Explore Edinburgh's Old Town, the medieval heart of the city beneath the castle. Walk the Royal Mile, slip down narrow closes, and take in centuries of stacked stone architecture.
Full description
The Old Town stretches from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, a spine of tall stone tenements, steep closes and hidden courtyards that is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site. Churches, museums, whisky shops, pubs and storytelling venues fill the lanes, and the street pattern still reflects its medieval layout.
It is hilly and atmospheric, especially early in the morning or after dark when the crowds thin. Allow around three hours to walk it properly, longer if you go inside the castle or other attractions.
The Old Town stretches from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Holyrood, a spine of tall stone tenements, steep closes and hidden courtyards that is part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site. Churches, museums, whisky shops, pubs and storytelling venues fill the lanes, and the street pattern still reflects its medieval layout.
It is hilly and atmospheric, especially early in the morning or after dark when the crowds thin. Allow around three hours to walk it properly, longer if you go inside the castle or other attractions.
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Hours
Booking
Duration
3h
Best time
early morning, morning, afternoon, early evening or evening
Intensity
Active — lots of walking
Good to know
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