Edinburgh welcomes over five million visitors a year. They come for the shops, the museums, the whisky tastings and the festival buzz — but sooner or later, every road leads to the Royal Mile, the medieval spine of Edinburgh Old Town that no one wants to miss.

Nowhere else in the UK is there such a concentrated collection of preserved ancient streets so densely layered with history – you can feel the past under your feet. In fact, if you took your shoes off at Lawnmarket and made it to the Castle Esplanade without a splinter, or indeed a citizens arrest – you crazy person, no doubt you would have absorbed enough Scottish history to make you cancel your walking tour. It’s old, it’s atmospheric and it’s iconic.

So whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, we’ll guide you through all the must-see sights, top hotels, unmissable tours and hidden gems. You’ll experience the streets, the stories, and the hidden corners which make the Old Town of Edinburgh so unforgettable.

Everything You Need To Know About The Old Town Of Edinburgh

Whether you’re here for a day-trip, or you’re visiting Edinburgh for a little longer, we’d like to give you the low-down on the Old Town – Edinburgh’s most enchanting neighbourhood.

In this article we’ll cover…

• Our favourite Edinburgh Old Town Hotels – from budget to luxury.
• A bit of history on the Royal Mile and beyond.
• The best places to visit and things to see in Old Town Edinburgh.
• Some of our favourite tried and tested tours.
• Where to eat and drink in this area of Edinburgh.
• Some insider travel tips to make your trip go smoothly.

Our Favourite Edinburgh Old Town Hotels

Staying in the Old Town of Edinburgh is an excellent idea – it’s full of atmosphere, there are loads of great places to eat and drink, and it’s convenient for seeing all of Edinburgh’s top spots. There are plenty of choices for every budget too, so here’s our carefully selected list…

BUDGET RANGE

For as little as £80 a night (off-peak) the 4 star Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel is trendy, well thought-out, and super convenient for the nightlife of Grassmarket, and yet still scores for those on a tighter budget! Some rooms have amazing views of the castle above (although they do cost more), and all rooms have air-conditioning, a fridge, a coffee machine, and my favourite detail – Antipodes toiletries (IYKYK).

There’s a gym and swimming pool next door which guests can use, you’re surrounded by a plethora of coffee shops and bakeries (along with the overwhelming choices at the adjacent Grassmarket Food Market), you’re greeted by a giant rainbow leopard in the lobby, and you can stumble home from The White Hart Inn or Maggie Dickson’s after last orders – two of our favourite pubs in this area of Edinburgh.

WHY PEOPLE STAY HERE:

• Budget friendly
• Great location near Grassmarket
• Castle views
• Best for nightlife & short stays

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MID RANGE HOTEL

If your budget stretches, one of our favourite places to stay in Edinburgh Old Town is on the Royal Mile itself. Centuries of stories are trapped in the walls of the great buildings on Edinburgh’s most famous street and wherever you stay no doubt the architecture will impress. The Royal Mile is largely made up of Scottish Tenements – multi-storey residential buildings arranged around a shared entrance and stairwell. Typically, in bygone years, the ground floors would be workshops, the middle levels for the middle-classes and families, and the top floors for those who could afford better sunlight, ventilation, and an escape from the noise of the street. The wealth of each floor is often reflected in the architectural details and that’s why staying in an apartment on the Royal Mile is a great way to experience a bit of Edinburgh’s history.

Our favourite place is Old Town Chambers, Edinburgh – not just because they’re beautiful apartments where Bose sound systems reside on Medieval stone windowsills, and fancy bathrooms lie underneath ancient wooden gables. But because the building itself, once the centre of commerce in Edinburgh, sits right on top of old Medieval streets that still exist. If you do the Mary King’s Close Tour you’ll see what I mean.

Expect historic charm with modern comforts, and all of the marvelous architecture you could expect from a Royal Exchange built by John Adams. Each apartment has open-plan living, a fitted kitchen, stylish interiors and some with balconies and city views. There are loads of apartments you could book on the Royal Mile but none as special as Old Town Chambers.

WHY PEOPLE STAY HERE:

• It’s right on the Royal Mile
• Spacious serviced apartments ideal for families & longer stays
• Consistently excellent guest reviews

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LUXURY HOTELS IN EDINBURGH

Where the Old Town meets the New, perched on North Bridge, The Scotsman Hotel is the place to stay for ultimate luxury and extreme hospitality. You pay to be looked after and you get it!

