![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Royal-Mile.jpg\")
Edinburgh\u2019s Royal Mile is under fire as locals say tourism and souvenir shops have ruined its historic charm(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\nEdinburgh\u2019s Royal Mile draws millions yearly, but locals say it’s now overrun with tourists and souvenir shopsEdinburgh\u2019s Royal Mile is under fire as locals say tourism and souvenir shops have ruined its historic charm(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
One of Scotland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Edinburgh\u2019s<\/a> Royal Mile, which runs through the heart of the city\u2019s Old Town, is renowned for linking two major landmarks, Edinburgh Castle<\/a> and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.<\/p>\n The 1.81-kilometre cobbled stretch attracts more than four million visitors each year, especially during August when the world-famous Fringe Festival<\/a> takes over the city, Express<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to BBC<\/a> Scotland News, there are now 72 souvenir shops along the Royal Mile, many of which have been accused of selling \u201cplastic tat\u201d and contributing to the street\u2019s decline in authenticity.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI would sit on that bench and you’d watch the world go by, saying hello to folk you knew coming by,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cNow 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The street, once bustling with locals, is now under scrutiny after it was named one of the world\u2019s top tourist traps for 2025.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n According to Nomad\u2019s analysis, the Royal Mile racked up 539 online reviews labelling it a \u201ctourist trap\u201d<\/a>. Reviewers cited the area\u2019s \u201ccomplete lack of authenticity\u201d and over-saturation of souvenir shops as key concerns.<\/p>\n Nomad explained: \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/1753532176_567_0_Royal-Mile.jpg\")
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)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
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