12 of the Best Edinburgh Views
RabbiePosted on 30 Jan 2017
The capital of Scotland, what a sight to behold. Not only is the city our home, but its charm attracts travellers from all corners of the world, as if a siren calling from the depths of the lochs. So to make the most of your time visiting, we suspect you want to know where you can see the best Edinburgh views. Whether it’s the castle standing proudly on the hill, or the green open spaces this city presents that capture your heart, we’ve the top 12 locations you must add to your list, complete with a handy map to find your way around.
Coming up in this article:
- Edinburgh’s Best Viewpoints
Edinburgh’s Best Viewpoints
There are umpteen-million amazing things to do in Edinburgh. You can geek-out at unbelievable history, salivate over mouth-watering cuisine, and seek out culture at incredible arts festivals.
But if there's one thing that's utterly essential to any visit to Edinburgh, it's the epic city views. And luckily for you, you're never too far from a good view in this hilly city.
Nevertheless, you'll need to decide which one will be the best for you.
1. Calton Hill
Carlton Hill provides a spectacular view of Edinburgh and can be found in the heart of the city centre, close to the east end of Princes Street. Being easier to climb than Arthur’s Seat, there are two viewpoints this location can offer. The first being at Dugald Stewart Monument and the second is located at The Nelson Monument.
Calton Hill itself offers some of the best Edinburgh views, overlooking the full length of Princes Street, we’re sure you’ll be able to spot the iconic clock tower of the Balmoral Hotel.
Fun fact, the Balmoral Hotel’s clock tower runs exactly three minutes fast, and has done since 1902, to help passengers avoid missing their trains. The only day the clock tower is set to its correct time is on the 31st December for Hogmanay (New Years Eve celebrations). To us, this is one of the best Scottish winter traditions.
2. Advocate's Close
Blink and you’ll miss it. Our next viewpoint recommendation, while in Ediburgh, is Advocate’s Close. Located just off the Royal Mile, this archway transports you above the city. Overlooking Scots Monument, could this be the best hidden viewpoint of the city? We think so. And if you’re parched after making your way to the close, halfway down is The Devil’s Advocate, an excellent cocktail bar, moodily lit to provide the best backdrop.
3. Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an attraction on everyone's wishlist when visiting the city, and the views from the top don’t disappoint. As a focal point within the city centre, the walk to the castle is a gradual incline from the Royal Mile. But you don’t even necessarily have to go inside to experience Edinburgh’s views, the walk up to the castle itself allows you to skim the skylines. Be sure to note it as a must-visit location after your small-group tour adventure.
4. Blackford Hill
Situated a little outside the city centre, the short walk to Blackford Hill offers scenic views looking back towards Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Park, and beyond. This viewpoint of Edinburgh allows for guests to see the city from a different perspective, as it is one of the cities seven hills to concur. You’ll even find the Royal Observatory located here after relocating from Calton Hill to avoid the city centre’s light pollution.
5. The Scott Monument
We don’t think you could get more of a central location birds eye view of Edinburgh than that you can find at The Scott Monument. Located in the heart of Prince’s Street, a short distance away from Edinburgh Waverley train station, is this towering figure you can climb to elevate over the busy shopping district below.
The iconic viewpoint in Edinburgh has an interesting story attached to it for all those who love a history tour. Sir Walter Scott was one of Scotland’s most creative writers to ever be celebrated, which is why it was fitting for this monument to be the largest structure to be dedicated to a writer in the whole world. While it is a tight squeeze to the top, life is all about the climb because the view is great.
6. Arthur's Seat
Arguably the most popular and well-known Edinburgh viewpoint, climbing to the top of Arthur’s seat is almost a rite of passage to visitors of the city. Featuring in many films and TV shows over the years, this central location is far enough out of the city to reconnect with nature, but not so far away that the skyline silhouette makes for a picture-perfect backdrop. Tick it off your list after completing a film location tour from Edinburgh.
7. Corstorphine Hill
It's nice to get out of the city...and the view of Edinburgh from Corstorphine Hill makes for a welcome reconnection with nature. As one of the city's seven hills, Corstorphine is the most westerly. Start your assent through Corstorphine Hill Local Nature Reserve on Queensferry Road to begin making your way to the summit. For one of the best views of Edinburgh, locate the Clermiston Tower, which is another memorial point dedicated to Sir Walter Scott (novelist).
8. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Located at the top of the Royal Mile sits one of the best tourist attractions in the city. And before you say ‘oh but I want the hidden gems, not busy tourist attractions’, the Camera Obscura is a way for you to see the heart of the city from new heights. The attraction itself is a Victorian invention, which lights up the room by projecting images of the city on the dark walls. But stepping outside onto the viewing terrace is where you’re in for a treat. Picture charming charcoal rooftops and aged stone buildings as you tower over Edinburgh’s chimney tops. It’s almost as if you’ve climbed right into Mary Poppins and joined Burt and the other chimney sweeps.
9. Royal Mile
Running through the heart of Edinburgh’s old town lies the Royal Mile. Connected with cobbled stone footing, this mile proudly displays the capital's castle at the summit, while also being a guide to the royal residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Around each archway you can find yourself gazing down a close, which unlocks Edinburgh from a new view, and let's not forget this mile is peppered with some of the city's best attractions. If you're visiting in August, the Royal Mile is also the perfect stomping ground for uncovering the next best artist playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
10. Princes Street Gardens
Finding green open spaces within a city can be hard to come by, but Edinburgh is the exception, not the rule. Nestled within view of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Garden stretches the majority of the street, to give a welcome respite from the bustling city paths. Take a seat on one of the park's many benches and simply look up. Having the city’s skyline within reach, bask in the beauty Edinburgh oozes without having to try.
11. Ross Fountain
Staying in Princes Street Garden, if you head towards the East end (nearest to the National Gallery) you’ll find the Ross Fountain. Sitting at the foot of Edinburgh Castle, this is one of the best viewpoints of the city and attracts many budding photographers and tourists alike. Our tip, take an early morning stroll before the city awakes, to capture the figure in all its beauty without others around you.
12. Inverleith Park
Whether you’re a keen runner who likes a scenic route to keep you motivated, or someone who loves to stroll around the local parks to relax in the charming birdsong calls, Inverleith Park can do both. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, this park boasts beautiful views over Edinburgh.
Explore All of Edinburgh’s Views with a Local
The best recommendations often are from those who live and breathe the cities and towns they reside in. And it makes sense. They know where the hottest place are for a dinner reservation, where to go to escape the mass of crowds during peak season, and even where the best viewpoints are in the city. Yes, locals can be your best friends while travelling, which is why our driver-guides are ready to help lead the way. Ready to take you to your chosen destination, they’re sure to have a story or two to accompany the journey. For more inspiration, sign up to our newsletter. It’s here where you’ll be the first to hear about our latest offers, including Black Friday travel deals, our latest departure points, and our favourite short stories. Don’t miss out.
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