Edinburgh Walking Tour + Map: Self-Guided Royal Mile from Castle to Palace 🚶
This is the classic Edinburgh “top to bottom” stroll: Castle at the top, Palace at the bottom, with the Royal Mile doing its dramatic cobbled thing in between. It’s ideal for first-timers, weekend-breakers, and anyone who wants a proper Old Town day without faffing about with planning every five minutes 😄
It’s mostly downhill, so it feels easy-going, but your feet will still know you’ve been on old stones all day. Expect closes (those sneaky little alleyways), street performers, historic buildings stacked on top of more historic buildings, and lots of “hang on, is that a real place or a film set?” moments. I think Edinburgh is fantastic!
🗺️ Convenient FREE Google Map is lower down!
Edinburgh Walking Tour 🚶
🚶 Quick Trip Facts
Distance: approx. 1.8 km / 1.1 miles (Castle to Palace)
Time needed: 3–5 hours (plus cafés, photos, museums, and “quick” browsing that turns into 45 minutes)
Start point: Edinburgh Castle (top of the Royal Mile)
Nearest transport: city centre stops around Princes Street, then a short uphill walk
End point: Palace of Holyroodhouse (point-to-point)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (downhill overall, but cobbles + a few short steep bits)
Best time: early morning for quieter streets, or late afternoon for softer light
👉 Good to know: cobbles can be slick in rain, and some closes have steps. Pushchairs can do it, but it’s a bumpy ride.
🚶 Route at a glance:
Edinburgh Castle → Castlehill → Lawnmarket → St Giles area → High Street → Canongate → Scottish Parliament → Palace of Holyroodhouse
It flows brilliantly because you’re basically following Edinburgh’s main historic artery downhill. You start with the big views, get the buzzy heart of the Old Town, then the Canongate feels a bit calmer before the whole thing opens up near Holyrood.
Quick Q&As
How long is the Royal Mile walk from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace?
About 1.8 km (1.1 miles), not counting detours.
How long does this self-guided Edinburgh walking tour take?
Around 3–5 hours with photo stops and a café break.
Is the Royal Mile walk mostly uphill or downhill?
Mostly downhill from the Castle to the Palace (your calves get a day off, your knees might not).
Is this Edinburgh walking tour free?
Yes, the walk is free. You only pay if you choose to go into attractions like the Castle or a guided underground stop.
Is the Royal Mile walk pushchair or wheelchair friendly?
Parts of it, but it’s cobbly and bumpy, and many closes have steps. Sticking to the main pavements helps.
What’s the best time of day to do this walk?
Early morning for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for nicer light and atmosphere. 📸
Stop-by-Stop Walking Itinerary
Stop 1: Castle Esplanade (your “OK wow” start) 🏰
Even if you don’t go into the Castle, start at the Esplanade for the views and the sense that Edinburgh has arrived to impress.
📍 Things to see & do here
- City skyline views and the first batch of photos
- People-watch (10/10 entertainment)
- Spot the big event stands if something’s on
🗺️ Mini detour
Walk to the edges of the Esplanade for slightly different angles
💡 Fact: This area hosts major events in summer, so it can look totally different depending on the season.
From here, either head into the Castle (if you’re visiting) or turn downhill onto Castlehill.
Stop 2: Edinburgh Castle (optional deep-dive) 🎟️
If you’re going in, this is your biggest time-spend of the day. You can do a quick highlights visit or let it swallow your afternoon (it’s good like that).
📍 Things to see & do here
- Panoramic viewpoints over the city
- Historic sections and exhibitions
- Grab a hot drink if the wind is doing its usual Edinburgh routine
🗺️ Mini detour
None needed. The Castle is the detour.
🔥 Recommended Tour: Edinburgh castle entry and walking tour
👉 Good to know: Go early if you want to avoid the biggest crowds and feel less like you’re in a slow-moving queue parade.
Exit back the way you came and start down Castlehill.
Stop 3: Castlehill (gothic drama and busy vibes) 🏛️
This is where the Royal Mile starts flexing. Big stone buildings, spires, and the sound of footsteps on cobbles.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Look up at the architecture (seriously, look up)
- Dip into a close just to feel how quickly it gets quiet
- Browse a shop or two for small souvenirs
🗺️ Mini detour
Pick one close and walk 30 seconds in, then turn back out (tiny effort, big atmosphere)
🔹 Pro tip: If you want photos without a sea of heads, this section is best before 10am.
Continue downhill and you’ll drift into Lawnmarket.
