Edinburgh neighbourhoods: Old Town

Student, Rowetta, smiles to camera an poses while stood in the roof terrace at the National Museum of Scotland.

Reading time: 4 minutes

By Rowetta, from Edinburgh, studying International Business

Known as the historic heart of Edinburgh, the rich history and beautiful architecture of Old Town make it feel like you are walking into a story book. With a labyrinth of hidden closes (a narrow alleyway or passage, often leading off the main street into courtyards or between buildings) and underground vaults where royalty walked, you will never get old of the beauty of this district.

As someone who grew up in Edinburgh and now studies International Business at the University of Edinburgh, Old Town is still one of my favourite parts of the city. Here, you might find me studying in a cosy cafe, admiring the city views from Arthur Seat, or dancing past midnight in Cowgate.

About Old Town

Nestled within this charming district is the University, which contributes a central role to the area’s cultural and academic landscape. Thus, as a student, Old Town quickly becomes more than just a place to visit; it becomes home.

Emphasising the historic nature of Old Town are the steep cobblestone streets although this also makes accessibility more difficult. Many buildings here are converted tenements (a large building divided into apartments), so they often have narrow staircases and no elevators. Although there are step-free routes, I recommend checking accessibility information before visiting certain locations.

Top things to do

Royal Mile

Forming the main thoroughfare of the Old Town is the Royal Mile, one of the most iconic streets in Scotland. It connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyrood House and is also home to major landmarks including St Giles’ Cathedral and Mary King’s Close.

You will almost always hear bagpipes playing here, and the street bursts with more music and liveliness during the Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the world (August), and the Tartan Parade (start of May).

Crowds of people on the Royal Mile during Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Tip

Stop by the Tron Kirk Market for thoughtful handmade gifts and souvenirs crafted by Scottish artists and designers, all inside a stunning 17th-century church.

When: Everyday, 10am to 6pm

Where: 122 High Street, EH1 1SG

Armchair Books

The Old Town is perfect for book lovers. One of my favourites is Armchair Books, located near the Edinburgh College of Arts in view of the Castle. It works by ‘very nearly alphabetised chaos’, and its endless stack of books transports you directly into a sea of words.

When: Everyday, 10:00-18:30

Where: 72-74 West Port, EH1 2LE

View Armchair Books website for accessibility information

Bookshelves full of books line the walls inside Armchair Books in Edinburgh.

Stramash

Edinburgh has an energetic and student-friendly nightlife, and much of the action happens on Cowgate. Here, in true Scottish culture, you can learn how to dance a traditional ceilidh on Wednesday nights in Stramash (for free!) Formerly a church built in 1859, this bar today has live music playing every night which will undoubtedly draw you into its infectious rhythms. 

When: Everyday, 5pm to 3am. Saturdays from 3pm. Free entry

Where: 207 Cowgate, EH1 1JQ

Tip

Other notable bars in Old Town include: Three Sisters, Dropkick Murphys, Brass Monkey, and Southsider. All of which have great student deals and themed nights! 

Drummer on stage at Stramash. A large crowd of people stand in front of the stage.

Edinburgh Castle

Sitting dramatically on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most important historic landmarks. One of its oldest traditions is the One O’clock Gun, fired every Monday to Saturday since 1861 to help ships in the Firth of Forth keep time.

As the tale goes, you cannot visit Edinburgh Castle in your first year of university or you will fail your exams… Take this superstition how you will, but in reassurance, I, among many others, are living examples disputing this tale.

When: Everyday from 9:30am. Closing times vary seasonally

Where: Edinburgh Castle, The Esplanade, EH1 2NG

View Edinburgh Castle accessibility information

Tip

If you have a Young Scot Card, you can pay just £1 to visit the castle (I recommend making an online booking to guarantee entry). Want pretty views of the castle? Try Vennel Viewpoint or the Cold Town House rooftop! 

A view of Edinburgh Castle taken from the Vennel street.

Arthur’s Seat

Continuing the thread of tales, some say you must climb Arthur’s Seat during your first week of university for good luck (other versions say it must be an odd number of times during the first week whilst some say the outcome affects exams instead).

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient extinct volcano and looks like a sitting lion from afar. It offers gorgeous panoramic views of the city and is not an intense hill walk.

View Arthur’s Seat accessibility information

A person walks along a path on Arthur's Seat with the city of Edinburgh in the background.

Moo Pie Gelato

For a sweet treat, try Moo Pie Gelato! They have new gelato flavours every day and are famous for their hot chocolate topped with marshmallow fluff! Other similar sweet treat spots in Old Town include Mary’s Milk Bar, Uplands Roast and Alandas Gelato.

When: Wednesday- Sunday, 12pm to 6pm

Where: 26 Mary’s Street, EH1 1SU

Two sets of hand hold a hot string and tubs of gelato.

National Museum of Scotland

Curious about Scottish history and beyond? Immerse yourself in its treasure trove at the National Museum of Scotland. Expect to see topics on everything, including interactive exhibits, events, and more. It is also home to Dolly the Sheep; the world’s first mammal cloned from an adult cell! One gem many visitors miss is the museum’s rooftop terrace, which offers beautiful views of the city.