Edinburgh’s Royal Mile draws millions yearly, but locals say it’s now overrun with tourists and souvenir shops
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is under fire as locals say tourism and souvenir shops have ruined its historic charm(Image: Getty Images)
One of Scotland’s most iconic streets is facing criticism as locals say it has become overwhelmed by tourism and cheap souvenir shops, stripping the area of its historic charm.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which runs through the heart of the city’s Old Town, is renowned for linking two major landmarks, Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
The 1.81-kilometre cobbled stretch attracts more than four million visitors each year, especially during August when the world-famous Fringe Festival takes over the city, Express reports.
But long-time residents and critics say the area is now a far cry from its former self, increasingly dominated by gift shops and throngs of tourists.
The Royal Mile draws over four million visitors a year, but locals say it’s now overrun with tourists and gift shops(Image: Getty Images)
According to BBC Scotland News, there are now 72 souvenir shops along the Royal Mile, many of which have been accused of selling “plastic tat” and contributing to the street’s decline in authenticity.
Jimmy Robertson, 77, who has lived at the foot of the Royal Mile all his life, told the BBC he has witnessed the changes firsthand.
“I would sit on that bench and you’d watch the world go by, saying hello to folk you knew coming by,” he said.
“Now I sit there and it feels like it is just tourists that pass me by. I’m not against tourism, I just think it has gone far in how it affects people who live here.”
The street, once bustling with locals, is now under scrutiny after it was named one of the world’s top tourist traps for 2025.
Travel experts at Nomad analysed global tourist data and combed through online reviews to identify locations that often leave visitors underwhelmed. In the UK, the Royal Mile topped the list.
According to Nomad’s analysis, the Royal Mile racked up 539 online reviews labelling it a “tourist trap”. Reviewers cited the area’s “complete lack of authenticity” and over-saturation of souvenir shops as key concerns.
Nomad explained: “This 1.81 km stretch of cobbled street in Edinburgh links two of the city’s top attractions, the Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
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“It attracts more than four million visitors annually. But with that heavy foot traffic comes an overwhelming number of souvenir shops, and complete lack of authenticity.”
Despite the criticism, the Royal Mile remains one of Edinburgh’s busiest and most popular tourist spots. Alongside its headline landmarks, it is also home to attractions such as the Real Mary King’s Close and St Giles’ Cathedral.
Many well-known pubs and restaurants, including The Witchery, The World’s End and the Royal Mile Tavern, also line the historic street.
However, concerns about over tourism in Edinburgh are growing. Residents have voiced fears that the city’s historic character is being lost under the weight of commercialisation and crowding, particularly during peak tourism periods.