Overview
A 100-meter hill east of Edinburgh's New Town, Calton Hill earned the city its 'Athens of the North' nickname with its cluster of Greek-style monuments. The unfinished National Monument (1822, dubbed Scotland's Parthenon, paused for lack of funds), the 1816 Nelson Monument (commemorating the British naval hero), and the 1830 Dugald Stewart Monument are the highlights. Just five minutes to the top, it offers Edinburgh's best photo angle — Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth all in one frame. Most beautiful at sunset, it's also ground zero for the December 31 Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. Free entry. 5-minute walk from Waterloo Place.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Travel Tips
Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to catch the magical light shift into city lights. The Dugald Stewart Monument is the most photographed viewpoint.
Hotels near Calton Hill
Hotels and guesthouses in Edinburgh, New Town, Edinburgh
Other attractions in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
An imposing fortress perched on volcanic rock and home to Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic main street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh — 360-degree views of the city and sea from the 251m summit.
National Museum of Scotland
A free national museum covering Scotland's history, nature, and science.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The British monarch's official Scottish residence — site of Mary, Queen of Scots' tragic story.
Grassmarket & Victoria Street
The curving, brightly-painted street said to have inspired Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.
Dean Village
A fairytale 19th-century former milling village along the Water of Leith.