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The volcanic hill has a collection of some of Edinburgh's most important monuments- Dugald Stewart Monument, National Monument, Nelson Monument, and Playfair Monument. The National Monument was designed as a replica of the Parthenon in Athens and it was to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was not completed. The City Observatory is also located here. The hill offers panoramic views of the city and of iconic landmarks- Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. When we were there, it was really windy and drizzling. We didn't spend much time here due to the unpleasant weather.
Everything about my journey up to Calton Hill was worth the climb! I just so happened to catch the sunset en route. Upon reaching the top, I was in awe at the amazing views overlooking all of Edinburgh. There's even a cafe there serving drinks and playing music that can be heard from the speakers as you walk around. What an experience! I would do it all over again. Next time, I'll be sure to carry pen and paper to sit on the grass and write as I overlook the city.
It's an absolute must see "thing to do" when in Edinburgh. The views toward Leith and the Firth of Forth are amazing from Calton Hill. You can also get great views of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and even the crown shaped tower of St. Giles Cathedral. It's a nice panoramic view of Edinburgh. We started our journey from Princes Street to the steps that lead you to Calton Hill from Waterloo Place near Howies Restaurant. It's probably the easiest way up the hill by foot. It's about 4 flights of steps up and then an upward walking path that includes hand rails. I think we took the Hume Walk to the North Viewpoint and then the Regent Walk to the Edinburgh Viewpoint. It was a lot of walking, but totally worth it to see all the monuments. We didn't get to see the South Viewpoint which has a bird's eye view of the Holyroodhouse. We did see another set of steps called Jacob's Ladder on the way back down. It looks like an interesting path, but very steep. I later found out that it has 140 steps. It appears to be the quickest way to get you to Waverly Station from Regent Road. Fortunately, our tour led us further down that road to see the Burns Monument and New Calton Cemetery before arriving near the palace at the beginning of the Royal Mile. It was a very scenic route. My only advice would be to go up there just before sunset (on a dry day). It's the best time for picture taking. Otherwise, just enjoy the view.
We were staying in Carlton Terrace Mews a stones throw from Calton Hill, and even though we were all exhausted from Old Town sightseeing, I decided to make the climb up alone, leaving the rest of the family to rest up for New Town the next day. Passing by the Robert Burns monument, I slowly walked all the way to the top of the hill, and was rewarded with a magical sunset and 360-degree views of Edinburgh. There were many tourists milling about, and everyone was in a sanguine mood. There was a breeze but it was not cold, and I wandered around and took pictures to my hearts content. I stayed till it was almost dark, then slowly made my way back home, ready for a relaxing evening watching Harry Potter with the family!
What a gorgeous spot in Edinburgh with a spectacular view. You can really go any time of the day but it's known for its amazing sunsets, which we got to enjoy. Great vistas and a few historical landmarks, you can spend quite a bit of time here. My only caution is the walk up from the street is a 45° angle so feel free to take it slow.
Lucky us, we picked the sunniest day of our Edinburgh trip to climb Calton Hill. It's a 10-minute hike up some steps & a moderately steep hill (a bit of exercise to offset my daily Cadbury intake.) A quick jaunt from either New Town or Old Town, the top of the hill displays a collection of historic monuments including the Robert Burns Monument, the Nelson Monument, & the (unfinished) National Monument of Scotland, built in the image of the Parthenon in Athens. We checked out the art gallery & took note of a fine dining restaurant. The panorama from the hilltop gives you the lay of the land; Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, & Holyrood Palace can all be spotted in the distance. For quickly checking off monuments & snapping a few beautiful pics or taking time for a leisurely stroll & quiet contemplation on a bench, Calton Hill is an Edinburgh must-do regardless of your time constraints.
This was one of our all time favorite things we did during our trip to the UK! We walked from downtown Edinburgh to enjoy the views of the city and experience the sunset, and it was absolutely breathtaking! There are quite a bit of stairs to get to the top, but totally worth it! The National Monument is huge and you can jump up to walk around the entire Monument (so cool)! To make the visit even better, there was a group of traveling Scottish Bagpipers there on their own special voyage to the beautiful hilltop. And, they played for the other revelers to make the sunset unforgettable! I would definitely include this on your must-see list of Edinburgh!
This is a cool place to visit while in Edinburgh. The walk up may not be easy but the views are spectacular! You can see the Royal Mile, Scottish Monument, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur's seat among many other great sites! Located right in the city it is a great place for a little break from the city. The monuments are impressive and there is plenty of green space to enjoy a walk or picnic. Overall, Calton Hill is a must-visit in Edinburgh. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a great view, this hill has something for everyone. I highly recommend making the climb and taking in the beauty of this incredible city.
