For centuries, the outstanding panoramic view from the top of Calton Hill has left travellers spellbound. According to eminent Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, “Of all places for a view, this Calton Hill is perhaps the best”.
It is an iconic part of Edinburgh’s skyline. Taking a short walk to enjoy the awe-inspiring panoramic vistas is one of the unmissable things to do in Edinburgh.
Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill is also home to several classical Greek-style monuments and historical landmarks, which gained the city its famous nickname, ‘Athens of the North’.
This wee hill is an extinct volcano which erupted millions of years ago, much like the nearby Arthur’s Seat and Castle Rock, upon which Edinburgh Castle sits. The highest point of Calton Hill stands at an elevation of 103 metres.
On sunny summer days, you will see many locals and tourists basking in the sun or enjoying a picnic on the grassy slopes of the hill. If you are a photographer, you cannot miss the gorgeous sunset from the top.
How to Get to Calton Hill
There are several different paths leading to this small hill. But the easiest entrance is through the stairs on Regent Road at the far east end of the busy Princes Street.
It is a short 5-10 minute walk from there to get to the top of Calton Hill. The path is not steep and is well-maintained. Alternatively, you can take the path from Royal Terrace, close to Greenside Church on the east side of the hill.
Also, if you are using public transport, there are many bus and tram stops nearby. Waverley Train Station and Edinburgh Bus Station are within a short walking distance from here.
Best Time to Visit Calton Hill
This area is open to visitors every day, all year round. Having visited Calton Hill every season over the years, we can confidently say that the view looks breathtaking regardless of the weather.
Like Dean Village and Circus Lane, this small hill is one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. So, Calton Hill gets quite busy, especially during the summer months. But seeing the sun set slowly over the rooftops of Edinburgh is an unforgettable experience.
For photographers who want to click a dreamy shot without many people around, we recommend visiting this area at sunrise or in the morning.
Unmissable Viewpoints on Calton Hill
Admiring the breathtaking view from the top of this wee hill should be a part of every Edinburgh itinerary. It is easily accessible and does not require much effort.
There are quite a few viewpoints dotted all over the hill. If you have difficulty finding them, we have also marked them on Google Maps at the end of this article.
Enjoy the Classic View with Dugald Stewart
One of the most photographed frames from Calton Hill captures Edinburgh Castle, Balmoral Clock Tower, Scott Monument and Dugald Stewart Monument.
You can see many striking landmarks of the city here. Perched atop an extinct volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle looks grand. Steeped in history, it attracts millions of visitors every year.
The panorama enfolds out across the city’s Old and New Towns to Corstorphine Hill. Looking closely, you can spot the tower of St Stephen’s Church of Stockbridge.
Admire the layers of the house of Old Town with spires of The Hub and St Giles Cathedral poking up through the horizon against the backdrop of Pentland Hills.
Admire the View from the Summit
Another viewpoint you can’t miss is the summit of the hill. There is a triangulation pillar marking the highest point of Calton Hill.
From here, you will get a superb view over the long stretch of Fife across the Firth of Forth, along with the docks of Leith. The small island you see is Inchkeith Island.
It is impressive how the old Georgian houses and the modern structures coexist in the city. On your left-hand side, you can catch a glimpse of the Forth Bridge, an engineering marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
View Towards Salisbury Crag
Follow the path between the National Monument and Nelson Monument to get to the south side of Calton Hill. Soon, you will get a dramatic view of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. There are a few benches you can sit back and soak up the stunning vista.
You can see many historic buildings in the Old Town. Look out for the Holyrood Palace – the royal residence of the British monarch in Scotland. The white armadillo-shaped building is the Dynamic Earth Science Centre.
After visiting Calton Hill, if you have time, we would highly suggest taking a hike to Arthur’s Seat. You can follow our guide for the best route to tackle this hill.
An Easy-to-miss Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located at the bottom of Nelson Monument. Take the slightly upward path near the Portuguese Canon.
There is an information board showing the famous Edinburgh landmarks nearby.
