Why go
Walking makes the city’s contrast clear: the Old Town’s steep medieval streets rise from Princes Street towards the Castle, while the New Town’s planned streets spread northwards. Most major sights lie within a compact central area, so a day built around walking gives time to notice the change in scale, stonework and views rather than treating travel as a separate task.
The full story
Edinburgh is best understood on foot because its two central towns meet across a short but striking change of ground. Princes Street runs along the southern edge of the Georgian New Town, whose streets follow a measured plan. From there, the route up the Mound leads towards Edinburgh Castle and the denser medieval streets of the Old Town. The climb is part of the experience, bringing changing views across the city, but it needs to be allowed for when linking sights. Keep the compact centre for walking days and use public transport when a plan reaches farther out. That balance leaves room to notice the sequence from formal squares and broad streets to closes, ridges and the Castle above them.
Useful to know
- Plan the climb from Princes Street up the Mound towards Edinburgh Castle as a steep stretch, rather than a level connection.
- Use buses for journeys beyond the central sights, and check current routes and times before setting out.