If you're looking for beautiful city views that is easily accessible and does not take too much time on your itinerary, Calton Hill is the place! I originally wanted to hike up Arthur's Seat, but I didn't think my two boys would be very keen on that idea, lol. Calton Hill provided the perfect alternative. Calton Hill is part of the Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery, the unfinished National Monument (modeled after the Parthenon), the Dugald Stewart Monument, and various other buildings - many of which can be seen from various vantage points throughout the city. There's even a high-end restaurant at the top if you're feeling hungry. It is situated beyond the east end of Princes Street with a bus stop nearby at the bottom of the hill which is perfect for those using public transportation or even Uber. It is also within walking distance if you're staying near the Royal Mile/New Town area. The views of, and from, the hill are often used in photographs and paintings of the city and I can definitely see why. It is lovely! From the top many of Edinburgh's popular sites including Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, Arthur's Seat, and even Holyrood Palace located at the foot of the hill. You can see the stark difference between Old and New Town, the seaside town of Leith, and ocean views. The wind was bustling which made for a pretty chilly morning. Be prepared and bring warm clothes just in case. We spent a good 45 minutes to an hour here just wandering about and enjoying the views. I imagine sunrise or sunset here would be beautiful!
Calton Hill was located just behind my hotel, nestled between old town and new town Edinburgh. Being a prominence that reached above the local buildings, it was a good place to stroll in the morning. It was absolutely riddled with trails and roads, so it was easy to make a new route each time. My only complaint was that the hilltop was littered with various monuments and architectural vestiges, none of which were all that picturesque (to me). These also eliminated the panoramic views of town that I was hoping to capture; I had to settle for peek-through views. (I took one cloudy photo of the castle in flat light, but I see a dozen other yelpers have posted the exact same photo, and in much better light). It was a popular place too. At one point I saw caterers and flower vans setting up for an event at the top. So someone is renting out space up here. I would have preferred a more open park with trails only (and maybe a marker identifying distant landmarks), but I was still happy Calton Hill was here.
What a commanding view of Edinburgh, and it was just a quick walk from the hotel. I suppose a sunrise view would be just as spectacular but we arrived at sunset - right before dinner. Gotta work off those calories, and even better - there's no entrance fee. The view of the Balmoral hotel, the entire city, Royal mile and the architectural structures that are actually on Calton Hill are so thought inspiring - you just need to stop all the busyness to just ponder as you look out at your surroundings. You'll see a lot of the old but you can see a lot of new building going on too. There's a bit of an incline walking up here but it's not terribly challenging. Also, it was notably crowded pre-COVID so I would hope that they are able to maintain social distancing.
We walked out of our hotel and right up the stairs and hill to one of the best scenic viewpoints of the city. Each way was a different vibe. It was a great time to think about the history of what was before you and all around. Many of the buildings are hundreds of years old so it creates an interesting atmosphere. I would highly recommend coming here. On one side is a cafe but we didn't go in. It was busy. Tons of trails and some dogs. We spotted a few off leash so keep that in mind I didn't see any trash on the grounds which was refreshing although there was a touch of graffiti. read more
Calton Hill offers arguably one of the best views across Edinburgh's city centre. From here, you can see most of the city, Arthurs Seat, and of course the castle. It's the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and you'll be treated to awesome views of the castle in the distance. Calton Hill was formed over 340 million years ago. It has a huge history from the prehistoric era to today. It was originally a hill fort in ancient times, then King James II of Scotland granted the lands to Edinburgh in 1456. Calton Hill sits just off Leith Street near Edinburgh's popular commercial area. Like many of the parks in the area, it's free to enter so you won't need to reach into your wallet for this one. If you're looking for some of the best views in Edinburgh then make sure you spend some time here. There's also an art gallery up on Calton Hill and an unfinished national monument so there's plenty to see! If you only have time to visit one viewpoint in the city, let this be it. It's a fantastic place to watch the sunset or see the breathtaking views. read more
6 months ago
The volcanic hill has a collection of some of Edinburgh's most important monuments- Dugald Stewart Monument, National Monument, Nelson Monument, and Playfair Monument. The National Monument was designed as a replica of the Parthenon in Athens and it was to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It was not completed. The City Observatory is also located here. The hill offers panoramic views of the city and of iconic landmarks- Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat. When we were there, it was really windy and drizzling. We didn't spend much time here due to the unpleasant weather. read more
3 months ago
Everything about my journey up to Calton Hill was worth the climb! I just so happened to catch the sunset en route. Upon reaching the top, I was in awe at the amazing views overlooking all of Edinburgh. There's even a cafe there serving drinks and playing music that can be heard from the speakers as you walk around. What an experience! I would do it all over again. Next time, I'll be sure to carry pen and paper to sit on the grass and write as I overlook the city. read more
It's an absolute must see "thing to do" when in Edinburgh. The views toward Leith and the Firth of Forth are amazing from Calton Hill. You can also get great views of Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and even the crown shaped tower of St. Giles Cathedral. It's a nice panoramic view of Edinburgh. We started our journey from Princes Street to the steps that lead you to Calton Hill from Waterloo Place near Howies Restaurant. It's probably the easiest way up the hill by foot. It's about 4 flights of steps up and then an upward walking path that includes hand rails. I think we took the Hume Walk to the North Viewpoint and then the Regent Walk to the Edinburgh Viewpoint. It was a lot of walking, but totally worth it to see all the monuments. We didn't get to see the South Viewpoint which has a bird's eye view of the Holyroodhouse. We did see another set of steps called Jacob's Ladder on the way back down. It looks like an interesting path, but very steep. I later found out that it has 140 steps. It appears to be the quickest way to get you to Waverly Station from Regent Road. Fortunately, our tour led us further down that road to see the Burns Monument and New Calton Cemetery before arriving near the palace at the beginning of the Royal Mile. It was a very scenic route. My only advice would be to go up there just before sunset (on a dry day). It's the best time for picture taking. Otherwise, just enjoy the view. read more
We were staying in Carlton Terrace Mews a stones throw from Calton Hill, and even though we were all exhausted from Old Town sightseeing, I decided to make the climb up alone, leaving the rest of the family to rest up for New Town the next day. Passing by the Robert Burns monument, I slowly walked all the way to the top of the hill, and was rewarded with a magical sunset and 360-degree views of Edinburgh. There were many tourists milling about, and everyone was in a sanguine mood. There was a breeze but it was not cold, and I wandered around and took pictures to my hearts content. I stayed till it was almost dark, then slowly made my way back home, ready for a relaxing evening watching Harry Potter with the family! read more
What a gorgeous spot in Edinburgh with a spectacular view. You can really go any time of the day but it's known for its amazing sunsets, which we got to enjoy. Great vistas and a few historical landmarks, you can spend quite a bit of time here. My only caution is the walk up from the street is a 45° angle so feel free to take it slow. read more
1 year ago
Lucky us, we picked the sunniest day of our Edinburgh trip to climb Calton Hill. It's a 10-minute hike up some steps & a moderately steep hill (a bit of exercise to offset my daily Cadbury intake.) A quick jaunt from either New Town or Old Town, the top of the hill displays a collection of historic monuments including the Robert Burns Monument, the Nelson Monument, & the (unfinished) National Monument of Scotland, built in the image of the Parthenon in Athens. We checked out the art gallery & took note of a fine dining restaurant. The panorama from the hilltop gives you the lay of the land; Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, & Holyrood Palace can all be spotted in the distance. For quickly checking off monuments & snapping a few beautiful pics or taking time for a leisurely stroll & quiet contemplation on a bench, Calton Hill is an Edinburgh must-do regardless of your time constraints. read more
This was one of our all time favorite things we did during our trip to the UK! We walked from downtown Edinburgh to enjoy the views of the city and experience the sunset, and it was absolutely breathtaking! There are quite a bit of stairs to get to the top, but totally worth it! The National Monument is huge and you can jump up to walk around the entire Monument (so cool)! To make the visit even better, there was a group of traveling Scottish Bagpipers there on their own special voyage to the beautiful hilltop. And, they played for the other revelers to make the sunset unforgettable! I would definitely include this on your must-see list of Edinburgh! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This is a cool place to visit while in Edinburgh. The walk up may not be easy but the views are spectacular! You can see the Royal Mile, Scottish Monument, Edinburgh Castle, and Arthur's seat among many other great sites! Located right in the city it is a great place for a little break from the city. The monuments are impressive and there is plenty of green space to enjoy a walk or picnic. Overall, Calton Hill is a must-visit in Edinburgh. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a great view, this hill has something for everyone. I highly recommend making the climb and taking in the beauty of this incredible city. read more
