fourteen apartments and the gardens. This is one of the absolute best things to do on the Royal Mile – even if you can’t go inside. I’m not a history buff but you could feel the history when standing outside!

Gardens and Alleyways

While many of the main attractions are on the main road(s) of the Royal Mile, it is worth it to break off and check out the alleyways. You’ll find some hidden gems that turn into must-sees on the Royal Mile. Many of them are tiny and you can walk right by them if you’re not paying attention.  There are mom-and-pop shops right next to the mile where you can get local items including books and a home-cooked meal. We explored one path that led to an arch and then spotted a tree. Turning to our right was a beautiful peaceful garden. Locals were enjoying picnics and reading.  In the garden, it didn’t feel like we were right next to the most popular tourist destination in Edinburgh! 

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