Calton Hill

Rising at the eastern end of Princes Street, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic viewpoints and part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short, easy climb from the centre rewards you with a sweeping panorama over the Old Town, the castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and the rooftops of the New Town below.
The hill is famous for its striking collection of monuments. The most prominent is the National Monument, a row of vast Greek-style columns begun in 1826 to honour the Scottish soldiers who fell in the Napoleonic Wars. Funds ran out before it could be finished, earning it the affectionate nickname “Edinburgh’s Disgrace” — though today its half-completed grandeur is part of the charm. Close by stands the Nelson Monument, a tall, telescope-shaped tower built to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson; climb its spiral staircase for even higher views, and watch for the time ball that still drops at 1pm each day. The elegant Dugald Stewart Monument, a circular colonnade, is one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Calton Hill is also home to the historic City Observatory, now an arts venue, and offers one of the best vantage points for Edinburgh’s festivals and Hogmanay fireworks. Free to visit and open at all hours, it is an unmissable stop on any trip to the capital — bring a camera and allow time simply to soak up the view.
The hill sits a short walk from the east end of Princes Street and the top of Leith Walk, making it easy to combine with the rest of the centre. Discover more in our Edinburgh travel guide and our round-up of the best things to do in Edinburgh.