Edinburgh Travel Guide: Royal Mile, Castles and Hidden Closes

Built across ancient volcanic hills and crags, Edinburgh is a visually captivating city where history, literature, and architectural drama meet.

Must-Visit Historic Landmarks

1. Edinburgh Castle

Dominating the skyline atop an extinct volcanic plug, the castle houses the Honours of Scotland (the oldest Crown jewels in Britain), the ancient Stone of Destiny, and St Margaret’s Chapel (the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, circa 1130).

2. The Royal Mile & Secret Closes

The spine of the medieval Old Town runs one Scots mile from the castle gates down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Explore atmospheric narrow alleys (“closes”) such as:

• Mary King’s Close: A preserved underground 17th-century street beneath the City Chambers.
• Advocate’s Close: Offering a dramatic framed view down toward the Scott Monument.
• Bakehouse Close: Beautifully preserved 16th-century timber-fronted stone architecture.

3. Victoria Street & Grassmarket

The curving, colorful two-tier street rumored to have inspired Diagon Alley, leading down to the historic Grassmarket square.

Panoramic Viewpoints

1. Arthur’s Seat: A rewarding 45-minute hike to the 251-meter summit of Holyrood Park for sweeping 360-degree views across Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the Kingdom of Fife.
2. Calton Hill: Home to the National Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument, providing the iconic postcard view along Princes Street.
3. Dean Village: A peaceful 19th-century grain-milling village nestled in a tranquil gorge along the Water of Leith walkway.