Stop 4: Lawnmarket (shops, closes, and street life) 🎭
This stretch is pure Old Town energy. It’s busy, but it’s fun-busy.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Street performers and little pop-up moments
- Historic façades and hidden entrances
- Souvenir browsing (try to resist buying a tartan thing you’ll never wear)
🗺️ Mini detour
A quick wander off the Mile into a close for a quieter photo angle
💡 Fact: The “Royal Mile” is made up of different street names, stitched together into one famous route.
Keep heading downhill towards the centre of the Mile.
🗺️ Related Articles:
Stop 5: A Close Exploration Stop (choose-your-own-adventure) 🕯️
Here’s your permission slip to get nosey. Pick a close that looks interesting and wander a short way in. Some are purely passageways, some open into little courtyards.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Hunt for moody stone staircases and old doors
- Notice how the sound changes instantly off the main street
- Take a few atmospheric shots
🗺️ Mini detour
Try a second close if the first one’s busy (there’s always another)
👉 Good to know: Some closes have steps and uneven ground, so take it slow if it’s wet.
Back to the Royal Mile, then aim for the St Giles area.
Stop 6: St Giles’ Cathedral (a calm reset) ⛪
This is a great “pause” stop. Even if you’re not into churches, it’s worth stepping inside for a quiet moment away from the bustle.
📍 Things to see & do here
- A slow wander to reset your brain
- Look for intricate details and side chapels
- Warm up if it’s freezing outside
🗺️ Mini detour
Walk around the outside to see the building from different angles
🔹 Pro tip: It’s a lovely place to take a breather without needing a full sit-down café stop.
From here, keep heading downhill on the Mile.
Stop 7: Parliament Square area (big history energy) 📜
This bit feels official. You’ll get that “important things happened here” vibe just by standing still.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Take in the grand buildings around you
- People-watch the guides, groups, and locals cutting through
- Decide if you fancy an underground-style experience (optional stop below)
🗺️ Mini detour
Pick a quieter corner for photos without the crowd
💡 Fact: Parts of the Old Town have layers of history underneath the streets, not just in the buildings you can see.
Keep going, or do the optional underground-style stop next.
Stop 8: Underground / Hidden Edinburgh Experience (optional) 🕳️
If you like history with a side of eerie atmosphere, this is where many people add a guided underground stop. It’s a time chunk, but it’s memorable.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Join a guided tour style attraction
- Learn the darker and weirder city stories
- Emerge blinking into daylight like you’ve been underground for days
🗺️ Mini detour
None. This is the detour.
👉 Good to know: These tours often involve stairs and uneven surfaces, so comfy shoes matter.
After this, you’ll be ready for food. Keep rolling downhill.
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Stop 9: High Street wander (the heart of the Mile) 🎶
This is the busy centre section. It’s loud, lively, and packed with little moments.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Street performers, buskers, and general chaos (in a good way)
- Pop into a shop for a quick browse
- Scan for interesting plaques and odd details on buildings
🗺️ Mini detour
If you want a prettier, quieter street, take a quick side wander and loop back
🔹 Pro tip: If you’re getting overwhelmed, step into a close for 60 seconds. It’s like hitting a mute button.
Continue downhill and you’ll start to feel the shift into Canongate.
Stop 10: Canongate (quieter, more local-feeling) 🧱
This is where things mellow out. You’ll still be in historic Old Town, but it feels less frantic.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Enjoy a calmer stroll pace
- Spot interesting buildings and little gardens
- Go inside the Edinburgh Museum
- Dip into a small museum stop if you fancy
🗺️ Mini detour
A gentle loop around nearby side streets (adds 10–15 minutes)
💡 Fact: The vibe changes as you descend, from tourist-heavy at the top to calmer at the bottom.
Keep heading towards the big open area near Holyrood.
Stop 11: Museum Stop (optional, small and satisfying) 🏺
A small museum here is perfect for a “rest your feet while still doing something” moment.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Short visit, no huge commitment
- Local history stories and quirky objects
- Weather shelter if it’s doing that sideways drizzle thing
🗺️ Mini detour
Grab a snack right after, then continue
👉 Good to know: This is a great stop if you’re travelling with kids and you need a reset.
Now you’re close to the dramatic open space near Holyrood.
Stop 12: Scottish Parliament area (modern meets ancient) 🏛️🌿
Suddenly: space. You’ll feel the air change and the city opens up around you.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Take in the contrast between modern buildings and old stone
- Enjoy views towards the hills
- Decide if you want a nature add-on (see detours)
🗺️ Mini detour
A short wander at the edge of Holyrood Park (adds 20–40 minutes)
🔹 Pro tip: If you’re tempted by bigger hills, decide now. It’s easy to accidentally turn a stroll into a full-on workout.
