The Most Beautiful Walk in Edinburgh – Walking tour [Part 2 | 4K]

The Most Beautiful Walk in Edinburgh – Walking tour [Part 2 | 4K]

Welcome! If you’re enjoying this Edinburgh walk, don’t forget to hit subscribe for more like this. We’re now walking along Castlehill — one of the oldest parts of the Royal Mile, leading up to the castle. This is Boswell Court, a quiet little close tucked away just off the busy main street. Each summer, the Edinburgh International Festival transforms the city into a global stage for the arts. We’re at the historic site of the Lawnmarket Weigh House — now buzzing with street performers in traditional dress. Just ahead is Tolbooth Kirk, now called The Hub — an iconic landmark and a hub for festival events. Inside those gates is The Hub — originally a church, now a striking venue during the Edinburgh Festival. St Columba’s Free Church stands out with its bright red doors — quite rare for churches in the city. Take a look at the traditional stonework here — these homes near the castle show classic Old Town charm. This is St Columba’s by the Castle — a quiet, historic church from the 1800s still serving its community today. And there it is — Edinburgh Castle, standing tall on Castle Rock with centuries of history behind it. These old buildings below the castle were once homes of locals — now, they welcome visitors from all over. We’re heading down the Patrick Geddes Steps, connecting the castle area to Grassmarket with scenic views. This is the Grassmarket — once a medieval marketplace, now a lively square full of pubs and history. Here you’ll often find local markets and food stalls — it’s a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. Many artists and makers display their work here — from handmade crafts to street art performances. Grassmarket is vibrant day and night — filled with stories, old pubs, and the energy of the city. This well was erected in 1674 and restored in 1861 — a small but lasting piece of local history. We’ve arrived at West Bow — one of the most picturesque bends in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
And now we’re entering Victoria Street — a vibrant, curving row famous for its colourful facades. Victoria Street is a must-see — it’s said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series.
Here’s Museum Context — one of several shops filled with Harry Potter memorabilia and local magic. The bright colours of Victoria Street come from its past — once painted to attract attention and trade. We’re now walking along Victoria Terrace — once a walkway for the well-to-do during the Victorian era. Victoria Terrace offers one of the best views back down onto the colourful street below. This is George IV Bridge — home to libraries, cafés, and one of Edinburgh’s oldest bookshops.
To the right is the French Institute of Scotland — promoting French language and culture in Edinburgh. We’re now approaching the High Court of Justiciary — Scotland’s supreme criminal court. We’re now in Parliament Square, just outside St Giles’ Cathedral — the heart of Edinburgh’s civic life.
The statue here is of Walter Scott’s descendant, a prominent duke who helped shape Scotland’s politics. St Giles’ Cathedral is over 900 years old — a key landmark in both Scotland’s history and Reformation. We’re walking down the High Street — the busiest stretch of the Royal Mile, full of history and energy. On our right is Advocate’s Close — one of the many narrow alleyways that give the Old Town its character. These hidden closes once held homes, workshops, and secrets — today, they’re perfect for quiet exploration. Now we’re heading down Cockburn Street, known for its gentle curve and lively shops. This staircase is Warriston’s Close — one of many historic steps linking Edinburgh’s levels. We’re back on the High Street — full of layered architecture and stories from every era. Here stands the Lord Lieutenant’s House — the ceremonial link between the Crown and the city of Edinburgh. This is the Mercat Cross — a medieval symbol of trade and royal proclamations in the heart of the city. We’re walking the Royal Mile — the spine of Edinburgh’s Old Town, stretching from the Castle to Holyrood. Yes, public phone boxes still exist here — a nostalgic touch among the ancient stone and cobbles. Edinburgh is world-famous for whisky — you’ll find tasting rooms and specialty shops throughout the Mile. Here’s Tron Kirk — a historic church turned event space, built in the 17th century. The Inn on the Mile was once a bank — its vaults now hold guests instead of gold. We’re stepping inside the Celtic Craft Centre — known for traditional kilts and handmade Scottish goods. Tourism is vital to Edinburgh — with its rich history, every corner is a photo or story waiting to happen. This Baronial-style building marks the line where Old Edinburgh met the former burgh of Canongate. Canongate was a separate town until 1865 — its name still echoes its unique identity. Wandering Canongate today, you’ll find centuries of stories in every stone and courtyard. Here’s St John’s Cross — a historic boundary marker of the old Canongate parish. This is Moray House — once the Countess of Home’s mansion, now part of the University of Edinburgh. Canongate Kirk, built in 1691, is still used today — and it’s where the royals worship when in Edinburgh. It replaced the ruined Holyrood Abbey as the main church for Canongate after the Reformation. Just outside the kirk is the statue of Robert Fergusson — the poet who inspired Robert Burns. The Lion Rampant flag flies above — once royal-only, now a proud symbol of Scottish identity.
