While it is a hint longer than an actual mile, the Royal Mile connects Edinburgh Castle on one end and the Queen’s residence in Scotland, Holyrood Palace on the other. It is the main thoroughfare of Old Town, running downhill and is the busiest tourist area in Edinburgh. Families will find hundreds of shops and restaurants along the Royal Mile as well as street performers and musicians on warm days, cobblestone streets and gorgeous, medieval architecture in all of the surrounding buildings.

Things to Know/Bring: There is no street officially marked or called the Royal Mile as an official address. The streets along the Royal Mile include Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand.