5 Places for the Best Views of Edinburgh
Last updated: 14 October 2021
Edinburgh is a stunningly beautiful city - I was instantly mesmerised by its beauty the second I moved here. But where are the best spots to take in the views? In no particular order, let’s find out!
1. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a pretty classic spot for great views of Edinburgh. It’s not as difficult to climb up as Arthur’s Seat and it’s in the city centre. There are actually two areas that offer great views on Calton Hill, with the first being from the Dugald Stewart Monument.
That’s about as classic a photo of Edinburgh as you can get. The second area is just in front of the Nelson Monument - the tall round tower on Calton Hill.
You can see straight onto Princes Street and the Balmoral Hotel, and it’s especially great during sunset.
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA
2. Blackford Hill
A bit further out of the Edinburgh city centre is Blackford Hill, which offers lovely views of Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Park, and beyond.
There is something very inspiring about taking in views from a further vantage point.
Address: Blackford Hill, Edinburgh EH9 3HR
3. Scott Monument
Did you know that you can climb to the top of Scott Monument, the big Gothic structure that sits on Princes Street? For a fee, you can squeeze your way up to the top for some of the best views of Edinburgh. (Note: Scott Monument is currently closed until further notice.)
It is indeed very squishy at the top, but the views are definitely worth it.
Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ
Hours: Daily from 10.00 - 15.30
Price: Not currently listed
Note: Currently closed until further notice
4. Above Waverley Mall
Because Princes Street Gardens and Waverley Train Station sit very low in relation to the Old and New Towns, there’s a wide open space to take in the architecture of Old Town. We have to say that some of the best views of Edinburgh’s Old Town are from above Waverley Mall, which is attached to Waverley Train Station.
From the corner of Princes Street and Waverley Bridge, you can walk onto a green space. If you continue walking further back, you’ll come across a bigger green space, and that’s where the great views of Old Town are.
Address: 3/48 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ
5. Regent Road
Regent Road is perhaps the least obvious place of all on this list. It sits kind of in between Calton Hill and Holyrood Park just east of the city centre and offers some amazing and unobstructed views of Edinburgh.
Top tip! Towards the end of Regent Road (closer to Princes Street), Jacob’s Ladder has recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment.
It is a steep staircase carved into the side of Calton Hill that essentially links the newer side of Edinburgh with the older side.
Address: Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5BL
What’s your favourite viewpoint of Edinburgh? If you’ve never been to Edinburgh before, which one looks to be your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
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