Once upon a time this beautiful Edwardian building started life as The Scotsman newspaper’s headquarters, but today it’s arguably Edinburgh’s most luxurious hotel. That said, it still wears its legacy with pride in the cute little details – the name of your room, the pre-dinner cocktail, and the complimentary copy of that day’s newspaper.

We absolutely love a cocktail in The Grand Cafe whilst a pianist compliments your aperitif – its glamour-induced popularity does mean you should reserve a table beforehand though, just to be safe. And the Scotsman Picturehouse – an in-hotel boutique cinema – is the perfect place to retreat after a busy day in Edinburgh.

If you’re arriving in Edinburgh by train, this is also the most perfect hotel to book in terms of location – you couldn’t get any closer. And if you drove, the hotel offers half-price parking at Q-park Omni – another way you will feel taken care of during your stay as parking in Edinburgh is EXPENSIVE!

WHY PEOPLE STAY HERE:

• Prime location for Waverley Train Station, The Royal Mile & Princes Street
• 5 star style & comfort in an iconic Edinburgh building
• Premium service & attention to detail
• Excellent bar, restaurant & cinema

ULTIMATE LUXURY, BIG SPLURGE HOTEL

If you are looking for an extra special stay in Edinburgh Old Town, then perhaps you’ve heard of The Witchery? Its Gothic opulence has caught the attention of travel magazines and celebrities alike. Think velvet walls, silver bath tubs and tapestried four-poster beds – it’s like Laurence Lewellyn Bowen took on a commission from Bram Stoker. And you neighbour is Edinburgh Castle!

WHY PEOPLE STAY HERE:

• It’s perfect for special occasions
• Award winning dining on site
• Stunning Royal Mile views from your luxury suite
• A stay that feels like an experience, not just a hotel

To see the rates for The Witchery Hotel, click here.

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A Bit Of Old Town History

Whilst York and Canterbury’s street plans may pre-date Edinburgh by many centuries, much of those two cities were rebuilt in the Tudor and Georgian periods. That means that what you see on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is the oldest existing town centre left in the whole of the UK!

Edinburgh itself began as a fortress rather than a town. One volcanic eruption left the most perfect souvenir in the shape of Castle Rock and its protruding edge that would eventually become the Royal Mile. Castle Rock was the obvious place to build a fortress, Holyrood Abbey sat at the other end of the slope, and as the castle and town grew in importance more buildings sprang up along this volcanic ridge. The Royal Mile was protected by steep drops on either side but this did raise one small problem in terms of growth – they couldn’t build out so they had to build up! Next thing you know, Edinburgh invented the high-rise apartment block concept.

The lower end of the Royal Mile, known as Canongate, became a packed consortium of tenements, narrow closes, hidden courtyards and steep wynds (or steps) that trickled over the edge. And the section of ridge closest to the castle became a thriving hub of merchants, craftsmen and law courts – the beating heart of Medieval Edinburgh.

But, what began as a defensible ridge of rock would, over the next few centuries, become one of the most influential square miles in Europe. Among the candlelit taverns, cramped rooms and lecture halls the best brains in history convened and the modern world quietly took shape. Edinburgh Old Town was the place where the foundations of modern medicine, geology, economics, and engineering were laid – it invented money, anaesthesia, suspension bridges, steam power and the Encyclopedia Britannica!

The nature of the tall tenements meant that professors, surgeons, lawers and printers all lived on top of each other. A social pressure-cooker where ideas travelled fast, disciplines collided and things got done. And when you know all of this you can’t help but be wowed as you walk the old streets of Edinburgh Old Town.

Things To Do & Places To See In Edinburgh Old Town

It takes a whole 20 minutes to walk the length of the Royal Mile, and then probably another 10 to get down Victoria Street into Grassmarket, but trust me – you could spend 20 days exploring every nook and cranny in the Old Town. Hidden parks, countless museums, so many plaques, monuments and historical claims that you could never see it all in one visit. So here’s our favourite bits – where we’d absolutely make time for if we were only here for a short time…

We’ve started the list at the bottom of the Royal Mile (Holyrood Palace & Abbey) and we end in the Grassmarket, via Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street.

