It's a free, beautiful, 1-hour max outdoor activity that requires a steep walk to the top. This is a historical public park with grassy expanses and a hodgepodge of memorials including a tower to Lord Nelson and an unfinished Parthenon replica erected in honor of the Scottish soldiers who lost their lives in the Napoleanic Wars. From this vantage point you have a bird's eye view of New Town Edinburgh as well as Leith. read more

Amazing views all across Edinburgh, Fife and East Lothian. 5 Badger stars from me! read more

Well worth the short climb up Calton Hill to witness the gorgeous panoramic views of Edinburgh. I was fortunate enough to catch a sunrise and sunset up there and it was breath-taking. Great place to sit and chill out or for a picnic with the family. Check online to see what events are going on at the Observatory on top of the hill fun for adults and children alike. A must visit when in Edinburgh read more

Calton Hill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Too many people ignore Calton Hill because of it's reputation of having a colourful nightlife. It's actually a beautiful place to visit and has the best views of Edinburgh you can imagine. Scotland's Disgrace sits up there with much misplaced stoic pride and is an appealing climbing frame for the agile. There's lots of benches dotted around for the not-so-agile too though! read more

Not to steep hill with a great view of Arthur's Seat. I would go early during sunrise or during sunset to see great views of Edinburgh.

Calton Hill is a marvellous gem tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city centre. Its grassy slopes are resplendent with panoramic views and a unique collection of monuments and architecture. Don't let the flight of stairs leading up to the hill put you off, as once you have reached the top, a well-worn footpath traces the circumference of the Hill, unveiling the seemingly endless beauty of Edinburgh and its surrounds. Visiting the Hill is a must on a clear day as views of the old and new city, the crags of Arthur's Seat, as well as Inchcolm Island in the Forth River, are a spectacular sight. The melange of architecture on the Hill gives testimony to Edinburgh's history as structures range from Lord Nelson's Monument, the Old Observatory, the City Observatory, and the Acropolis or "Edinburgh's Disgrace" as known by the locals. read more

Erm, well this place is actually called CALTON HILL not Carlton Hill. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calton_Hill ) Despite this, it's a great place for an afternoon walk. One of the best views in Edinburgh. The story of the pantheon is great: Edinburgh ran out of money before they could complete it. I recommend the Beltane festival just before summer. I highly recommend avoiding Calton hill after dark as it is the premier cruising ground for Edinburgh's gays. read more

I find a walk up Calton Hill more exhilarating and atmospheric than a climb up the Salisbury crags - but maybe that's just because I am really unfit and just about cough a lung up when climbing there. The view is, for me, more immediate and striking as you are surrounded by the city centre with the beautiful views heading down to Leith and the Firth of Forth. The fact you are quite exposed to the elements up there only adds to the exhilaration as well. It is also a bit less well known by tourists and you are more likely to get a calmer time there. read more

Loved to take a walk up to the Carlton hill, but mind you it is hard work, and I am always gasping for air when walking up Feels like you are climbing up to the top but it would be worth it in the end, as the views are stunning, as you can be able to see princes street road, and see all the wee cars/taxi/buses and people walking up and down the street Even for me, it was a fun thing to go down the hill As I dont walk down the hill, as I lay myself on the grass, and roll myself down the hill. It is a great feels like you are on a longest fun fair ever.! It is suitable for children/teenagers who would go down this hill in my way, as a number of my friends do this, and it is really funny thing to do! For older people, I advise you all to be CAREFUL..! :D read more

I walk past Calton Hill every day on my way to work so it was about time I climbed it for myself. What a view!! The best thing about this hill however? The lack of effort it takes to get to the top. You could do it in ten minutes. Carrying a rucksack. In heels. The next time the sun has its hat on, I'm heading up Calton with a picnic. read more

Calton Hill is why you might hear Edinburgh described as the 'Athens of the North'. With it's Acropolis folly and Nelson's Monument, it's an unexpected place, but the views you get from here aren't to be missed. Carry on along the east end of Princes Street onto Regent Street and up the hill for great views of Arthur's Seat, the Mound, Princes Street and over the Firth of Forth to the Kingdom of Fife. A great green space in the centre of town for a little respite. read more

Calton Hill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Calton Hill, set right in the city centre, is unmistakable with its Athenian acropolis poking above the skyline. Calton Hill is a lovely and invariably peaceful place to visit; it's ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre and provides wonderfully panoramic views across the city skyline. The Hill is also easily accessible, just a short walk up the steps at Waterloo Place. Alternatively, less able people may drive up and park. The city observatory, based on top, provides marvellous viewings of the sky. I spent a fascintating day there with my primary school many years ago and still retain fond memories of the experience. read more

This is a lovely walk on a summers day, though this summer a lot of the stairs were closed for repair, making the route a bit longer. Personally, I only missed them on the way down! From the top the views are fantastic, the collection of buildings is intriguing but be warned - there are no toilets up there! Be warned - 360 degree views = 360 degree winds. If there is a bit of breeze at Princes Street level, you may be blown away on the top! read more

This is hands down the best view of the city and the most wonderful place to watch the end of festival fireworks. It used to have a bit of a reputation for somewhere not to go alone, or at night, but over the last few years it's really been cleaned up and I'm happily happy to walk there alone now. Close to town too.. read more

As it was a clear blue sky day we decided to head for Carlton Hill on our last full day. It's a bit of a walk and we didn't find the entrance to the park until we walked around the houses a bit. Bit of a walk up hill but so worth it, the views of Edinburgh made the fact that we got lost and tired from walking blend into the background. So must more could the up here like a café maybe Would have been a great place for a picnic if we had thought about it. read more

Calton Hill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

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This is a prime spot for those who have been up all night partying, yet are too daunted by the prospect of Arthur's Seat for an early morning jaunt. From here you have an awesome view of the city, particularly of the Castle. If you only come here once in your life however, make sure that it's during the Beltane fire festival. P.S. The hill can climbed from behind Waverley Station, which ensures free entry to the fire festival provided you are willing to hide in the trees for a little while. read more

Calton Hill or the "Athens of the North" as it's known has some of the best views in Edinburgh (apart from Arthurs Seat). Depending on where abouts on the hill you are, there are lovely views of the castle, princes street and even the forth bridges on a clear day. At the top of the hill there is the Royal Observatory and a small museum dedicated to Lord Nelson, perhaps worth exploring when you are up there, but the main reason to go up is the view. The only thing I would say is avoid at night time, it does have a dodgy reputation after dark.... read more

Why oh why does Carlton hill hide in the shadow of Arthur's Seat fame-wise? I've never understood. For me, the views from up here are just spectacular - of the crags, of the firth, of the castle, of princes street, everywhere. Whether you're coming up for a romantic evening in front of the setting sun, for the fireworks or for a crazy fire festival, this is pretty much the first place i'd take someone visiting Edinburgh. The best part of it is that you only need about five/ten minutes to walk here from the very centre of town, then back down for a cosy drink in a warm bar - there're plenty around! read more

Calton Hill is a great place to visit if you are visiting Edinburgh or even if you live here. The views of the city are spectacular from right down through Leith to the Firth of Forth, over to the Forth Road and Rail Bridges right around to the majestic sight of Edinburgh Castle. I would be slightly weary to go up at night though as it has been rumoured that it is a bit of a gay gathering point late at night but dont let this stop you going during the day as it is an amazing view! read more

I'm amazed of how big a difference to the night sky a stroll up to Calton can make, being even so much above most of the light pollution brightens up the sky greatly. It's easy to see why the observatory was put there when it was. For the little trouble there is climbing up it pays off in full. as close to the wonders of camping as it gets, when your in the heart of the city center (almost) read more

