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A mini guide to
Old Town & Royal Mile: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Wear shoes with grip
The Royal Mile slopes steeply and many closes have steps and cobbles. Comfortable, grippy shoes make a big difference.
Walk downhill
The Royal Mile runs downhill from the Castle to Holyrood, so start at the top and let gravity help.
Book ahead in August
The Fringe and the Military Tattoo both run in August. Book rooms and ticketed attractions well in advance.
Step into the closes
Narrow closes and wynds lead off the High Street to quieter courtyards, cafés and museums. Look for the signs.
Festival season
Edinburgh's big events
Dates come from the organisers. Confirm them on the official sites before you book, and expect busy streets and high prices.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
6 to 30 August 2027
The Fringe's 80th edition, with shows across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6 to 28 August 2027
The annual military show in Edinburgh each August.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
29 to 31 December 2026, plus New Year's Day
A torchlight procession, concerts and the Street Party, followed by a free live-music trail on New Year's Day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Old Town & Royal Mile?
Old Town & Royal Mile is in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Castle, the Royal Mile and a maze of medieval closes. Nearby stops and stations include Edinburgh Waverley, St Andrew Square, Princes Street.
How long do I need in Old Town & Royal Mile?
A full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Edinburgh Waverley (ScotRail, LNER and other operators); St Andrew Square (Edinburgh Trams); Princes Street (Edinburgh Trams); Edinburgh Bus Station (National Express, Megabus and other coaches). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 22 places to eat and drink in and around Old Town & Royal Mile, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 12 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Old Town & Royal Mile accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Old Town & Royal Mile
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
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.
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh, a medieval church on the Royal Mile with a crown-shaped spire and the Thistle Chapel.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Victorian camera obscura beside the Castle, with a rooftop terrace and floors of optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
New Town
Georgian squares, grand galleries and Princes Street Gardens
Open the mini guide →
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill
A royal palace, a Parliament and two hills with city views
Open the mini guide →
Stockbridge & Dean Village
A riverside village, a botanic garden and Edinburgh's best-loved suburb
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- St Cecilia's Hall: Jim Barton, 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
- 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
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