Things to Do on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that every tourist visiting Scotland wants to see. It's the city that fulfills all the expectations of Scotsmen in Kilts, Castles and old architecture that represents Scotland abroad. I relate it to a show home for Scotland because Edinburgh is so full of tourists that it can often feel like it's just there for the tourists. Behind the attractions there are lots of great places to stay and eat and drink.

The Royal Mile is probably the most famous part of Edinburgh. It leads directly up to Edinburgh castle and is a mecca for the Scottish tourism industry. It is where a number of tourist tours in the city begin from before winding their way through the old passageways and streets that Edinburgh is famous for. There are all sorts of historical tours of the cities buildings including plays, horror walks and educational trips.

There are plenty of places to stay ranging from budget accommodation to more extravagant luxury hotels. One of the more decadent hotels is the Witchery which is located on the royal Mile just a stones throw from the castle. The suites available come at a hefty price but they are so Gothic and luxurious that it's well worth it. The suites are located in a separate building from the reception and main restaurant of the hotel down a dark and gothic alleyway. It feels like having your own personal flat on the Royal Mile. It's well worth a visit. The famous Wichery restaurant is also up to the high standard of the hotel but book early as it's usually full.

For more affordable and distinctly non Scottish food there is a Royal Mile restaurant called the Thai Orchid just around the corner. It is a family run authentic thai sit in and take away. The menu has a heatometer which explains how hot everything is so you order without fear. During the yearly Edinburgh Festival the Royal Mile becomes even more busy than normal as more and more performers and comedians try to grab the attention of festival goers and tourists alike. During this season hotels and restauranats are seriously busy so plan in advance what you want get up to.