This place was beautiful. It was a short walk from Waverley station. It is not a hike. You can definitely do both Arthur's seat and Calton Hill in the same day. I enjoying the beautiful view of the city from this point view. There is a cafe on Calton Hill for lunch also. I definitely recommend coming here. read more

Calton Hill is a very easy hike, if you can even call it that. There's lots of stops along the way, and multiple paths you can take to get to the top of the hill for some amazing near-360 views, and to sit on an actual UNESCO Heritage site. Other than that, there's not much to do and you can be in and out in under an hour, so don't plan your day around it. read more

Excepting places of the culinary and artistic aesthetics, this is my single favorite place in Edinburgh. More than the Old Town, more than Arthur's Seat, and more than foggy docks of Leith. It offers my favorite views of the city and the Firth of Forth, a great place to relax atop the National Monument, and several romantic spots to sit in the summer as evening falls. read more

I think that apart from Arthur's Seat this is probably the best place to get a good view of Edinburgh. Not too difficult to climb, it offers put you on the castle, Princes street, Holyrood park and the firth. I just wish they hadn't left that mock-greek temple unfinished. read more

Iconic place in Edinburgh, I recommend you discover why. No matter what time of day you visit this place, it will always make you feel something special and of course contemplate what is undoubtedly the most beautiful views of the city. read more

Calton Hill - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Edinburgh, EDH

Calton Hill (never can pronounce it correctly) is one of the seven hills of Edinburgh (Calton, the Castle, Corstorphine, Craiglockhart, Blackford, Braid and Arthur's Seat), housing some fantastic conglomeration of monuments. For me, it has been the only place to watch the Edinburgh Fireworks (also known as the fireworks at the end of the Edinburgh Festival) since I was a kid - it's the best (free) spot in town. read more

Green space in the middle of the city center with an excellent view across the city. On a good day you can see most of the Forth Valley from here, down to Leith, across to Fife, Arthur's Seat and to the castle and beyond. It's quite a steep hill if you climb the steps up but keep going round the path, it ends up at the same place. On a sunny day it's a great place to spend the day picnicking and enjoying the view. read more

The views are just extraordinary. Something everyone needs to see, a photo will never do it justice

Love the view from the top, see parts of Edinburgh but a closer vie of some places like Our Dynamic Earth, Arthur Seat and Edinburgh Castle. Its a very peaceful place and would recommend this if you love sightseeing #PlacesToSeeInfo read more

Another great view of Edinburgh! It's been pouring with rain all day, but still we enjoyed a nice walk. It's a bit of a shame that Calton Hill Observatory was closed that day. My brother really wanted to see it. read more

Calton Hill offers some of the best views of Edinburgh. It is a short 10 minute walk from York Place tram stop. Since it's open 24 hours and is located in a safe area of Edinburgh, it is perfectly safe to explore at all hours of the day - perfect for those who may be experiencing jetlag. It is easy to locate since there is a sign right outside the entrance. We didn't pay the 5 pounds to go up the steps. we found the views of Edinburgh to be breathtaking. We did go at sunset - sunset and sun rise are both the ideal times to explore Calton Hill. read more

Calton Hill is a two faced pleasure-whore. One day, all you will want is to sit out in the sun, see some sights and chill out. Calton Hill can be that if you want it to be. And worth it, Calton Hill certainly is. Situated smack bang in the middle of the city, the views are superd, and you may hardly believe that you are so close to Princes Street, because it's pretty peaceful and nice. Other times, you might be a pagan group looking to celebrate a hedonistic and erotic fire festival known as Beltaine. Calton Hill will want to be the hill that caters in any way it can to your desires. You can have 10,000 people in top of it and torture it with fire, dancing, loud music and copious amounts of drink and it will bring you nothing but good times and great fun. Certainly worth a look, John. read more

Excellent spot to catch a sunset or view a panorama of the city. It's and easy walk up a hill to get to the top and really worth it.