The long stretch of Princes Street is right in front of you. You can spot the triple spires of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral at a distance. For a great photo opportunity, zoom in on the Balmoral clock tower.
Also, to your left side, you can see St Andrew’s House, the headquarters building of the Scottish Government.
Must-See Historical Attractions on Calton Hill
Discover the National Monument of Scotland
You can’t miss the large columned structure of the National Monument of Scotland on the top of Calton Hill. This 19th-century city landmark was once mockingly nicknamed ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’. Today, it is one of the must-see historical tourist attractions in Edinburgh.
The structure was designed jointly by English architect Charles Robert Cockerell and eminent Scottish architect William Henry Playfair to commemorate the Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in the Napoleonic Wars.
When finished, the monument was supposed to look exactly like the great Parthenon in Athens. However, due to the lack of funding, the work stopped abruptly right after three years. Therefore, only the twelve large columns and the architrave were built.
Climb to the Top of the Nelson Monument
Another historic attraction to look out for is the Nelson Monument. The cylindrical-shaped tower of the building resembles an upside-down telescope.
Although the view from Calton Hill is absolutely stunning, you can climb to the top of Nelson Monument for an even more elevated view of the lovely Edinburgh skyline. Entrance to Nelson Monument is not free. You have to pay a small fee to access the tower.
This monument was built to commemorate Vice-admiral Horatio Nelson, who fought courageously and died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
In 1852, a large time ball was installed at the top of the tower to send signals to the ships approaching the Firth of Forth and the ports of Leith.
Admire the Beautiful Dugald Stewart Monument
Another iconic landmark on Calton Hill is the circular-shaped Dugald Stewart Monument, a memorial to the eminent Edinburgh-born philosopher and mathematician Dugald Stewart.
This elegant structure was designed by famous Scottish architect William Henry Playfair, based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens, Greece.
The small circular temple has nine fluted Corinthian columns, with an urn at the top. The construction of this monument was completed in 1831. Today, this is a category A listed building.
Visit the Collective
Housed in the former City Observatory, the Collective Gallery is a modern purpose-built exhibition space showcasing contemporary art by various new and upcoming artists from Scotland. It hosts several temporary and permanent exhibitions, events and guided walks.
The 18th-century City Observatory building itself is very historic. It was a significant site for astronomy and Scientific discovery in Edinburgh. There is a small coffee stand here serving hot and cold foods and drinks.
Get Spooked at Old Calton Burial Ground
Tucked only a few steps away from the Waterloo Place entrance of Calton Hill, this historic graveyard is the final resting place of many notable Scots. Famous Scottish philosopher David Hume, scientist John Playfair and publishers William Blackwood and Archibald Constable are buried here.
The Political Martyrs’ Monument commemorates five political reformists from the late 18th and early 19th centuries who were banished to Australia for demanding equal rights to vote.
Map of the Viewpoints on Calton Hill
Here is the map of all the historic landmarks and the lookout spots over Calton Hill. We have also marked the nearby restaurants and pubs for you. Save this Google Map on your phone to use it later. You can also use it offline.
Events and Festivals on Calton Hill
If you are in Edinburgh at the end of April, then the Beltane Fire Festival might interest you. On the night of 30th April, thousands of people gather here to celebrate the modern take on ancient Celtic rituals that mark the arrival of summer.
Plus, Calton Hill is a great vantage point to enjoy the fireworks during the Edinburgh Festival in August and during the Hogmanay celebrations.
On New Year’s Eve, there are hourly spectacular fireworks displays from Edinburgh Castle. Locals and tourists come together to watch the midnight fireworks celebrating the beginning of the new year.
We absolutely love the views from Calton Hill. It is one of our favourite places in Edinburgh. Hopefully, after your visit, you will fall in love with it too.
To fuel your travel inspiration further, check out some of our other Scotland and Edinburgh travel guides.
Love, Moumita & Sankha.
Nelsons Monument has recently been refurbished. The ball and cross were removed and sadly not replaced