Welcome to the best free self-guided walking tours of Edinburgh
Walk 1: Edinburgh’s Royal Mile
A Journey Through Time
A 1-mile historical adventure from Castle to Palace
Step back in time as you traverse some of Edinburgh’s most historic sights, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the regal Palace of Holyroodhouse. This 3-4 hour walking tour unveils centuries of Scottish history along the Royal Mile, taking you through medieval closes, into historic churches, and beneath the city’s mysterious underground streets. While the distance is modest at just one mile, each cobblestone tells a story of royalty, rebellion, and reformation. Seven carefully chosen stops reveal Edinburgh’s heart, from its crown-topped cathedral to its hidden underground city.
Stop 1
Edinburgh Castle
What you will see
The iconic castle perched atop Castle Rock
The Scottish Crown Jewels (the Honours of Scotland)
The Stone of Destiny, used in coronation ceremonies
The One O’Clock Gun
Historical & cultural significance
Fortress and royal residence since the 12th century
Symbol of Scottish independence and resilience
Site of many pivotal events in Scottish history
Look out for…
The dog cemetery, a burial ground for officers’ pet
Find Mons Meg, a 15th-century siege cannon
Observe the architecture spanning several centuries, from the 12th-century St. Margaret’s Chapel to the 19th-century Scottish National War Memorial
Stop 2
The Royal Mile
What you will see
The main thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace
Historic buildings with distinctive crow-stepped gables
Narrow alleys (closes) branching off the main street
Historical & cultural significance
The backbone of the Old Town since medieval times
Centre of Edinburgh’s history, culture, and commerce
Showcase of Edinburgh’s unique architectural heritage
Look out for…
The Heart of Midlothian, a heart-shaped mosaic in the pavement
Find the Mercat Cross, where royal proclamations were traditionally read
Observe the different levels of buildings, some reaching 14 stories high in the 17th century
Stop 3
St Giles’ Cathedral
What you will see
The distinctive crown spire of the cathedral
The Thistle Chapel, home of the Order of the Thistle
Beautiful stained glass windows
Historical & cultural significance
Principal church of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh since the 14th century
Centre of the Scottish Reformation
Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh
Look out for…
The statue of John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation
Find the Angels Playing Bagpipes boss in the ceiling
Observe the Riot Panel in one of the stained glass windows, depicting a riot in the cathedral in 1637
Stop 4
The Real Mary King’s Close
What you will see
A network of hidden underground streets and spaces
Preserved 17th-century buildings
Interactive exhibits about life in old Edinburgh
Historical & cultural significance
Provides insight into everyday life in 17th-century Edinburgh
Demonstrates how the city built vertically due to limited space
Site of many legends and ghost stories
Look out for…
The room where Annie, a young ghost, is said to reside
Find the preserved plague room
Observe the different levels of streets, showing how the city was built upon itself
Stop 5
John Knox House
What you will see
One of the oldest buildings on the Royal Mile
Period furnishings and exhibitions about John Knox and the Reformation
The distinctive exterior with its overhanging upper floors
Historical & cultural significance
Associated with John Knox, leader of the Scottish Reformation
One of the few surviving medieval buildings in Edinburgh
Important example of 16th-century urban architecture
Look out for…
The painted ceiling in the Oak Room
Find the secret staircase behind a false bookcase
Observe the exterior details, including the gilded clock and the projecting first floor
Stop 6
Canongate Kirk
What you will see
The distinctive Dutch-style end gable of the kirk
The kirkyard with its notable graves
The royal pew inside the church
Historical & cultural significance
Parish church of Canongate since 1688
Church of the Royal Family when in residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
Site of notable weddings, including that of Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall
Look out for…
The grave of Adam Smith, father of modern economics
Find the mortsafe in the kirkyard, used to prevent body-snatching
Observe the unique weather vane in the shape of a deer’s head with a cross between its antlers, referencing the legend of St. Giles
Stop 7
Palace of Holyroodhouse
What you will see
The official residence of the British monarch in Scotland
The State Apartments
The ruins of Holyrood Abbey
Historical & cultural significance
Royal palace since the 16th century
Scene of many dramatic events in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots
Still used for official ceremonies and royal visits to Scotland
Look out for…
The bloodstain in Mary, Queen of Scots’ chambers, said to be from her secretary’s murder
Find the elaborate plasterwork ceilings in the State Apartments
Observe the portrait gallery of Scottish monarchs, many painted to a standard template