possibly the greatest place of the city, loved by both scottish and johny foreigners after a swift and easy climb-up, you get to the hill, where a great deal of the city can be peacefully observed., surrounded by more sculptures, including a replica of a greek-like partenon. it a invigorating walk to get there, yet accesible to any physicall condition, and a relaxing stroll once up, with many different sights of the old and new town. impressively green, calton hill is a wonderfu spot to spend an afternoon having deep thoughts about the sense of life, or just boozing with a couple of mates otherwise. read more

The best place for scenic views of Edinburgh. Every direction has something to see. The castle, Artur's seat, the palace, the Forth, Princes St - all viewable from here. It's also the site of the Beltane festival and the longship burning during hogmanay. It is also the site of the un-finished monument. Well worth the short climb. read more

Calton Hill rises 95 metres above the east end of Edinburgh's central thoroughfare, Princes Street. The hill is accessible by car, or a brisk five minute climb from Waterloo Place. Either way brings you to a stunning vantage point that is also steeped in history. A path winds right around the hill. You'll pass the buildings of Edinburgh's Old and City Observatories. The former was designed by the New Town's architect, James Craig. And, of course, our answer to the Athenian Parthenon, sometimes known as 'Edinburgh's Disgrace'. Built in 1816, this multi-columned structure was intended to provide a lasting memorial to the dead from the Napoleonic Wars. However the project funds dwindled before completion, leaving the world-famous unfinished monument. Nelson's Tower rises over Calton Hill, commemorating the British naval commander's defeat of the French and Spanish at Trafalgar in 1805. The ball at the top is dropped at one o'clock coinciding with the canon shot on the Castle ramparts one mile to the west. While these buildings are all wonderful tourist attractions in their own right, the true star of Calton Hill is Edinburgh itself. The summit gives magnificent views along all the points of the compass. From the Firth of Forth and Leith to your north, to the Pentlands on the southern horizon, from Salisbury Crags to the bustling New Town, the capital's many landmarks clamour for your attention. The hill is a focal point of festival activity, has hosted open-air gigs by, amongst others, The Fall, and forms the setting of the Beltane fire festival on the last day of April each year. Once you've decided you've had enough sightseeing and are in need of some retail therapy, the stroll down to St James Centre with its array of shops, takes less than 10 minutes. read more

Amazing views of the whole city and out to sea. It's not just the views though this place is full of interesting monuments and buildings to take a look at. Definitely worth a visit and when you are done you can just walk down onto Princes Street. read more

Fun climb with spectacular views, great place for a picnic too. During the Festival there are usually some events and tents up here. Last time there was a circus with a bar! Beautifull place but the building up there is only half finished. Mabye they ran out of bricks! Also a big tower that was recently under repair. read more

If you have spent a day sight-seeing in Edinburgh and all the hustle and bustle is starting to get to you then look no further. Provided you have a bit of energy left for a little walking/gentle climbing on good paths, then head along Princess Street, past the Scottish records office and just a little bit along the road, opposite a cemetery, you will come to an entrance point (there are others) to Carlton Hill. Take yourself on up and I don't think you will regret it. On a clear day, the views from the top are brilliant and you can even look back along Princess Street from the relative peace and quiet of your surroundings and watch all those still caught up in the hustle 'n' bustle below! Bliss! read more

A good alternative to the more daunting trek up Arthur's seat, Calton Hill offers top notch views of Princess St., New Town and the Firth of Forth and the Castle. On a sunny afternoon it's the ideal spot to munch on nibbles and knock back a glass or two of vino. The summit is home to some spectacularly grandiose monuments which date mostly from the early-mid 19th Centuryalways good for the budding photographer! Calton Hill also hosts the annual Pagan Fire Festival known as Beltane which marks the end of winter and the rebirth of spring. Great atmosphere and quite a sight to behold. read more