CityBuddy
Royal Mile
Best time to visit
Early mornings on weekdays offer quieter streets and soft light for photos; late afternoon during August festival brings performers and a very lively atmosphere.
Budget tips
Many museums and St Giles Cathedral are free, while attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Real Mary King's Close charge admission, so book castle tickets online in advance for better prices. Consider the Historic Environment Scotland Explorer Pass or an Edinburgh city pass if visiting several paid sites to save money.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Families, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: Crowds spill along the cobbled main stretch most afternoons, where pipers, storytellers, and costumed guides compete with the chatter of tour groups. Look down to see worn sandstone steps, narrow closes opening like alleys, and street signs that hint at centuries of daily life under gaslight and sudden rain.
Highlights: A thundering 1:00 p.m. gunshot from the castle above still punctuates afternoons, the boom rattling windows and sending flocks of pigeons skyward. Near a busy church, a faded heart-shaped mosaic bears scuff marks from a quirky local tradition of spitting, and cozy whisky rooms tucked down tiny closes let you taste peaty smoke in the damp air.
Insider tips
- Wear sturdy, grippy shoes because the cobbles are uneven and often wet.
- For standout photos, shoot from the Castle esplanade looking down the Mile at golden hour, and use Camera Obscura's rooftop for panoramas.
- Avoid midday during summer when tour groups peak; early morning or late afternoon is quieter for exploring closes.
- Skip the most obvious tourist cafés on the main thoroughfare and try nearby Victoria Street or Grassmarket for more variety and better prices.
Book a FREE walking tour in Scotland, United Kingdom
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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