Then it’s the final short walk to the Palace.
Stop 13: Palace of Holyroodhouse (the grand finish) 👑
You’ve done it. Castle to Palace, and your camera roll is now 70% stonework and 30% “why is the sky so dramatic?” shots.
📍 Things to see & do here
- Tour the Palace of Holyroodhouse if you’re going inside (this adds proper time)
- Enjoy the open space and that end-of-route feeling
- Treat yourself to something warm nearby
🗺️ Mini detour
If you’ve got energy, do a short loop around Holyrood Park edges
💡 Fact: This is the official end of the Royal Mile walk, and it feels like a proper “finale” moment.
Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
Map will be located under "YOU" and then under "MAPS".
ℹ️ Add the map to your Google Maps app.
After opening Google maps, click YOU and then scroll down to MAPS. It should be located there. Any issues, just get it touch, it’s no problem!
Cafés, Bars & Local Eats Along The Route ☕🍰🍻
Edinburgh’s made for snack stops. A few ideas that fit naturally into this route:
Coffee + pastry stop: aim around Lawnmarket/High Street
Typical cost: £4–£8 for coffee + pastry (roughly €5–€9 / $5–$10)
Quick lunch: sandwiches, soup, or a hot roll style bite along the Mile
Typical cost: £8–£15 (roughly €9–€17 / $10–$19)
Post-walk pint or whisky: near the bottom end around Holyrood or back towards the Mile
Typical cost: pint £6–£7 (roughly €7–€8 / $8–$9)
👉 Good to know: Peak food times are usually 12:30–2pm. If you hate queues, eat earlier, or do a late lunch and snack your way down.
Staying nearby? If you want to roll out of bed and straight onto the Mile, Old Town is ideal. Check options on Booking.com, or go budget with hostels.
Photo Spots & Best Viewpoints 📸
- Castle Esplanade: big skyline views, classic start shot
- Royal Mile looking downhill: frame the street tapering into the distance
- A close entrance: moody, cinematic stone stairs and doorways
- St Giles area: great for architecture details and wide shots
- Holyrood end: bigger skies, hills in the background, and a grand “end of walk” vibe
💡 Fact: Early morning gives you cleaner photos. Midday is busier and the light can be harsher, so golden hour often wins for atmosphere.
Detours & Optional Add-Ons 🗺️
- Victoria Street + Grassmarket (+30–60 mins)
Colour, shops, pub vibes, and a different Old Town angle. - Calton Hill (+60–90 mins)
Great viewpoints, especially later in the day. - Arthur’s Seat (bigger commitment) (+2–3 hours)
Amazing views, but it turns your walking tour into a proper fitness session.
🔹 Pro tip: Save the hillier add-ons for a clearer day. Fog or rain can turn “views” into “grey nothingness with wind”.
What To Wear & Bring For This Walk 👟🧥
- Shoes with grip (cobbles + rain = slippery combo)
- Layers (Edinburgh breezes love a surprise entrance)
- Light rain jacket or small umbrella
- Water and a snack if you’re doing Castle + Palace in one go
- Portable charger if you’re navigating on your phone all day
- If you don’t want to rely on Wi-Fi, a travel eSIM can be really handy.
If you’re travelling around Scotland more broadly (or doing winter trips), it’s also sensible to have travel insurance sorted before you go.
Accessibility heads-up: cobbles are bumpy, and many closes have steps. Sticking to the main pavements keeps things smoother.
Safety & Accessibility Notes 🧡
- The Royal Mile is busy, so keep your phone and wallet secure in crowds.
- Crossings can be a bit chaotic in the centre, so take your time and don’t rush.
- Some closes are narrow or stepped, and can feel slick in rain. If it’s wet, slow down and skip the steepest-looking alleys.
- The route feels safe and lively in the day. At night, quieter side streets are quieter side streets, so stick to well-lit routes if you’re wandering late.
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Access to the map
No sign up required and totally FREE. Literally just using Google Maps to plot your route! Saves you messing! We don't gatekeep here! Enjoy.
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FAQs
Is this walking tour suitable for kids?
Yes, especially if you keep it snack-powered and build in museum or café breaks.
Can I do this walk in bad weather?
Yep. Just wear grippy shoes and use indoor stops (cathedral, museums, cafés) as little shelter breaks.
Do I need to book tickets for anything on the route?
Only for the big attractions you plan to enter (like the Castle or guided underground experiences). Otherwise, you can do the walk freely.
Can I shorten the route if I get tired?
Definitely. You can hop off to public transport from several points, or take breaks and turn it into a slower half-day.
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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