9 of the Best Views in Edinburgh and Where To Find Them

Sloping dramatically above the city, Arthur's Seat is perhaps the most rewarding viewpoint in Edinburgh. The tallest peak within the 640-acre (260-hectare) Holyrood Park, this 823-foot-high (251-meter-high) extinct volcano offers a relatively easy hike to the summit and, on a clear day, sweeping views that stretch from the medieval spires of the UNESCO-listed Old Town to the sparkling waters of the Firth of Forth and rolling hills of Fife beyond. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to visit, as the light casts a golden glow over the city. If you don’t fancy tackling the climb alone, join a group hike with a local guide.

For comparable views with far less effort, Calton Hill offers a convenient alternative to Arthur’s Seat. Just a short stroll from the city center, Calton Hill—home to several monuments, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument, and Robert Burns Monument—offers 360-degree views of the city, including the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and Palace of Holyroodhouse. Dusk is a lovely time to visit Calton Hill and see the city’s twinkling lights. Numerous guided tours visit Calton Hill, including walking and running tours.

Perched atop Castle Rock and looming dramatically over the city center, Edinburgh Castle provides a glimpse into 1,000 years of Scottish history as well as one of the best views in Edinburgh. From the battlements, which play a pivotal role in Scottish history, you can take in views of the sprawling Princes Street Gardens below, as well as the elegant Georgian architecture of the New Town, and, on a clear day, the Firth of Forth beyond. Many Edinburgh city tours include a visit to the castle, whether via walking tour or a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

The Vennel is a narrow alleyway between tenement buildings in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket area. At the top of a set of sandstone steps, the Vennel Viewpoint offers a remarkable view of Edinburgh Castle atop its rocky and rugged base and framed by the buildings on either side, providing an intimate perspective on its colossal scale. This lesser-visited spot is a favorite among photographers and is often included on photography tours of the capital.

A spiral staircase leads visitors up 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, the imposing Gothic structure built in honor of the author Sir Walter Scott, which soars 200 feet (61 meters) over Princes Street. The reward for the considerable effort is a dramatic 360-degree view over Edinburgh, from the nearby Balmoral Hotel clock tower to Edinburgh Castle, the verdant Princes Street Gardens, and beyond. The Scott Monument is featured on many walking tours around Edinburgh, including specially themed tours such as those focused on the Scottish Enlightenment, which provide insights into the life of Sir Walter Scott.

The National Museum of Scotland is one of the top must-see places in Edinburgh. It’s home to exhibits that run the gamut, from ancient Pictish stones and Viking-era chess pieces to a Vivienne Westwood kilt and the stuffed remains of Dolly, the cloned sheep. What is less known about the museum is that its rooftop terrace is one of the top viewpoints in Edinburgh. Ride the elevator up to the terrace for a different perspective on the city’s skyline, with views that take in Greyfriars Kirk, Arthur’s Seat, and Edinburgh Castle. You can hop off at the museum via a sightseeing bus.

The charming Dean Village is just a short walk from Edinburgh’s city center but feels like a world away from its hustle and bustle. Lying along the Water of Leith, the neighborhood has a serene setting with fairy-tale views of preserved stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Some of the best viewpoints are from Bell’s Brae Bridge overlooking the water and from the Water of Leith Walkway, which runs 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Balerno to the district of Leith. Visitors can learn about its rich history on a walking tour through the Dean Village.

One of Europe’s oldest, the more than 350-year-old Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is home to a remarkable collection of diverse plants, from chestnut trees and giant redwoods to daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, and more than 1,000 species of rhododendron, which put on a dazzlingly colorful display in spring. Climb to the garden’s highest point for an incredible view of the Rock Garden backdropped by Edinburgh’s stunning skyline. Select sightseeing tours of Edinburgh include visits to the Royal Botanic Garden.

At Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions, Edinburgh’s longest-running purpose-built attraction, dazzling interactive exhibits are matched by stunning views. After exploring the hands-on optical illusions, tricks, and exhibits like the Vortex Tunnel and Mirror Maze, head up to the tower where the camera obscura projects a live image of the city onto a table in a darkened room (best experienced on a clear day). Afterward, continue to the rooftop terrace for 360-degree views of Edinburgh, through free powerful telescopes.