Old Town Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh is a captivating labyrinth of history, where every cobblestone and narrow alleyway tells a story. Dominated by the imposing silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, the district cascades down a glacial ridge, forming the famous Royal Mile. This historic spine is flanked by towering tenement buildings, some of the earliest examples of high-rise living in the world, built out of necessity due to the defensive walls that once constrained the city's expansion.

Today, the Old Town is a vibrant cultural hub. It is home to the Scottish Parliament, the National Museum of Scotland, and the University of Edinburgh. Visitors can delve into the city's macabre past through ghost tours in the subterranean vaults or Greyfriars Kirkyard, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of street performers, tartan weavers, and cozy pubs offering hundreds of varieties of single malt Scotch whisky.

Reasons to Visit

• Edinburgh Castle: Explore Scotland's most famous fortress, home to the Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
• The Royal Mile: Walk the historic thoroughfare connecting the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, packed with history and charm.
• Hidden Closes: Discover the secret, narrow alleyways branching off the Royal Mile, such as Mary King's Close.
• Dark History: Experience thrilling ghost tours exploring the city's underground vaults and historic graveyards.
• Whisky Heritage: Taste Scotland's national drink at numerous specialized bars and the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Things to Avoid

• Driving: The Old Town has strict parking restrictions, narrow streets, and heavy pedestrian traffic. Rely on walking or public transit.
• Tourist Trap Tartan Shops: Avoid buying cheap, imported tartan; look for authentic, Scottish-made wool products if you want a genuine souvenir.
• Underestimating the Weather: Never assume it won't rain, even if the sky is blue in the morning.
• Wearing Stilettos: The steep hills and uneven cobblestones make high heels dangerous and uncomfortable.

Local Transportation Tips

The Old Town is best explored on foot, as its narrow closes and steep stairs are inaccessible to vehicles. For longer distances, Edinburgh boasts an excellent and affordable public bus system operated by Lothian Buses. Trams connect the nearby New Town to the airport, and Waverley Train Station is conveniently located in the valley between the Old and New Towns, providing easy access to the rest of Scotland and the UK.

Travel Etiquette

• Queueing: Like the rest of the UK, queueing (lining up) is taken seriously. Never cut in line.
• Tipping: A 10-12% tip is standard in restaurants if a service charge hasn't been added. Tipping in pubs for drinks is not expected.
• Respecting Graveyards: When visiting historic sites like Greyfriars Kirkyard, remain respectful and stay on the paths.
• Escalator Etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left when using escalators in transit stations.

Recommended Age Group

Old Town Edinburgh offers a rich, atmospheric experience, though its physical landscape can present challenges for some visitors.

• Babies (0-2 years): Neutral. The steep hills, numerous stairs, and uneven cobblestones make navigating with a stroller quite difficult. A baby carrier is highly recommended.
• Kids (3-12 years): Recommended. Children will love the castle, the interactive exhibits at Camera Obscura, and the magical, Harry Potter-esque atmosphere of the streets.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. The dark, gruesome history, ghost tours, and vibrant street culture strongly appeal to teenagers.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Adults can fully appreciate the deep architectural history, world-class dining, and extensive whisky tasting opportunities.
• Seniors (65+ years): Neutral. While culturally enriching, the steep inclines and uneven pavements require a good level of mobility and stamina.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Terrain Challenges: The Old Town is built on a steep ridge with many cobblestone streets and stairs, making manual wheelchair navigation strenuous.
• Attraction Access: Major sites like Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland have good accessibility features, including ramps and elevators.
• Transport: All Lothian Buses are wheelchair accessible and feature kneeling technology and ramps.
• Historic Buildings: Many smaller pubs, shops, and historic closes have steps at the entrance and lack elevators due to their protected historic status.

Did You Know?

Did you know that Edinburgh's Old Town is home to some of the world's first 'skyscrapers'? In the 16th and 17th centuries, the city was enclosed by a defensive wall. Unable to expand outward, residents built upward, creating tenement buildings that reached up to 14 stories high.

Cool Statistics

• 1 Mile: The approximate length of the Royal Mile, which is actually a Scots mile (slightly longer than an English mile).
• 1995: The year the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were jointly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 12th Century: The era from which the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, St Margaret's Chapel inside the castle, dates.
• Over 70: The number of historic 'closes' (alleyways) branching off the Royal Mile.