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Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Fortress on Castle Rock above the city, home to the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish National War Memorial and the One O'Clock Gun.
A mini guide to
Old Town & Royal Mile
The Castle, the Royal Mile and a maze of medieval closes
Photos
1 / 10Welcome to the area
The Castle, the Royal Mile and a maze of medieval closes
The Old Town is the medieval heart of Edinburgh. It runs along a ridge from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile towards Holyrood, and forms half of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Narrow closes and wynds lead off the main street to courtyards, museums, pubs and cafés. St Giles' Cathedral, the Writers' Museum and the Castle are all within a short walk, so it is the natural place to start.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh, a medieval church on the Royal Mile with a crown-shaped spire and the Thistle Chapel.
Directions Website Report a problem with St Giles' Cathedral
Attraction
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Victorian camera obscura beside the Castle, with a rooftop terrace and floors of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Directions Website Report a problem with Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Attraction
The Scotch Whisky Experience
Visitor attraction at the Castle end of the Royal Mile, with a barrel ride and tours about how Scotch whisky is made.
Directions Website Report a problem with The Scotch Whisky Experience
Underground tour
The Real Mary King's Close
Guided tours of preserved historic closes beneath the Royal Mile.
Directions Website Report a problem with The Real Mary King's Close
Museum
Writers' Museum
Museum in Lady Stair's House about the lives and work of Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows Old Town & Royal Mile and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Wear shoes with grip
The Royal Mile slopes steeply and many closes have steps and cobbles. Comfortable, grippy shoes make a big difference.
2
Walk downhill
The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to Holyrood, so start at the top and let gravity help.
3
Book ahead in August
The Fringe and the Military Tattoo both run in August. Book rooms and ticketed attractions well in advance.
4
Step into the closes
Narrow closes and wynds lead off the High Street to quieter courtyards, cafés and museums. Look for the signs.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
Everything for Old Town & Royal Mile
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
15 sights · 30 places to eat
New Town
Georgian squares, grand galleries and Princes Street Gardens
Open the mini guide →
16 sights · 23 places to eat
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill
A royal palace, a Parliament and two hills with city views
Open the mini guide →
14 sights · 23 places to eat
Stockbridge & Dean Village
A riverside village, a botanic garden and Edinburgh's best-loved suburb
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Old Town & Royal Mile (area photo): Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Edinburgh Castle: Stephencdickson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Giles' Cathedral: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- The Scotch Whisky Experience: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, source
- The Real Mary King's Close: Mario RM from Madrid, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Writers' Museum: Stefan Schäfer, Lich, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Gladstone's Land: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- Museum on the Mound: Pjt56, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Museum of Childhood: Stefan Schäfer, Lich, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Scottish Storytelling Centre: Brian McNeil, CC BY 3.0, source
- John Knox House: Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- The Edinburgh Dungeon: Shadowgate from Novara, ITALY, CC BY 2.0, source
- Mercat Cross: User:Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Fruitmarket: Stefan Schäfer, Lich, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- City Art Centre: Victuallers, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Cecilia's Hall: Jim Barton, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- New Town: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: Peulle, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith & the Waterfront: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grassmarket & Southside: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source
- Haymarket & Murrayfield: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Edinburgh