The magnetic recording medium includes a substrate and a recording layer formed in a predetermined concavo-convex pattern over the substrate, and the recording layer includes recording elements each formed as a convex portion of the recording layer. Surface steps are formed in an inner area including a radially innermost portion of a recording area. Each surface step is formed in such a manner that a portion over a concave portion between the recording elements is recessed toward a substrate to a level below a portion over the recording element. The surface steps are formed such that the recording area can be sectioned into an annular area adjoining the inner area and the inner area where height of the surface steps is larger than that in the annular area.