Things to do on The Royal Mile

The Old Town is home to some of Edinburgh’s biggest and best attractions. Grab a selfie at the city’s most iconic landmarks, or uncover the capital’s hidden gems down one of our many wynds and closes.

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Castles and historic buildings

The Royal Mile is full of historic buildings, and Edinburgh Castle is one of the most iconic. Visitors can explore the castle’s many exhibits, including the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. From the castle, make your way down the Royal Mile to John Knox House, where you can learn about the Scottish Reformation and see artefacts related to John Knox himself.

Don’t forget to admire the stunning St Giles’ Cathedral along the way. This magnificent building has been a fixture on the Royal Mile since the 12th century and is renowned for its striking architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Located along Princes Street, the Scot Monument is a world-famous monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. It is the largest tribute to a writer anywhere in the world. Nearby, is The Royal Scottish Academy who supports art and architecture in Scotland. They run a year-round programme of exhibitions, artist opportunities and events from their base at the Mound.

If you are looking for a glimpse into the luxury life in Edinburgh’s Old Town, head to Gladstone’s Land, a 500-year-old building that has been restored to its former glory. If royalty is more of your thing, take a trip to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Royal Residence in Edinburgh. Explore the bedchamber of Mary Queen of Scots and learn about the tragic events that unfolded here.

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Closes

You can’t visit the Royal Mile without visiting one of Edinburgh’s historic closes.

Riddle’s Close, located on Lawnmarket, was initially a mansion house complex built by Baille John McMorran in the 1590s, later becoming known as Riddle’s Court after George Riddle’s reconstruction in 1726. Riddles Court has a distinguished history, including playing host to King James VI and his wife Anne of Denmark at a royal banquet in 1598 and becoming the residence of David Hume, philosopher and historian, in 1751.

Wardrop’s Close, located behind the Lawnmarket, came into being in the 1890s when tenements that separated it from Paterson’s Court were demolished. Among the demolished buildings was the house where Robert Burns stayed during his first visit to Edinburgh. The entrance to Wardrop’s Court is known for its dragon brackets, sculpted by J S Gibson circa 1890. The dragons were restored to their former glory in 2012.

On the High Street, you can find the Old Fishmarket Close. The close was first recorded in 1592 and was named for the fish market that thrived within it. The close has been known by various names, including Carmichael’s Close (1722), Gourlay’s Close (1756), and Home Close (1707). The most ancient name of all is Swift’s Wynd, recorded in 1539 but apparently going back to John Swift and his wife Alison, who acquired a tenement South of the High Street in 1427.

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Museums

There are a variety of museums on offer on the Royal Mile. From the Museum of Childhood, where you can explore toys and games from throughout history. To The Scottish Storytelling Centre, head here to learn about Scotland’s rich storytelling tradition and try your hand at telling your own tales.

Another great pick is the Museum of Edinburgh, housed in a 16th-century building, it will surprise you with fascinating insights into Auld Reekie’s past. Across the street, The People’s Story tells the tale of Edinburgh’s residents through their own words. For something a bit different, The Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft displays genuine artefacts on Scottish Witchcraft, magic, occultism, divination and Fortune-telling.

Finally, visit the Writers’ Museum, which celebrates the lives of Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Sir Walter Scott, and features rare objects from Scotland’s literary history, sure to inspire you.

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Tours

Join Mercat Tours to learn about Edinburgh’s rich history, including tales of murder and intrigue as well as light-hearted stories of famous residents. Or take one of Auld Reekie’s tours through Edinburgh’s most extensive vaults and learn all there is to know about the ghost’s & history of the city.

Tours et Détours d’Edimbourg are a tour guide company offering walking tours of Edinburgh in French. They have traditional historical tours as well as themed tours around the topics of Harry Potter, ghosts & mysteries, whisky, family friendly, food and Outlander. Or, explore Holyrood Park with an expert guide and climb Arthur’s Seat, the extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh for wonderful views of the city with Geowalk.

Discover the rich world of Scottish spirits through two unforgettable experiences. At Edinburgh Gin Distillery, immerse yourself in the artistry and history of gin with guided tours and interactive sessions, including cocktail making and gin and chocolate pairings. Meanwhile, beneath the historic streets, The Lost Close offers intimate whisky and gin tastings set in a captivating underground setting.

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Outdoors

As The Old Town can get rather busy, it pays to know where to run to if you need a quiet moment of respite. That’s why Dunbar’s Close is perfect for the weary visitor needing a moment to sit down and recuperate. A recreated 17th century secret garden, Dunbar’s Close offers moments of respite in a beautifully kept oasis in the centre of the city.

For a more active experience, start by climbing Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano that offers stunning views of the city. Then you could take a tour of Holyrood Park, which includes St Margaret’s Loch.

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Other fun

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile offers plenty of other fun activities for visitors. Start by visiting Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, where you can experience optical illusions and amazing views of the city. Then head to Dynamic Earth, a playground for the curious and adventurous minds, where you can touch rocks from space and even experience a simulated earthquake!

If you’re looking to learn more about Scottish life, head to the Scottish Parliament, located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. The parliament’s visitor exhibition explains how the Scottish government works for its people and gives you the chance to see the debating chamber. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of parliament in session.

If you have a sweet tooth, you must visit The Chocolatarium. This interactive chocolate experience is the perfect place to indulge your senses and learn about the history of chocolate making. Or you can unleash your inner artist at Kirsteen’s Art Workshops, perfect for those with a creative spark and a passion for art.

For rock enthusiasts, Legends is a must-visit—a vibrant, 24/7 rock club that pulses with energy day and night. Open every day with free entry, it’s the ultimate spot to experience Edinburgh’s legendary music scene and connect with fellow music lovers in a lively, authentic setting.

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