Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh's most scenic areas and a popular place to take photos of the Edinburgh skyline. It is the site of some of Edinburgh's most famous monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland, the Dugald Stewart monument, dedicated to the well-known philosopher and mathematician, the Nelson monument, which commemorates Britain's naval hero Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, and the Playfair monument, named after the scientist John Playfair. Calton Hill offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy these beautiful classical monuments as well as magnificent views of the city and I would say that the best time to visit it is either at sunrise or sunset. Give yourself at least half an hour to explore the hill on a leisurely walk.

A nice way to spend a half day. Walked up here with grandchildren aged 11, 8 and 6 and their parents. They really enjoyed the climb, the views from the top and the monuments. Cafe was a bit chaotic and not enough toilets for the no of visitors. Also rather too many visitors making noisy TikTok videos for my taste.

This will give you some great views over Edinburgh. An interesting unfinished structure is there as well.

It’s worth it to take an evening stroll to Calton Hill and pose with the oddities. It’s fun to climb onto the Parthenon replica if you can get a boost from someone. Great views!

We arrived just before sunset and saw it along with many many many other people who had got the same good idea. Beautiful view and interesting area.

Beautiful and you see the whole city of edinburgh

Calton Hill is well worth visiting for its spectacular panoramic views over Edinburgh. The walk up is a little steep, but the effort is definitely rewarded once you reach the top. There are several interesting monuments to explore, adding to the experience and making it more than just a viewpoint. It was quite windy during our visit, which made it a little uncomfortable at times, but the breathtaking views paid us off. A great spot for sightseeing, taking photos, and appreciating the beauty of Edinburgh

This was a beautiful place to visit and walk around. I highly recommend this if you are in Edinburgh.

It is worth going up to see the views, although they are not the best I have seen. You have to go because these are things that if you visit Edinburgh you must have seen.

You can view the whole city from here. It's quite a steep up the stair but well worth it.

A must-see when visiting Edinburgh! I absolutely loved Calton Hill, especially at the end of the day when we went. The view over Edinburgh is magnificent, and the hill offers some truly beautiful viewpoints, particularly in the late afternoon light. Even though it was crowded, the hill is large enough that you don't feel crowded at all. You can easily take your time strolling around, enjoying the panorama, and discovering the various monuments and buildings on the hill, including the Observatory. Access is also quite easy. You can take the stairs for a more direct route, but there's also a path with a gentler incline, allowing you to climb at a more leisurely pace without using the stairs. This second access seems particularly useful for people with mobility issues. Calton Hill also hosts various events throughout the year, which must be especially enjoyable at certain times of the year. Finally, you don't necessarily need to take public transport to get there: Edinburgh is a fairly compact city, and Calton Hill is easily accessible on foot from the city center. In short, I highly recommend planning a visit to Calton Hill during your stay in Edinburgh. It's easy to get to, pleasant, and above all, the view over the city is well worth the trip!

Best view of the city !

Nice view of the surrounding area. Quite a few people. Taxis are arriving at the top.

Don't miss it; if you're going to Edinburgh, you absolutely must go. It has a fantastic view.

From here you can see the whole city of Edinburgh and at the same time there are many sites to see.

A beautiful area of ​​Edinburgh.

Beautiful views from the top. A charming place to relax and catch your breath from the hustle and bustle of the city. The approach is convenient and very easy. It's very crowded, and that's the main drawback.

​If you want the ultimate postcard view of Edinburgh, Calton Hill is the place to go. The climb is surprisingly easy compared to Arthur's Seat—just a quick 5 to 10-minute walk up a paved path from the end of Princes Street. ​At the top, you're greeted by incredible landmarks like the National Monument (Edinburgh's "unfinished Parthenon") and the Nelson Monument. The 360-degree views of Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, Arthur's Seat, and out toward the Firth of Forth are unbeatable. Go right before sunset for a truly unforgettable sight!

Calton Hill: a hill overlooking Edinburgh offering stunning views throughout the day. A well-known spot, but not particularly popular with tourists.

Great View of the city, castle and harbor. Close to everything so it's convenient too

A beautiful and enjoyable viewpoint, and easily accessible.