If you walk the whole of the street and go into every shop it will take a long time! However, a quick stroll is all you need to get a good idea of the history of this magnificent city.

The royal mile is the place to be for tourists. Here are local shops for souviners with friendly shop keepers and is all you need for your gift buying frienzies. Ghost tours are available with great guides that provide a great experience and makes it all so educational, factual (or is it?) and provides believable frights!

This street really could do with a bit of a clean up - there are some fantastic historic buildings but it's ruined by the tacky tourist shops. Why are all the tours obsessed with the dark side of Edinburgh, this after all is one of the birth places of the reformation.

Couldn't wait to visit the Royal Mile - what a disappointment, it is full of tat shops selling fake kilts and rubbish. I spoke to a couple of shop owners that were trying really hard with their beautiful food shop and they told me that there was over 30 tat shops there and they're right. They are sucking the life... More

We enjoyed walking the street level, but if you have time, try one of the tours that show you the cellars and underground where people lived so long ago. It will definitely enlighten you. The sightseeing buses also add local flavor to this part of town. Each building is unique in its own way. We also found plenty of places... More

A stroll up the Royal Mile is well worth doing. With its cobbled street and many fine souvenir shops, restaurants pubs and bars, one will not be disappointed and with the castle being at the top. Good walking shoes recommended.

Fantastic walk from the top of the volcanic mountain with Edinburgh castle down a sloping street with lovely shops, pubs, and hotels to the British Royal Palace at the lower end. Great views of the Firth of Forth from the top, and Arthur's seat from the bottom.

Lots of souvenir shops, cafes, and bars, steeped in history, brimming with tourists! Loved it! Wear comfortable shoes and just in case and take a foldable mac too lol!

Very interesting architecture closer to the castle. Lots of shops and restaurants. Not as much to see near the Palace.