Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. This is actually four streets (Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate) joined together to form one Scot’s mile, between two royal buildings (Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood House). Hence the name “Royal Mile”. This ancient thoroughfare dates from the 12th century. Walking down its cobbled streets, surrounded by medieval architecture, you may feel like you’re in bygone era. Today, the Royal Mile is the place to come for traditional Scottish souvenir and gift shops, old-fashioned pubs and historic attractions.
Royal Mile Shops
Looking for shops that sell whisky, kilts, Celtic jewellery, tartan accessories, shortbread, fudge, tablet and other traditional Scottish gifts? The Royal Mile is the shopping street for you! This is the main place to find souvenir shops. Along with many independent and specialist outlets, selling all kinds of quirky and interesting items. Some of its most well-known shops include Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh Fudge Kitchen, Cranachan and Crowdie and Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe (open year-round). But half the fun of the Royal Mile is taking a wonder and discovering something new and unusual.
When you’ve finished shopping, there is plenty more to do on this world-famous street. Re-fuel at one of the many places to eat and drink. From cheap and cheerful cafes to cosy pubs, to extravagant fine-dining experiences. Then, enjoy a visit to a top visitor attraction, like Edinburgh Castle, The Scotch Whisky Experience or The Real Mary King’s Close. And be sure to visit St Giles’ Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic church dating from the 1300s. You could spend an entire Edinburgh break on this one street alone!
‘A Must See in Edinburgh. Every time we visit, we walk the mile. It is loaded with all kinds of shops and pubs and is beautiful in the morning with hot coffee in hand before the rest of the city awakens, at dinner time when the shops are open and late at night when the tourists are pulsing.’
– Royal Mile Tripadvisor Review
Edinburgh Shopping Accommodation
Parliament House Hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the Royal Mile. Check out our latest shopping breaks and special offers and book your Edinburgh shopping break today.