If you're looking for beautiful city views that is easily accessible and does not take too much time on your itinerary, Calton Hill is the place! I originally wanted to hike up Arthur's Seat, but I didn't think my two boys would be very keen on that idea, lol. Calton Hill provided the perfect alternative. Calton Hill is part of the Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery, the unfinished National Monument (modeled after the Parthenon), the Dugald Stewart Monument, and various other buildings - many of which can be seen from various vantage points throughout the city. There's even a high-end restaurant at the top if you're feeling hungry. It is situated beyond the east end of Princes Street with a bus stop nearby at the bottom of the hill which is perfect for those using public transportation or even Uber. It is also within walking distance if you're staying near the Royal Mile/New Town area. The views of, and from, the hill are often used in photographs and paintings of the city and I can definitely see why. It is lovely! From the top many of Edinburgh's popular sites including Edinburgh Castle, Scott Monument, Arthur's Seat, and even Holyrood Palace located at the foot of the hill. You can see the stark difference between Old and New Town, the seaside town of Leith, and ocean views. The wind was bustling which made for a pretty chilly morning. Be prepared and bring warm clothes just in case. We spent a good 45 minutes to an hour here just wandering about and enjoying the views. I imagine sunrise or sunset here would be beautiful! read more
Calton Hill was located just behind my hotel, nestled between old town and new town Edinburgh. Being a prominence that reached above the local buildings, it was a good place to stroll in the morning. It was absolutely riddled with trails and roads, so it was easy to make a new route each time. My only complaint was that the hilltop was littered with various monuments and architectural vestiges, none of which were all that picturesque (to me). These also eliminated the panoramic views of town that I was hoping to capture; I had to settle for peek-through views. (I took one cloudy photo of the castle in flat light, but I see a dozen other yelpers have posted the exact same photo, and in much better light). It was a popular place too. At one point I saw caterers and flower vans setting up for an event at the top. So someone is renting out space up here. I would have preferred a more open park with trails only (and maybe a marker identifying distant landmarks), but I was still happy Calton Hill was here. read more
Phenomenal views of Old Town Edinburgh, New Town, Arthur's Seat, and even the North Sea. When you get to the top there are several historic monuments - took me about an hour to see them all - yet despite quite a few people - spread out enough that I had no problems. read more
What a commanding view of Edinburgh, and it was just a quick walk from the hotel. I suppose a sunrise view would be just as spectacular but we arrived at sunset - right before dinner. Gotta work off those calories, and even better - there's no entrance fee. The view of the Balmoral hotel, the entire city, Royal mile and the architectural structures that are actually on Calton Hill are so thought inspiring - you just need to stop all the busyness to just ponder as you look out at your surroundings. You'll see a lot of the old but you can see a lot of new building going on too. There's a bit of an incline walking up here but it's not terribly challenging. Also, it was notably crowded pre-COVID so I would hope that they are able to maintain social distancing. read more
6 years ago
Walked up the steps to Calton Hill on our visit to Scotland in October 2019. It was cold and drizzling part of the day then sunny and windy the next. Always be prepared for surprises when in Scotland. Love the view of Edinburgh at the top of the hill. We were certainly famished at the end of our trek. read more
"[Edinburgh] is a city of shifting light, of changing skies, of sudden vistas. A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again." ~ Alexander McCall Smith There's no better way to understand this quote than to go here. I spent my last sunset of 2018 atop this hill, soaking in the magic of this enchanting city and my heart pangs recalling this sweet memory. Travel is a gift and this is one of the spots where I felt it. The hike is short but steep, so proper shoes are necessary. It was super windy up top but it made good on the promise of shifting light as Smith said. Great panoramic views of Arthur's Seat (will hike there next time I'm in town) and the city. The structures up top make for some great photo opportunities and have a wonderful little historical background. Edinburgh is called the Athen's of the North, so it fits there's Greek-style structures. The story behind the unfinished Parthenon is pretty funny too. read more
3 years ago
Gorgeous views of the City of Edinburgh. I went around 8:00 and there were only a few locals walk their dogs at that time. read more
8 years ago
Beautiful, free outdoor spot for views, a bit of history, and to get your steps in. You have to put the effort in to get up the stairs (it's a *hill*, after all), but it's worth it. We spent just over an hour there, following the paths and taking pictures of the views. We didn't actually go into any of the structures (buildings, museums, monuments), but I don't feel it negatively impacted our time on the hill. There's a lot to see and experience, even without paying to get into any of the structures. They do a good job of providing information on the hill and the surrounding area if you want to stop to read a bit. I would've liked to have had an easy way onto the Acropolis structure...but maybe they don't want people clambering up and climbing all over everything...? It would've made for a great experience and beautiful pictures, but there was no way my old body would've made it up there. Or, maybe I would've made it up, but certainly would've broken something making my way back down. Nice for a relaxing afternoon, especially if the weather is nice. read more
4 years ago
