You’re now standing on Edinburgh’s main street, linking two of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Its name is as straightforward as it gets, it’s a mile long, just under two kilometers. Along this stretch, lined with shops, restaurants, pubs, and other businesses set in traditional buildings, you’re essentially walking from the historic home of Scotland’s medieval kings to the modern royal residence. What makes this street especially interesting is that it’s actually a chain of several streets, and all along it you’ll find narrow hidden passages known as “closes” or “wynds.” They’re a bit like the traboules of Lyon, leading to enclosed courtyards often surrounded by elegant historic houses. Many have been closed to the public over time, but some remain open, if you see one, don’t hesitate to step inside, as they’re full of charm. Walking the Royal Mile also gives you a real feel for Edinburgh’s architecture: tightly packed, tall buildings that reflect the city’s medieval past, when space was scarce and the streets were bustling. The section closest to the castle is the oldest part of the city, while the end near Holyrood was once a separate burgh, cut off from Edinburgh by a large gate. You can still see where it stood, its location is marked on the ground with small metal tiles near Jeffrey Street. This area was known as “The World’s End,” because it marked the edge of the known city before giving way to uncharted land. Today, it’s fully part of Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, the capital’s most famous and visited street.