Edinburgh Castle
The fortress at the top of the Royal Mile, with the Honours of Scotland and the 1pm gun. Book ahead and allow at least an hour.
Things to see near the Holyrood Palace
Holyrood sits at the foot of the Royal Mile. Most of what is worth seeing lies back up that street or in the park behind the palace.
Sights around the palace
Holyrood sits at the foot of the Royal Mile, so almost everything nearby lies in one of two directions: back up the street, or out into the park behind the palace.
The nearest sight is the Scottish Parliament, on Horse Wynd opposite the palace. Euan’s Guide lists it about 220 metres away, with Holyrood Park about 310 metres away. The park is open 24 hours a day all year and costs nothing to enter, according to Historic Environment Scotland. It is about a mile across, and its high point, Arthur’s Seat, rises to 251 metres. Our Arthur’s Seat guide covers the routes up.
Going the other way, the Royal Mile is almost exactly a mile long and rises from the palace to the castle. Edinburgh Castle is the obvious goal at the top, and its own website strongly recommends booking ahead. Walking down is easier than walking up, so many visitors start at the castle and finish at the palace.
Further afield, Calton Hill lies beyond the east end of Princes Street and is topped with monuments. The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street has free entry to its main galleries, and Dynamic Earth is a science centre and planetarium on Holyrood Road.
Putting a day together
Pair outdoor and indoor stops so a shower does not end the day. The Parliament, the museum and Dynamic Earth are all indoors, while the park, the hill and the Royal Mile are not. If you only have a few hours, take the palace and the Parliament together, since they face each other.
For the bus stops, taxis and walking times, see getting there. To book the palace, start with tickets and tours. Guided walks along the Royal Mile and up the hill are listed under Edinburgh tours.
Scottish Parliament
A free working parliament opposite the palace, with free tours, an exhibition and a café. You do not need to book to walk in.
Calton Hill
A free hilltop of monuments with wide views over the city, Arthur's Seat and Fife. The Nelson Monument tower adds a paid viewing platform.
National Museum
Scotland's most visited attraction in 2025, and free to enter. Dolly the Sheep, the Lewis chess pieces and a roof terrace with a castle view.
Dynamic Earth
A science centre and planetarium next to the palace and Parliament. Every ticket is a 12-month pass, and under-4s go free.
Questions people ask
What is within walking distance of Holyrood Palace?
The Scottish Parliament is opposite, and Holyrood Park begins a few hundred metres away. Euan's Guide lists them at 0.22 km and 0.31 km from the palace. Edinburgh Castle is at the far end of the Royal Mile, which is almost exactly a mile long.
Is Holyrood Park free to enter?
Yes. Historic Environment Scotland says the park is open 24 hours a day, all year, and free to visit.
Do I need to book Edinburgh Castle in advance?
Booking is not strictly required, but the castle's website strongly recommends it and warns that tickets often sell out far in advance.
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