1. Holyrood Palace & Abbey

2. The Museum Of Edinburgh

3. The Museum Of Childhood

4. Tron Kirk Market

5. The Real Mary King’s Close

6. The Mercat Cross & Heart Of Midlothian

7. St Giles Church

1. Holyrood Palace & Abbey

900 years of Royal History have graced this end of Edinburgh Old Town and visiting Holyrood is the perfect way to find out more. Discover how the King still uses the palace for official engagements, hear the stories of interesting visitors over the centuries, and learn more about Mary Queen of Scots and her life here.

Many say they prefer the Palace over the Castle if time restricts you and you have to choose between the two – I would agree, but then I am a bit of a Mary Queen of Scots fiend. The Castle is certainly more dramatic to look at, but learning so much about Edinburgh’s Royal past and present is definitely a worthwhile hour or two.

LOCAL TIP: If you’re looking for a quiet place, away from the hoards of tourists on the Royal Mile, duck into Dunbar’s Place, a short walk up from Holyrood Palace. This historical garden and Edinburgh hidden gem is a landscaped dream of topiary, herbs and scented flowers. And sheltered by the high adjacent church walls you feel like you’ve travelled to another place entirely.

2. The Museum Of Edinburgh

The Museum Of Edinburgh at Huntley House is a beautiful 16th century maze of historic rooms filled with a fascinating collection of objects from Scottish history. If nothing else it can be a free half-an-hour to wander the crooked corridors and creaky stairs of a typical town house and get a feel for Old Town living. But the assortment of paraphernalia found in the Museum of Edinburgh can be quite intriguing too. From an impressive sedan chair which would’ve carried the wealthy through the dirty streets of the old town of Edinburgh, to one of the canon balls found in Princes Street Gardens, the museum and its cute little courtyard are a pantry of thought-provoking fascinations.

TIP: If you have time, tag on a stop at the free People’s Story Museum over the road from the Museum of Edinburgh for a quick peek at a poor-man’s Madame Tussauds. Slightly scary looking re-creations of people going about their daily business in Edinburgh. And, all housed in a 16th century tolbooth that served as a courthouse, jail and council meeting place.

Another noteworthy stop opposite the Museum of Edinburgh is the graveyard of Canongate Kirk – it’s packed to brimming with eminent Scots, including the famous Adam Smith and Robert Fergusson.

3. The Museum Of Childhood

Whilst the Camra Obscura is our top choice for kids on the Royal Mile (check out number ?) if you’re looking for more things to do with kids in Edinburgh then the Museum Of Childhood is worthy of a half-hour peruse. Even longer if you want to leave the kids to play for a while.

Set over 5 floors this nostalgic gem is a time-machine disguised as a toy cupboard! From delicate Victorian dolls to action figure, board games and early video games that instantly lock forgotten memories. It’s colourful, chaotic, and guaranteed to make you say “I had one of those!” at least five times before you reach the top floor.

Be sure to look for the tiny details – some of the best bits aren’t the big displays, but the handwritten school reports, old toy adverts, and diary entries tucked into cases – they’re funny, touching, and very human.

The building itself used to be a Victorian school, which somehow makes it even more perfect – generations of children once sat in classrooms here long before it became a place dedicated to the history of growing up.

LOCAL TIPS: Just up from the museum, duck in to Bakehouse Close for a real feel of how Edinburgh Old Town once functioned. Named after the bakers who worked here it’s one of the best preserved closes in town, and was also used as a filming location in Outlander.

And across the street, at the entrance to Paisley Close look up and you’ll spot the carved face of a boy named Joseph McIvor. He survived the collapse of the tenement here in 1861 and his cheerful cry “Heave awa’ lads, I’m no’ deid yet!” was immortalised in stone.

4. Tron Kirk Market

A stubborn survivor of the Great Fire of 1824 which nearly destroyed the Old Town, Tron Kirk was the overflow church built when St Giles became packed to the gunnels. But aside from solving Edinburgh’s booming population problems, it also served as the city’s Medieval alarm clock – signalling trading hours and more major events with its bell.

Today though it’s one of the Royal Mile’s most enjoyable browsing spots – an artisan market. Under the giant stone arches you’ll find stalls of candles, cakes and crafts, pottery, pictures and potions. It’s a brilliant place to soak up local creativity, and pick up souvenirs that feel a little more special than the usual fridge magnet.

LOCAL TIP: Another story from the Royal Mile that you might like to hear about is from Fleshmarket Close, just past Tron Kirk on the right. It isn’t necessarily anything to look at but history tells us that this was the butcher’s street and the blood from their work reportedly flowed down the steep steps towards the Nor’ Loch below. Grim eh!?

