Royal Mile

The main thoroughfare of Edinburgh's Old Town stretches from Edinburgh Castle at the top end to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, making that regal-sounding moniker accurate as well as grand (it doesn't hurt that it's pretty much bang-on a mile long as well). Along the way you'll find cobbles streets, tourist shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and some of the city's most notable attractions and landmarks, including St Giles Cathedral, Camera Obscura and the Scottish Parliament. During festive periods (such as Christmas and the Fringe) it's also a thriving open air venue for special events and street performances.