Edinburgh Old Town
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A medieval ridge of steep closes, stone tenements and viewpoints running from the castle down the Royal Mile. Leave the car at the edge of the city and explore on foot, ideally early before the crowds arrive.
Edinburgh's Old Town sits on a rocky ridge that slopes down from the castle, built on an extinct volcanic crag, to Holyrood Palace. The Royal Mile links the two and is made up of five sections: Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate and Abbey Strand. The medieval street plan is largely preserved, and narrow closes drop steeply away on both sides. Short of space, residents began building multi-storey tenements here from the 16th century, among the earliest high-rise housing in the world. The Old and New Towns have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
Beneath the South Bridge lie the Edinburgh Vaults, underground chambers. Allow at least half a day for the Old Town, plus extra time for the castle and palace. The streets are steep and partly cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes. The Royal Mile is quietest in the morning.
- Nearest town
- Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 55.9500, -3.1900
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mortonhall Caravan and Camping ParkCampsite5 km from Edinburgh Old TownTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Edinburgh Caravan ClubCampsite6 km from Edinburgh Old TownTentsCaravans
- Lothian Bridge Caravan ParkCampsite11 km from Edinburgh Old TownTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Drummohr Camping GroundCampsite11 km from Edinburgh Old TownTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Pettycur Bay Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover13 km from Edinburgh Old TownTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Lochore Meadows Motorhome ParkingMotorhome stopover24 km from Edinburgh Old TownMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Edinburgh Old Town?
Edinburgh Old Town is in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, at GPS 55.9500, -3.1900. It is about 11 km from Roslin.
Can you camp near Edinburgh Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, about 5 km away; within 25 km there are 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Edinburgh Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Rosslyn Chapel (11 km), Traquair House (39 km), Melrose Abbey (49 km) and Stirling Castle (51 km).
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh Old Town?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)