This particular stretch of the high street was once the beating commercial heart of medieval Edinburgh — packed with markets, prisons, shops, public punishments and city gates, all crammed into a few noisy, chaotic yards. The fire of 1824 reshaped much of that as huge chunks were destroyed and the rebuilds created more space than the tighter places up and down the Royal Mile.

5. The Real Mary King’s Close

Definitely one of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh Old Town is a tour of Mary King’s Close – welcome to the Edinburgh lasagne!

Hidden beneath the modern buildings of the Royal Mile, a preserved warren of 17th-century streets are buried below your feet. When the city was built up and over it in the 1700s it accidentally created a time capsule of Old Town life. As you descend underground, you’re walking through real homes, shops and alleyways where Edinburgh’s residents once cooked, worked, argued, raised families and battled outbreaks of plague.

This isn’t somewhere you can wander unaccompanied, you have to purchase tickets for a guided tour, but they really bring the close to life with stories of overcrowding, daily survival and some of the city’s darker moments. For me though, the true fascination lies in seeing how an entire street was simply sealed off and forgotten for centuries. It’s eerie, educational, and genuinely one of the best ways to understand what life in the Old Town of Edinburgh was really like – no imagination required.

TIP: Book ahead – this is one of Edinburgh’s most popular tours, especially on a weekend and in Summer. Wear comfy shoes as the streets are very steep and uneven, and bring a jumper – Edinburgh’s 17th-century streets are cooler than you’d expect.

6. The Mercat Cross & Heart Of Midlothian

Two spots to look out for on this section of the High Street are the Mercat Cross and the Mosaic Heart of Midlothian – both with historical significance.

The Mercat Cross was effectively Edinburgh’s public notice-board, if you will. Traditionally it was just a marker of the the town’s right to hold a market, but it was in this spot that all proclamations, laws, and even punishments were announced to the public. A medieval Twitter feed of upcoming whippings, Royal decrees and market news. And the tradition isn’t entirely dead – it was more recently used to announce the accession of King Charles III, proving that even in the 21st century, Edinburgh’s public notice-board still has some serious clout.

As for the Heart of Midlothian, here we have a tiny patch of pavement with a big reputation. Locals have been spitting on it for centuries – originally to vent at the old Tolbooth prison authorities, but now seemingly just for good luck. And, as the symbol of beloved local football team – Hearts, although fans don’t usually add to the spitting tradition, you might still find them posing above it with an imaginary ball kick.

So if you find yourself passing this little piece of mosaic pavement and see a whole load of odd behaviours going on, at least you know why now.

7. St Giles Church

St Giles has seen it all – fiery sermons from John Knox, walls hacked down during riots, and centuries of political drama. So it’s a definite highlight on your visit to the old town of Edinburgh.

It dominates the Edinburgh Skyline wherever you are in the city like a Medieval skyscraper of stained glass. And a glimpse inside it is pretty impressive too. The crown shaped spire definitely steals the show (both inside and out) but there’s also a tonne of detail to admire throughout the whole church – check out the twisting pews, the famous (and slightly macabre) tombs, and the ridiculously ornate Thistle Chapel.

You’ll leave with a crick in your neck and an intense awe at how such a masterpiece was even constructed that long ago!

TIP: Check out the view of the New Town from Advocate’s Close just across the street from St Giles.

8. The Writers Museum

Tucked away just off the Royal Mile in the wonderfully named Lady Stair’s Close, the Writers’ Museum celebrates Edinburgh’s long love affair with the written word. This is the city of Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson, after all, where novels were plotted in taverns, poems scribbled by candlelight, and publishing houses helped fuel the Enlightenment.

The museum lives inside Lady Stair’s House, a beautiful 17th-century townhouse on a unique hidden courtyard that you could easily miss if you weren’t looking. Inside you’ll find first editions, handwritten manuscripts, personal belongings (including desks, pens, and even a few dramatic death masks), all telling the story of how this small city helped shape world literature.

It’s a hidden gem for book lovers and history fans alike, and like all the other museums we’ve mentioned – it’s free!