Though officially reserved for the monarch, the Lion Rampant is now used in cultural celebration. Tourism fuels this city — and the medieval heart of Edinburgh keeps history alive for every visitor. These flags along the Royal Mile bring royal history to life — a visual tribute to the past. This memorial outside Canongate honours veterans — over a century of care, dignity, and support. Welcome to White Horse Close — a hidden gem where 17th-century charm meets modern calm.
This was once a coaching inn — now a peaceful courtyard restored with great care. Ahead is the Scottish Parliament — home to Scotland’s devolved government since 2004. Opposite Holyrood Palace, this bold design contrasts sharply with the city’s historic skyline. Just beside the Parliament lies the King’s Gallery — where art from the Royal Collection is on display. The Gallery once served as a church and school — today it welcomes visitors into royal history. This is Abbey Strand — among the oldest surviving buildings in Edinburgh, dating back to the 15th century. At the end of the Royal Mile stands Holyrood Palace — a living piece of royal history. Mary, Queen of Scots once lived here — and today it’s still used by the British monarch during official visits. Just beyond the gates, these quiet gardens offer a moment of colour and calm outside the palace walls. That small stone building is Queen Mary’s Bath House — a mysterious remnant from the 1500s. Now on Calton Road — a winding street beneath the cliffs that links Old Town to Waverley Station.
Bridges tower above us, and Calton Hill rises just ahead — it feels like stepping through time. These granite setts beneath our feet have carried centuries of carts, boots, and wheels. It’s quiet here — stone walls and echoes make Calton Road feel far from the tourist crowds above.
These buildings once dried whisky barley — now their pagoda rooftops remind us of Edinburgh’s industrial past. Now we’re climbing the path toward Regent Road — ivy-lined and peaceful, tucked beneath the hill. This gentle path has guided locals and visitors for generations on their way to Calton Hill. Here stands the Burns Monument — a neoclassical tribute to Scotland’s most beloved poet. We’re walking along Regent Road — a grand, historic route running just beneath Calton Hill. From here, you get a front-row seat to Edinburgh’s skyline — framed by monuments and the sea beyond. That bold Art Deco building is St Andrew’s House — the headquarters of the Scottish Government. Look above the entrance — the royal coat of arms and sculpted stone celebrate Scotland’s strength and industry. These old stone steps begin the final climb to Calton Hill — winding between volcanic cliffs and wildflowers.
It’s quiet up here — just the sound of your footsteps and the city slowly falling behind you. And now we’ve reached the summit — welcome to Calton Hill, where the city opens up all around you. This is the Dugald Stewart Monument — a tribute to a Scottish philosopher and a perfect photo spot. That rounded tower is the City Observatory — once used to map the stars, now part of an art space. It was built in 1818 by Playfair — the same architect behind much of Calton Hill’s neoclassical design. Today, this area is run by Collective — a gallery hosting modern art, exhibitions, and creative events. From up here, Edinburgh stretches out below — stone streets, sea breeze, and skies that never stay the same. The National Monument was meant to mirror the Parthenon — but was never finished due to lack of funds. Thanks for walking with us — see you in the next journey through another corner of the world.

Explore Edinburgh like never before — in this Part 2 walking tour, we wander from the colourful curves of Victoria Street to the panoramic heights of Calton Hill. Along the way, discover historic closes, hidden stairways, and breathtaking viewpoints across Scotland’s capital.

This relaxing city walk is filmed in stunning 4K HDR, with natural sounds and no commentary, just you and Edinburgh’s timeless charm.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:14 Castlehill
00:08:40 Patrick Geddes Steps
00:13:39 W Bow
00:14:24 Victoria Street
00:18:35 George IV Bridge
00:20:26 Parliament Square
00:24:30 Cockburn Street
00:25:00 Warriston’s Close Stairs
00:27:31 The Royal Mile
00:44:45 White Horse Close
00:47:00 Abbey Strand
00:49:50 Calton Road
00:51:45 Path to Regent Road
00:52:54 Regent Road
00:56:42 Steps to Calton Hill
00:58:14 Calton Hill

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