Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the Royal mile begins at the Edinburgh Castle and ends at the Holyrood House. Intertwining streets on the main thoroughfare of the old town make up this road, which is often considered the primary tourist attraction in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile is a mile-long road that has historically been the route that kings and queens have taken to the castle, thus christening it so.
The cobblestone street has many narrow streets and lanes that offshoot from the main road. These ‘closes’ lead to some of the most important buildings and tourist spots within the country. Old Edinburgh is a web made of closes, and they all lead back to the Royal Mile. You can find several hotels near the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as it is a beloved tourist destination.
Places to visit
The Royal Mile connects major sightseeing locations in Edinburgh. The road is lined with statues of important Scottish people like philosophers Adam Smith and David Hume.
Perched on top of an extinct volcano, the Edinburgh Castle is often the first place people head to when they reach the town. You can take a guided tour of the premises to learn about the Scottish Military which currently has a base here.
The Scotch Whisky Experience holds the world’s largest whiskey collection. Head here to learn more about the impressive drinking culture of Scotland and look (and perhaps taste) the Scotch that is famous throughout the world.
Sitting in front of the spectacular Holyrood park and Salisbury Craigs, the Scottish Parliament Building is one of the most visited destinations on the Royal Mile. The building is known as one of the best in all of the UK.
A modern structure built for live storytelling, the Scottish Storytelling Center is a great place to go to when in the city. It has live storytelling, performances, and interactive displays that wow the guests.
Head to the world of illusions hidden within the Camera Obscura, which is a hip and offbeat attraction on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Explore five floors of illusions and art within this venue.
From stained glass windows to intricate woodwork, St. Giles Cathedral has it all. This architectural beauty was made in the 14th century and plays a major role in tourism in Edinburgh.
How to reach
Edinburgh Airport has flights that fly to international and domestic locations. You can reach here from cities like Doha, Budapest, and Paris. One of the cheapest ways to travel, however, is via National Express or Megabus coaches. The Edinburgh Waverley Station connects the city to the major hubs in the UK including London, Manchester, Aberdeen, and Glasgow.
Within Edinburgh, you can easily board a local bus or taxi. The city is very pedestrian-friendly. And the new town also has a convenient tram system which can be used by tourists.
What to Eat
There are some great restaurants and pubs on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. You should head to the Grain Store to try the Loch Creran oyster, pork rillette, and their artisanal bread. Also, try the venison, haggis, and cheese at Angels With Bagpipes.
Best accommodation around Edinburgh Castle
There are many excellent OYO hotels in Edinburgh which locate you a stone’s throw away from the Royal Mile. You can avail of brilliant facilities as well as great service here. These hotels offer free wifi, card payment options, and added security with CCTV cameras to make your stay a moment to remember.