TOP TIP: The quirks don’t end at the museum – step outside into the cobbled courtyard of Makars Court for a living memorial of Edinburgh’s greatest writers. Instead of statues, their names and quotes are set in bronze and stone into the paving stones, and the collection continues to grow as new literary figures are discovered. Every stone has a different design and font style that represents the writers era or personality – it’s all in the details.

9. Camra Obscura & World Of Illusions

Definitely one of our favourite things to do on the Royal Mile, especially with the kids (although I think we perhaps just use them as an excuse!) is a visit to the Camra Obscura. Like a mad professor’s lair it’s mind-bogglingly fascinating, strangely mesmerising and wildly entertaining all in one!

The museum itself is an homage to the innovative invention on the top floor – the Camra Obscura. Since the 1800’s visitors have been coming to see an old-school ‘live feed’ of unsuspecting passers-by at the Castle, along the Royal Mile and in the Princes Street Gardens below. Using mirrors and lenses, long before drones and CCTV, this amazing Victorian invention projects a live moving image onto a viewing table in front of you so you can spy on your suspects. It’s really quite impressive.

However, that’s not all. Another 5 floors are packed with mind-bending illusions and interactive exhibitions – you could literally spend all day here! We love the hall of mirrors, the illusion rooms and the perception experiments – honestly, your mind feels so boggled when you emerge onto the street again. It’s worth every penny of the £25 you pay (cheaper or free for younger visitors) and is one of the best Royal mile attractions for all ages.

TOP TIP: Your Camra Obscura ticket gets you discounts at several Edinburgh restaurants and tea-shops.

10. Edinburgh Castle & The 2 O’clock Gun

The Main Event, The Big Dog, the thing everybody comes to see in Edinburgh… The Castle.

For over 1000 years Edinburgh Castle has been a royal palace, a military stronghold and the heart of Scottish history. Sieges, coronations, betrayals… it’s all kicked off here! And how could you visit the Old Town of Edinburgh and not visit the castle?

To be honest, the time it would take you to see everything inside (all the displays, the Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny, the ancient halls) needs to be considered before you purchase a ticket – you could easily while away 2-3 hours. So, if you’re maybe pushed for time and want to save the insides for another time, try and just be around the Castle entrance at 2pm and at least you’ll experience the canon gun being fired from the ramparts. It’s a habit dating back to 1861 to help ships in the Firth of Forth set their clocks, and trust me – if you’re not ready for it you will jump out of your skin!

And even if you don’t go inside, the 360 views from the castle walls are worthy enough of a selfie or a coffee break.

TIP: Tickets for the castle should always be bought in advance to avoid disappointment, and the earlier in the day you arrive the fewer the crowds.

11. Victoria Street

It’s time to venture off the Royal Mile to another part of the Old Town, so retrace your steps back down Castlehill, past the Gothic masterpiece – Tolbooth Kirk – and right onto Upper Bow. Before you take the steps down to Victoria Street, take a left along the balcony area for some great views of the street from above. When you’ve got the photo’s you want, head on down the steps onto the actual street.

Fans of Harry Potter head straight to Victoria Street as it is supposedly Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley. With its twisting road curves, colourful facades, cobbled road and whimsical shop fronts, I can certainly see the connection (although I’m sure the same was said about London’s Leadenhall Market?). Either way, it’s a street that feels straight out of a storybook.

It was built in the 1820’s as part of a major city redesign, becoming a hub for independent traders and speciality shops. You’ll find everything from artisan whisky stores and wizarding shops to cosy cafés and a few infamous lunch stops (Oink anyone?). It’s a little slice of Edinburgh Old Town that’s hard to resist.

LOCAL TIP: Some of my favourite shops and food stops are; OINK for pulled pork & haggis rolls. IJ MELLIS CHEESEMONGER, well, for cheese obviously, and a very good traditional Scotch egg. KNOOPS for the best hot chocolate. The ISLE OF SKYE CANDLE COMPANY.

12. Grassmarket

Overshadowed by the castle above, and sitting right on the edge of the Old Town, Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is a pretty atmospheric square that has been a hub of trade and entertainment for centuries. In medieval times not only was it a market for livestock and goods, but it doubled up as a public execution site. Those grisly affairs drew in the crowds let me tell you!

Today, the Grassmarket is a lively mix of history, pubs, and food stalls. Traditional taverns like The White Hart Inn (one of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving pubs) and The Last Drop nod to the area’s darker past, and they’re some of our favourite drinking spots in the whole city. The other side of the road is also awash with cafes and bak eries which is testament to whatever time of day you find yourself in Grassmarket your taste buds will be taken care of.

