Royal Mile

Sweeping from the high-on-a-hill Edinburgh Castle to the Holyroodhouse Palace, the Royal Mile (also called Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate at various points along the way) is lined with some of the city's top attractions in some of the city's oldest and atmospheric buildings. Among the many shops, restaurants and attractions, you'll find the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and the Scotch Whisky Heritage Center. Frommer's highlights the nearby Deacon Brodie's Tavern for a drink.

Most travelers note the Royal Mile's propensity toward tourist traps; they also say it's a must-do. One TripAdvisor user writes this: "Although the Royal Mile has been mostly taken over by chain pubs, cafes and restaurants. It still offers a gentle (if uneven) walk along side some great architecture."