Edinburgh’s Royal Mile attractions take you to the epicenter of this ancient city’s history and charm.  Its exquisite architecture and dramatic castle are surrounded by 7 hills, the Firth of Forth (estuary) and Scottish verdant countryside. 

Even more, on the edge of Edinburgh is the gorgeous park and extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat.  From this vantage point, the ancient Edinburgh skyline is the stunning view for hiking and leisure. Thus, this capital city is balanced with its culture and lush green spaces, estuary and lochs nearby. And walking is the best way to experience this historic treasure trove, so let’s go.

Edinburgh’s Dramatic Setting

Edinburgh lies on the Firth of Forth, an estuary of several Scottish rivers that meet the North Sea. History says Edinburgh became built on seven hills, an analogy to Rome. While there’s debate on which ones are the 7, no one can deny the hilly terrain.

East of the city is the gorgeous Holyrood Park for hiking and stunning views of the cityscape.  Also, Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano is the highest point here at 250.5 m (822 ft), offering panoramic views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth and 7 hills.

The Edinburgh castle looms over the city on Castle Rock, another extinct volcano.  Overall, the cityscape has a medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings.

Scott Monument

First, I arrived in Edinburgh from Waverly Train Station.  Leaving the station, I immediately felt drawn to the castle by its looming presence.  However, first I walked by the intriguing Scott Monument.  This Victorian Gothic monument symbolizes the Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott.  As the second largest monument for a writer in the world, it stands 200 feet tall.  Also, standing elegantly in Princess Street Gardens, it offers viewing platforms for panoramic views.

What is the Royal Mile?

The Royal Mile steep street goes from the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Queen’s residence) to the Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano.  Furthermore, it’s lined with eclectic shops, such as, museums, restaurants and traditional pubs.  Also, the distance is almost exactly a mile (1.6 km).

Edinburgh’s Royal Mile Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

The majestic Edinburgh Castle is the star attraction in Old Town, with an omnipresence in this medieval skyline.  Looming high upon Castle Rock, it leaves you spellbound and enamored to go there and see what it’s all about.   There stood a royal castle upon this rock since the 12^th century.  Plus, over 1100 years, archives recorded 26 sieges. Thus, this castle claims to being “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world.” 

I loved being here, putting this history into context.  Overall, it’s mind-boggling to imagine how much conflict happened here. However, the vantage point is absolutely stunning for views. You can see the whole city of Edinburgh, Gothic spires pointing skyward, the vast Firth of Forth and the gorgeous green hills of Holyrood Park.

During summer months, Edinburgh Castle requires online bookings often a day in advance.

At the Castle, the Scottish Crown Jewels is a popular tourist attraction, with a long, patient queue.  These jewels date back to the 15^th and 16^th centuries.  Also, they are the oldest surviving set of jewels on the British Isles.  For example, the 3 primary elements are the crown, sceptre and the Sword of State. I didn’t feel up to the wait, so missed out on its fanfare.

St. Giles Cathedral

From the castle, walking along the Royal Mile, I marveled at this stunning Gothic St. Giles’s Cathedral in Parliament Square.  Founded in the 12^th century, it became the focal point of the Scottish Reformation.  Most importantly, this church is regarded as the Mother Church of World Presbyterianism, welcoming visitors from all over the world. Visitors can tour inside for a free admission.

Royal Mile
Restaurants, Cafes and Pubs

There are many choices along the Royal Mile for restaurants.  I loved my lunch at The Royal Mile Tavern.  Even though it sounds touristy, I felt immersed in the classic Scottish tradition with authentic charm.  I savored my delicious crunchy battered fried fish with chips and a pint.  Also, this tavern offers over 100 different whiskies and numerous craft ales. 

The Elephant House is a popular cafe, known as the “Birthplace of Harry Potter.” It is where R.K. Rowling spent a lot of her time writing the Henry Potter series. The cafe is reopening after devastation from a fire.

The Writer’s Museum and Makar’s Court

UNESCO Named Edinburgh as 1 of 39 cities in the World as a City of Literature.  Even more, Edinburgh was the first City ever recognized for this by UNESCO. 

Therefore, authors and literature play a big part of the Scottish culture.  On the Royal Mile is The Writer’s Museum, dedicated to the lives and writing of Scotland’s great literary figures, such as, Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevensen.  Makar’s Court is in front of this museum.  In the Scottish language, Makar means Writer or Author.

Also, in 1997 the Saltire Society selected twelve Scottish writers, engraving their quotes on stone slabs in Makar’s Court.  Sorry that I missed The Writer’s Museum and Makar’s court, because I love connecting with the literature and authors from different cultures.  However, I didn’t learn about this until afterwards.  Therefore, don’t miss out if you are a literature lover or writer yourself.  

Holyrood Palace and Park

At the bottom of the Royal mile is the Holyrood Palace.  This served as the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16^th century.  It’s now a setting for state events and official meetings.  The Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments usually open for public tours.  I just walked by and did not go inside to see the Palace, on my way to the park.

Also, not to miss out, behind the palace is the lush green hills of Holyrood Park with various landscapes, such as, extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags (basalt cliffs) for rock climbing and Dunsapie Loch.

Arthur’s Seat Hike & View

Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano among a group of hills in Holyrood Park with stunning views of Edinburgh.  Furthermore, it stands at 250 metres (822 ft). The “Seat” is the alcove located almost half-way between the peak’s highest and secondary point.   From some angles, Arthur’s Seat resembles a lion couchant.  Two of the other extinct vents look like the ‘Lion’s Head’ and the ‘Lion’s Haunch’.

I walked to Arthur’s Seat for the panoramic view.  After being in the crowded cobblestone roads of the Royal Mile, this was a wonderful balance to restore a sense of calm and perspective.  Furthermore, its grassy, hilly terrain provides wide open views with wildflower, the loch and the reflection back of Edinburgh’s skyline and beyond.  Loved my experience here, therefore, I highly recommend visitors to not miss this beautiful and moderate level of hiking in the hills of Holyrood Park.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

If you have some extra time or it’s a rainy day, check out the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. This museum features art from about 1900 to the present featuring more than 6,000 paintings, sculptures and other exhibitions. It’s located between the Scott Monument and Edinburgh Castle.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

The world-renowned The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo performs in the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle bedazzling with entertainment, such as, massed pipes and drums, traditional highland dance and fiddle and numerous cultural acts.  What began in 1949 as a simple performance has grown into a worldwide event.

It runs annually for a 25-night run every August.

Here’s the chance for anyone to join a community with a shared passion and interests in Tattoo performances. Anyone from around the world can join the Tattoo. It offers opportunities for Workshops, Master Classes, Social Events and the venue to perform.

Festival Fringe in Edinburgh – Every August

This festival is the largest celebration of the arts in the world.  For example, thousands of street performers sing, dance, juggle, speak and all that you can imagine here.

Related: Edinburgh Festival Fringe – Favorite, Fun Photos

Enjoy Edinburgh!

Edinburgh’s amazing attractions on The Royal Mile, along with its green hills at Holyrood Park provides the perfect balance of culture and natural wonder.  Overall, I became enamored by Edinburgh for its breathtaking architecture, rich culture and lush landscapes.  There is a Gothic intrigue to this ancient city, alongside a mysterious intelligence written about by this fascinating City of Literature.

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