Royal Mile

The heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the Royal Mile stretches from the Palace of Holyrood House to Edinburgh Castle. One of the city’s top tourist destinations, the street is lined with shops, and those strolling the sidewalk are often treated to a bagpipe performance (or two) by buskers dressed in traditional Scottish garb. Attractions along the Mile include Camera Obscura, an interactive museum of illusions; the Scotch Whisky Experience, dedicated to the famed Scottish tipple; The Real Mary King’s Close, an underground immersion in Scotland’s history; the Scottish Storytelling Centre, a cultural venue with a seasonal program of events; and the 12th-century St Giles' Cathedral.