Edinburgh is a city of its history, magic and beauty. In fact, its streets are some of the most famous streets in the world. There are some, old and stone-lined buildings, and others open with shops and cafés. Walking through each street is like traversing through time as each has its own story. Edinburgh’s streets are well known across the world people come to visit, to take pictures and soak up the special atmosphere of the city. Below, you will get ten of the most famous streets in Edinburgh, as well as what makes them very special.
1. Royal Mile
Royal Mile is the most famous street in Edinburgh. It is the heart of the city and runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It is part of Royal Mile because the street is about a mile long. It is usually full of tourists and also of salt. The buildings here are very old and old and they have some stories of hundreds of years. You can even buy Scottish souvenirs 101-kilt, shortbread, biscuits, wool scarf etc.
There are many old pubs for people to try out Scottish traditional food and St. Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, which is also one of the famous places in the Royal Mile is a beautiful church with stained glass windows. The whole area is so special because musicians often play bagpipes on the street.
2. Victoria Street
Victoria Street is another very famous street. The street is curved, the shops colourful and the streets full of people. The structure of it seems like it was taken out of a storybook. However, Victoria Street is held by many as the model for DS Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. This street draws fans of the books here, who wander in and amongst little bookstores and magic-themed shops. Also, there are cosy cafés where people can sit and have a cup of tea or coffee.
3. Grassmarket
Another place in Edinburgh is the Grassmarket, which is down the street. Prior to that, the Grassmarket was a historic marketplace. It was also a place where public hangings had taken place many years ago. Today it is a lively square with restaurants, pubs and shops. It has a wonderful view of Edinburgh Castle, which is a snapshot lovers’ destination. The most famous of the pubs here is called The Last Drop. The name was coined from the Grassmarket era when hangings took place, and the ‘last drop’ was the final drop of the execution rope.
4. Cockburn Street
Cockburn Street is another beautiful street. It is a small looping street that links the Edinburgh Waverley train station with the Royal Mile. It has old buildings, independent shops and little cafés, which all have a lot of charm. For example, the name of the street is pronounced “Co-burn”, although it should be pronounced differently. It is a good spot to go and have a coffee or a pastry. The street looks so interesting, and old, that many movies have been filmed here.
5. Mary King’s Close
Mary King’s Close is one of the most unique streets in all of Edinburgh. Unlike the others it is underground. Years ago people lived and worked here, but the street was later sealed quashed and has since been lost beneath the city. Visitors can today take tours of the underground that once would have been inconceivable.
Some of the stories that the tour guides tell are spooky and they tell stories about the people who lived there. It would be assumed that many people believe that Mary King’s Close is haunted. Visitors tell us that they feel almost a disembodied presence, that there are whispers windblown through the dark passages. It is one of the most mysterious places in Edinburgh.
Also read: Top Rated Night Clubs In Edinburgh – Nightlife in Edinburgh
6. Princes Street
Princes Street is another well-known busy street. It is the main shopping street of Edinburgh. And off one side of the street are the many people stores where you can buy clothes, books and souvenirs. On the other side is a beautiful park, Princes Street Gardens. Sitting here at the end of this park you can look at Edinburgh Castle which is on a rocky hill high above that looks down on the place.
During the winter, the gardens also act as the Edinburgh Christmas Market, where people can buy some of the holiday treats, troll the Ferris wheel and look at festive lights.
7. George Street
George Street is also a wonderful place for those who enjoy shopping. The shops and the restaurants on this street are so elegant. The street was very stylish as the buildings here were large, and grand. Here, there are many people who come to buy designer clothes, jewellery and expensive perfumes. People who enjoy luxury and fashion will find it a great place to be. Its fancy bars and restaurants make George Street popular at night time also.
8. Rose Street
If you prefer a more traditional, cosy place, Rose Street is the residence for you. The street runs between George Street and Princes Street and is a narrow street. The many pubs which define Rose Street are what makes it special. You can also come to experience Scottish pub culture on this street if you so wish. Here people come to try out a variety of beers, listen to live music and talk to locals. The evenings are friendly and lively, actually.
9. Circus Lane
Circus Lane is another charming street. It is small and very pretty street. It is in Stockbridge and is known for its cobbled path, cute houses, and colourful doors. There are also many flower boxes on many houses filled with what appears to be so bright, so beautiful flowers. Circus Lane is a favourite of photographers because it looks like it was taken out of a postcard. Although it is an extremely short street, it is one of the most beautiful streets in Edinburgh.
Also read: Arthur’s Seat Edinburgh: A Majestic Hike with a View of Edinburgh’s Past and Present
10. Leith Walk
Finally, we have Leith Walk which runs from the city centre to the waterfront district of Leith at its end. Leith is a very cool part of Edinburgh with lots of cool and trendy cafes, art galleries and alternative shops. The Royal Yacht Britannia is one of the most famous attractions in Leith as it was once part of the British royal family’s ship located in Leith. Visitors can tour the yacht and see where the Queen and some of the other royals would travel. Leith Walk also has a wonderfully wide and diverse food scene, with restaurants catering for almost every dish imaginable.