LOCALS TIP: Those in the know take the alleyway steps known as the Vennel, (next to Mary’s Millk Bar on Grassmarket) up to a secret spot that photographers love. These stairs (the Miss Jean Brodie Steps) lead you to a great view of the castle on its rocky outcrop over the rooftops of Old Edinburgh.

At the top of the steps look out for a section of the Flodden Wall – a 16th century defensive wall built around the Old Town of Edinburgh after a devastating defeat at the Battle of Flodden where Scotland lost a huge part of its army. A reminder that Edinburgh has been defending itself for centuries, and always managing to look spectacular while doing so!

Some Of Our Favourite Tours In Edinburgh Old Town

There are literally hundreds of tours you can take in Edinburgh and the Old Town especially has its fair share. But here are a few of our favourites…

REAL MARY KING’S CLOSE GUIDED TOUR

As already mentioned in our things to do on the Royal Mile list, this is definitely one of the most popular tours in Edinburgh. It’s an immersive experience with a character guide as you explore the underground streets once part of the Old Town. You’ll hear about daily life, the plague, and how these streets came to be buried in the first place. Click here for tickets.

ROYAL MILE & OLD TOWN WALKING TOUR

This 3 hour classic walking tour, usually lead by a local historian, is a stroll from the castle, through Grassmarket and finishing in Greyfriars Kirk Yard. You’ll take in a few notable closes, visit keys sites, learn about famous Scots like Robert Burns, and hear the popular stories such as Greyfriars Bobby. If you want a comprehensive education on Edinburgh with a little bit of humour and so many interesting tidbits then this is the tour for you. Click here for tickets and more info.

THE HARRY POTTER MAGICAL EDINBURGH TOUR

Obviously there has to be a Harry Potter tour in here, but this one is the most popular with fans. You get locations associated with JK Rowling and all the inspirations she took from Edinburgh. Click here for tickets and more info.

UNDERGROUND WHISKY TASTING IN THE OLD TOWN

Edinburgh put whisky on the map and has a lot to say about this ancient beverage. There are plenty of whisky tours going on around the city but this one is in a cosy unique setting (a recently uncovered underground space), with an experienced hostess, and offers a try of 4 of the main whisky regions tipples. Click here for tickets and more info.

THE COMBINED EDINBURGH PASS – CASTLE, PALACE, WHISKY & WALKING TOUR

If you were to choose a combined pass to include several of Edinburgh’s attractions then this is the ticket for you. It includes a guided tour of the Castle, an audio-guided tour of the Palace, an Edinburgh Old Town walking tour, and the Silver Tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience. You don’t need to do it all in one day, plus the ticket also gets you a further 10% off other Edinburgh tours, attractions and experiences. Click here for tickets and more info.

Where To Eat And Drink In The Old Town

Edinburgh is full of great places to eat and drink and most of the time you can’t go wrong. However, here are a few of our personal favourites…

• OINK VICTORIA STREET – the best pulled pork sandwich in the softest rolls, and with haggis if you want it.
• HOWIES RESTAURANT – if you want to eat like a local in a proper Scottish restaurant with locally sourced and seasonal produce.
• MARY’S MILK BAR – for the best gelato, ice cream sundaes and hot chocolate floats.
• ALBANACH – for great pub grub. Have the steak and ale pie and the sticky toffee pudding.
• GRASSMARKET FOOD MARKET – all sorts of foods and flavours to eat on the go.
• MAGGIE DICKSON’S – probably my favourite pub in the Grassmarket.

Insider Travel Tips For Visiting Edinburgh Old Town

• Edinburgh Old Town is all cobble stones so wear comfy shoes.
• Visit early, or late – it’s the busiest part of Edinburgh. Staying on the Royal Mile is the best way to take advantage of the quieter times.
• Check for events and festivals – The Fringe, Christmas markets, or Hogmanay events can make the Old Town magical… but crowded, and expensive.
• Look up and down – historic details are everywhere: carved stones, hidden plaques, gargoyles, and rooftop views.

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So there you have it – our highlights and travel tips for visiting Edinburgh’s Old Town. There’s so much to see, we know you’re going to love it!

And if you are in town for a few days, maybe you should make a trip to the nearby village of South Queensferry? Have a read about it here…

Why You Should Visit South Queensferry

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