The Traveling Taylors

We’ve all been there—standing in a long queue for a tourist trap café or walking the Edinburgh Royal Mile at the busiest hour of the day, wondering where the magic went. On our first visit, we definitely made some rookie mistakes. So, if you want to experience the best of this iconic street without falling into the usual tourist pitfalls, here’s what not to do—and what to do instead.

Don’t Walk It Midday

The biggest mistake? Walking the Edinburgh Royal Mile between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

This is when cruise ships dock, bus tours unload, and the Mile turns into a pedestrian traffic jam.

Do This Instead: Start your walk by 8:30 a.m. or wait until after 6 p.m. You’ll beat the crowds and catch better lighting for photos.

Don’t Skip the Side Closes

So many visitors just stick to the main drag and miss the real charm—the closes (narrow alleyways) that lead to hidden gardens, quiet courtyards, and historic corners.

Do This Instead: Make time for closes like:

• Dunbar’s Close Garden (peaceful oasis)
• Advocate’s Close (epic photo view)
• Bakehouse Close (Outlander filming site)

Don’t Fall for the Tourist Traps

Some shops and attractions exist purely to catch foot traffic and overcharge for subpar experiences. Think overpriced tartan scarves and “haunted” dungeons with more cheese than chills.

Do This Instead: Skip the gimmicks and check out:

• The Real Mary King’s Close (actually historic)
• The Writers’ Museum (quirky and free)
• Local craft shops off the Mile like Cranachan & Crowdie

Don’t Eat Right on the Mile

Restaurants along the Mile often offer convenience over quality—with inflated prices to match.

Do This Instead: Walk just one or two blocks off the Mile and you’ll find gems like:

• The Piemaker (local fave for hearty snacks)
• The Devil’s Advocate (craft cocktails + creative menu in a cool stone setting)
• The Milkman (excellent specialty coffee and pastries)

Don’t Miss the Museums (Even the Free Ones!)

Some visitors think the Royal Mile is just for walking and window-shopping. But skipping its museums means missing the depth behind the cobblestones.

Do This Instead: Pop into:

• Museum of Edinburgh – artifacts and city stories
• People’s Story Museum – insight into everyday life in old Edinburgh
• St Giles’ Cathedral – don’t just pass it—step inside and check out the stunning Thistle Chapel

Don’t Start at the Wrong End (Unless You Love Uphill Walks)

The Mile runs downhill from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace. If you start at the bottom, you’re in for a steep, leg-burning climb.

Do This Instead: Start at Edinburgh Castle and stroll down—your legs (and lungs) will thank you.

Don’t Ignore the History Beneath Your Feet

It’s easy to walk the Royal Mile without realizing you’re treading over centuries of buried stories—some literally underground.

Do This Instead: Take a quick underground tour like Mary King’s Close, or just look down and read the historic markers built into the stonework.

Don’t Forget to Look Up

Too many people are glued to Google Maps or souvenir shop windows and miss the stunning architecture above—gables, gargoyles, hidden inscriptions.

Do This Instead: Every few steps, pause and scan the skyline. It’s like a vertical museum of Scottish design.

Don’t Leave Without Going All the Way

Some visitors stop at St Giles’ or Canongate and miss the last leg of the Mile—arguably the most peaceful and historic stretch.

Do This Instead: Walk all the way to Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Park, where you’ll find fewer crowds, open views, and a royal touch to end your journey.

Navigating the Edinburgh Royal Mile Like a Local

The Edinburgh Royal Mile is one of the most iconic streets in Europe—but how you experience it makes all the difference. Skip the crowds, dodge the gimmicks, and step off the main path now and then. The magic of the Mile isn’t just in what you see—but in what you notice when no one else is looking.