If you want to truly connect with a city, walk it. And when it comes to walking in Edinburgh, few places in the world offer such a rewarding and immersive experience.
From the moment you step onto the cobbled streets of the Old Town, the city invites you to explore slowly. Whether you’re tracing centuries of royal history along the Royal Mile, uncovering hidden alleyways tucked between tenements, or simply taking in sweeping views from Castle Rock, Edinburgh on foot is unforgettable.
And while wandering on your own is magical, pairing your adventure with a carefully planned itinerary, one that lets you skip the crowds and dive deeper into the city’s stories, makes it even better.
Discover Hidden Corners While Strolling Around Edinburgh
Start your journey early, before the Royal Mile fills with visitors. As the city stirs to life, you’ll have the quiet streets almost to yourself. The sound of church bells in the distance, the smell of freshly baked scones from local cafés, and the crisp Scottish air, it’s the perfect introduction to a city rich in atmosphere.
Wandering through Edinburgh on foot means you’ll stumble upon places guidebooks overlook, for instance:
Dunbar’s Close
These peaceful gardens like, curious carvings on ancient doorways, or a plaque revealing a hidden piece of history. These are the moments that make a walking trip through Edinburgh feel deeply personal and surprisingly intimate.
- Where is it located: tucked behind 137 Canongate, midway down the Royal Mile—watch for the discreet stone pend with “Dunbar’s Close” above it.
- Best moments to visit: the late-afternoon or early morning are the perfect moment for a stroll here, the light that catches the old sundial brings this place to life.
- Tips: bring takeaway coffee from nearby cafés and enjoy it on one of its benches. We recommend Parker’s Cafe, a little gem with the best coffee in the area.
- The garden’s symmetry makes great wide-angle photos, and the arched doorway makes great portrait shots for some Instagram gold.
Pro tip: Looking for hidden treasures that are off the beaten path? Discover these 8 off-the-beaten-path places in Edinburgh.
Experience Edinburgh’s Royal Mile on foot: From Castle Rock to Holyrood Palace
- Start your route at the iconic Edinburgh Castle, perched high above the city on Castle Rock.
- From there, make your way down the historic Royal Mile, passing St. Giles’ Cathedral, charming shops, time-worn pubs, and quirky museums. Let your feet guide you as the stories of Scotland’s capital unfold step by step. Keep an eye out for:
- High Street to Tron Kirk: This street is full of street musicians, souvenir shops, cafés, a great spot to grab a shortbread or coffee.
- Canongate: This is a quieter stretch, you can check out Museum of Edinburgh (free), Canongate Kirk, and the pocket-sized 17th-century garden in Dunbar’s Close. Our tour guides recommend a tavern called “The Canon’s Gait” down in this area, which is quieter but serves good food, and you’ll also enjoy a wide variety of laggers.
- Continue all the way to the bottom of the Mile, and you’ll arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse; the King’s official residence in Scotland. Here, you can explore the stately rooms and tranquil gardens on a self-guided visit. It’s a stunning way to round out a morning of exploration, blending independent adventure with royal grandeur.
“ The Royal Mile itself is an old Scottish mile, “one mile 107 yards long” , stretching “from the Royal Palace of Hollywood House at the bottom to Edinburgh Castle at the top” . The oldest building on the Royal Mile is Gladston’s Land from the 1500s, with other buildings from the 1600s near the top.”
Fraser, Local Tour Guide
Edinburgh Walking Tours – Explore with a Local Expert
Exploring independently is a beautiful thing—but what if you could unlock even more of the city with the help of a local?
On the Edinburgh in a Half Day: Early Access Edinburgh Castle Tour, you don’t just visit the city’s highlights—you see them in a completely different light.
This small-group Edinburgh walking tour gives you exclusive early access to Edinburgh Castle, allowing you to explore the site before it opens to the general public. You’ll beat the crowds and enjoy a rare moment of stillness in one of Scotland’s most visited attractions.
From there, your expert guide will lead you down the Royal Mile, uncovering its stories, secrets, and lesser-known corners. The experience wraps up with a self-guided visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, offering a perfect balance between guided insight and free time.
The Best Way to See Edinburgh? One Step at a Time
Whether you have a few hours or a few days in the city, walking in Edinburgh is by far the best way to connect with its past, its people, and its personality. And with the right itinerary, or the right guide, you can experience it in a way few others do.
FAQ: Walking in Edinburgh
What is the best way to explore Edinburgh?
Walking is the best way to explore Edinburgh. The city’s historic Old Town and compact layout make it ideal for exploring on foot. You’ll have access to hidden alleys, stunning views, and local experiences that you might miss with other types of tours.
Is Edinburgh a walkable city?
Yes, Edinburgh is very walkable, especially the Old Town and Royal Mile. Many of the city’s top attractions, including Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are within walking distance of each other.
Is the city accessible for wheelchairs/ strollers?
Yes — modern low-floor buses, step-free trams and many accessible venues balance out the steep hills and occasional cobblestones. Every Lothian bus is low-floor, the tram offers level boarding all the way to the coast, and black cabs with ramps dominate the taxi ranks. The new west-to-east “CCWEL” cycle / wheeling route gives a smooth, step-free spine through the centre, while major sights such as Edinburgh Castle (free mobility car), the National Museum of Scotland (lifts to all floors) and the Royal Yacht Britannia (lifts to every deck) have solid access credentials. Blue-badge parking is plentiful and free, and Changing Places toilets are dotted around transport hubs, museums and the St James Quarter mall. The Old Town (Royal Mile & Castle Hill) is steep and cobbled; the New Town, Princes Street and Leith waterfront are much flatter and smoother.
Can you walk from Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse?
Absolutely. The Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle at the top with Holyroodhouse Palace at the bottom. It takes about 20–30 minutes to walk the full stretch—but with stops for history, stories, and photos, you’ll want to take your time.
How can I avoid the crowds at Edinburgh Castle?
For a quieter experience, consider joining a tour that includes early access to Edinburgh Castle, such as the Edinburgh in a Half Day Tour. You’ll enter before the general public and enjoy the landmark in rare peace.
Are guided walking tours in Edinburgh worth it?
Definitely. A knowledgeable guide can share the stories behind what you see and take you to places you might overlook. Tours like the Edinburgh in a Half Day experience combine top sites with hidden gems and exclusive access, making them a great value.
If you’ve got more than half a day, check out The Edinburgh in a Day Tour and make the most of your time with early castle access, rich storytelling, and unforgettable views.
