Royal Mile
Royal Mile is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Edinburgh audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~90 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type historic
- Suggested visit ~90 min
- Edinburgh Edinburgh guide
About Royal Mile
The historic main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace.
The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, a succession of streets running approximately one Scots mile downhill from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Along its length you'll encounter medieval tenement buildings, hidden closes and courtyards, and some of the city's most important historic buildings. The street comprises Castlehill, the Lawnmarket, the High Street, the Canongate, and Abbey Strand. It has been the processional route for monarchs for centuries.
Did you know? A Scots mile is actually longer than an English mile, about 1.8 km compared to 1.6 km.
How long should you spend at Royal Mile?
Plan about ~90 min at Royal Mile. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Royal Mile worth visiting?
Royal Mile is one of the 26 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Edinburgh, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Edinburgh
Hear the story of Royal Mile
Preview the Edinburgh tour free in the Gingerguide app.