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Edinburgh in One Day: The Castle, the Royal Mile and the best views
Start at the Castle when it opens, walk the Royal Mile down to Holyrood, then climb Calton Hill for the evening views. Everything is on foot.
Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Castle to Calton Hill
The Old Town on foot, then the best viewpoint in the city.
09:30 · Edinburgh Castle
Be at the gate at opening to beat the crowds. Allow 2–3 hours.
Be at the gate at opening to beat the crowds. Allow 2–3 hours.
12:30 · The Royal Mile
Walk down the Royal Mile, stopping in the closes and shops. Lunch in the Old Town.5 min walk from the Castle gate
Walk down the Royal Mile, stopping in the closes and shops. Lunch in the Old Town.5 min walk from the Castle gate
14:00 · St Giles' Cathedral
Step inside the cathedral to see the Thistle Chapel.On the Royal Mile
Step inside the cathedral to see the Thistle Chapel.On the Royal Mile
15:30 · Victoria Street & the Grassmarket
Pop down to the Grassmarket via curved, colourful Victoria Street.5 min walk
Pop down to the Grassmarket via curved, colourful Victoria Street.5 min walk
16:30 · Princes Street Gardens
A rest in the gardens below the Castle.10 min walk
A rest in the gardens below the Castle.10 min walk
18:30 · Calton Hill
Walk up for sunset over the city.15 min walk along Princes Street
Walk up for sunset over the city.15 min walk along Princes Street
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