Beautiful view of the skyline. Best to go in the morning. Even better if you bring the weather with you. read more
5 years ago
Incredible spot for sightseeing and getting your bearings in the city if you haven't been here for long. I was getting lost for about a month before going to Calton Hill. Incredible views and some interesting "ruins" to see- lots of fun loving friend groups, which I honestly don't mind, but was a bit rowdy. Make sure to walk all the way around as there is so much to see that you wouldn't expect. A MUST SEE for artists!! read more
Very quick and short hike from the main area of downtown. If you walk up Princes street from the Scott Monument, it may take 15 minutes plus or minus depending on how fast you walk. Note, there are a decent amount of stairs and incline, so it may not be for EVERYONE. It is an essential see if you can though. The pillars are oddly out of place, but still very cool. I wonder what would have happened had they not run out of money as they were building them. The views are really what make it worthwhile. You can see clearly to Fife, up to Arthurs Seat (another must go to), to the castle, and all over the gorgeous city. There is a tower you can pay a few pounds to go in, but I had enough hiking and stairs and the views were spectacular enough without the need to go up there. There is a little coffee booth up top, some areas to sit, lounge, picnic, etc. I took it in for about 30 minutes or so before heading back to town. read more
10 years ago
9 years ago
If you're in the city, you HAVE to come here. Bus drops you directly off, and then get ready to walk up hill. If you want to pay 5 pounds and get the best view of the city, you can walk 143 steps up the tower. It is worth it!! And I recommend going around sunset for some nice photo sessions :) read more
After a rather lengthy hike you reach the top of Calton Hill, providing excellent views of Edinburgh and the surrounds. The views and the various pieces of history that have survived the years are worth the time and effort. My favorite was the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished structure (due to funding and debates of having it finished). I was fortunate enough to capture a shot nearing sunset that is one of my very favorites from my travels. The monument and the many other historical pieces at Calton Hill provide great insight into Scotland. read more
8 years ago
Absolutely amazing place to see and a must if visiting Edinburgh. If the weather is clear, trek up the hill for amazing views of the city during golden hour or watch a spectacular sunset. The views of Arthur's Seat are amazing as well. The walk up is really steep depending on which path up you take. I suggest the Regent Pl entrance since it's mostly stairs and an easier climb up. The amazing views are worth it. Definitely check out Nelson's Monument and the National Monument. Loved coming here and highly recommended. read more
It's wonderful and odd at the same time. I loved it. A cakewalk after ascending Arthur's Seat, and the views were just as spectacular. I don't think a visit to Edinburgh would be complete without a stroll up Calton Hill. read more
11 years ago
Wow!!! Forget the castle, I reckon this needs to be the one thing you must visit when in Edinburgh! Looking at the national memorial to the Scottish soldiers and sailors who died fighting in the Napoleonic Wars, modelled upon the Parthenon in Athens made me feel as if there was a feeling of gravitas in the air and I felt philosophical in a way, looking down the rooftops of the city laid out before me and seeing the vastness of the old extinct volcano on one side and the ocean on the other. I loved the fake Parthenon and other buildings but I reckon one comes here for the view, which truly is magnificent. Also, you don't need to climb the stairs, just take the walking pathway instead as it leads to the same place albeit that way you get to the view first and the stairs take you straight to the Parthenon. read more
There's no touristy facilities here; no toilets, no tacky souvenir shops selling "BORT" keyrings. There's just an amazing, amazing view in all directions including the National Monument. I'd never been up to see what the view was like, but took a wander up just as the sun was going down over Edinburgh one night, and it's instantly become one of my favourite places in Edinburgh. Just a spectacular spot to take in the city or the water behind you. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
12 years ago
Carlton Hill was about a minute walk away from our hotel so we couldn't not go for a sunny morning walk really! It was much easier than I had anticipated and made for quite a pleasant start to the day, walking up you can see all the lovely buildings, and out to sea. You can also see the much larger Arthur's seat. It's a good way to start the day! read more
9 years ago
If you don't want to climb all the way to the top of the Arthur's Seat. Then Calton Hill will be another prefect place to check out the city from the top. I visited it at the last day of my trip. It was a rainy day, but I still think it was worth to visit. The view wasn't as breathtaking as the top of the Arthur's Seat. But it was much closer to the city, so I was able to see the every tiny things moving around the city. It was actually quite nice and peaceful, I was really enjoying that moment. The national monument is also located here. And some other buildings and monuments. There are couple view points on the top, they give visitor different perspectives to see the city. Great place to have a walk. read more
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Calton Hill - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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