Edinburgh · New Town and Calton Hill
Calton Hill
A small hill at the east end of the New Town, topped by an unfinished Greek style monument and an observatory. It gives the best easy view of the city and Arthur's Seat.
- 1 h
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- New Town and Calton Hill
Data checked on October 5, 2026
Calton Hill is a short climb from Princes Street, and several monuments crown it, including the National Monument and the Nelson Monument. The path up is short and the top is open grass with wide views. You see the Old Town ridge, the castle, Arthur's Seat and the Firth of Forth. Many visitors come for sunrise or sunset.
What to look for
- The National Monument
- The Nelson Monument
- The view of the Old Town skyline
- The view toward Arthur's Seat
Opening hours
Always open.
The hill itself is open at all hours. Individual buildings keep their own times.
Source: Forever Edinburgh (edinburgh.org), checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
Picardy Place tram stop is a short walk away, and the hill is a short climb from the east end of Princes Street.
Tip
Go up around sunset in clear weather, and bring a layer, since the top is exposed to the wind.