Walking routes in Edinburgh

Self-guided routes through Edinburgh — every stop timed, mapped and in the order that works on the ground.

3h Budget

The New Town and Dean Village in three hours

Georgian squares off Princes Street, then down into the old mill village and the Water of Leith.

Princes Street Gardens · Charlotte Square · Dean Village · Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

1.8 km on foot 4 stops 2h 34m total

6h Mid-range

The Royal Mile in six hours

Castle esplanade down the spine of the Old Town to Holyrood, with the closes and the cathedral on the way.

Edinburgh Castle · The Real Mary King's Close · St Giles' Cathedral · Palace of Holyroodhouse · Scottish Parliament Building · Calton Hill

2.7 km on foot 6 stops 4h 52m total

12h Mid-range

Edinburgh in a day: castle to Arthur's Seat

The castle at opening, Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, Greyfriars and the national museum, St Giles and the hidden close, Holyrood and the climb up Arthur's Seat.

Edinburgh Castle · Victoria Street · Grassmarket · Greyfriars Kirkyard · National Museum of Scotland · St Giles' Cathedral · The Real Mary King's Close · Palace of Holyroodhouse · Arthur's Seat

3.8 km on foot 9 stops 9h 10m total

Planning the rest of the trip

These routes cover the walking. The Edinburgh guide has where to stay, what a day costs at each tier, and what to book before you go.