Calton Hill
A small hill at the eastern end of the New Town, dotted with Greek-style monuments. It is a classic viewpoint for photographing Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline.
Calton Hill is about 103 metres above sea level. From the eastern end of Princes Street, it takes 5–10 minutes up the steps to reach the summit, making it Edinburgh's easiest viewpoint. The summit has a group of 19th-century neoclassical buildings, which is why the city is nicknamed the 'Athens of the North'. They include the National Monument, modelled on the Parthenon but built with only twelve columns due to lack of funds. There is also the Nelson Monument, commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, which you can climb for a fee of about GBP 6. Then there is the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the old City Observatory, which has been converted into a contemporary art space and restaurant called Collective. Standing beside the Dugald Stewart Monument, you can photograph Princes Street, the Scott Monument, the clock tower of The Balmoral hotel and the castle in the distance all at once. It is a postcard viewpoint. On the east side, you can see Arthur's Seat and Leith. It is free to visit, but be careful at night when it is quiet. The Beltane Fire Festival on April 30 and New Year's Eve celebrations are held here.
Opening hours
Open all day; Nelson's Column approx. 10:00–16:00 (seasonal variation)
Nearby sights
- Royal Mile
- Scottish Parliament Building
- Our Dynamic Earth
- The Real Mary King's Close
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- St Giles' Cathedral
- National Museum of Scotland
- Scott Monument