Visit Calton Hill to see a collection of monuments and magnificent buildings dotted around the summit of this extinct volcano. Calton Hill also has some of the best views of the city.The hill is 561 feet (171 meters) above sea level. It only takes a few minutes to walk to the summit. There are steps on the south side of the hill to make your trek a little easier. Once you are at the top, pause for a moment to enjoy the sights. Immediately to the south are the Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat. Look to the west and follow The Royal Mile all the way up to the castle. To the north you’ll see stretches of Fife’s coast and the Forth Estuary.For even loftier vistas, stand on the public viewing gallery of Nelson’s Monument. This 100-foot (30-meter) tower is the tallest structure on the hill. It resembles a telescope and commemorates Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson’s famous victory at Trafalgar. Watch the huge time ball drop from the mast at the top of the monument. It falls to coincide with the firing of the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle. Ships used to set their chronometers by both signals.Climb the steps and weave in and out of the Doric columns of the National Monument. This replica of the Parthenon in Athens was commissioned to commemorate Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. Construction began in 1826, but the project ran out of money and was never restarted. Have your picture taken by the Burns Monument, dedicated to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Admire the art deco architecture of St. Andrew’s House on the southern slope of the hill. This is the headquarters of the Scottish government. Calton Hill is about a five-minute walk from the east end of Princes Street, Edinburgh’s main shopping street. There is metered parking near the south and east access to the hill.
Calton Hill
Visit Calton Hill
Plan a trip to see Calton Hill
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024
Cheval The Edinburgh Grand
Reviewed on 28 Dec 2023
Tours & day trips
See all 471 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh Castle: Guided Tour with Live Guide
Private & custom tours
See all 208 activitiesOpens in new tabThe Potter Trail Private Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 49 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Whisky Tasting with History and Storytelling
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 20 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Haunted Underground Vaults and Graveyard Tour
Adventure & outdoor
See all 13 activitiesOpens in new tabEdinburgh: Scenic Bike Tour
Reviews of Calton Hill
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful panoramic view of Edinburgh.
5/5 - Excellent
Hi
5/5 - Excellent
Amazing views in all directions
5/5 - Excellent
great view of the city from the top
3/5 - Okay
Good for photo opportunity.
Popular places to visit
City Observatory
Learn about the local history of Edinburgh when you spend time at City Observatory. Discover the area's lively festivals and notable monuments.
Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's lively festivals and entertainment choices.
Burns Monument
You can learn about the history of Edinburgh with a stop at Burns Monument. Discover the area's acclaimed theatre scene and notable monuments.
Sherlock Holmes Statue
Learn about the local history of Edinburgh when you spend time at Sherlock Holmes Statue. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene.
Canongate Tolbooth
Rich with history, Canongate Tolbooth is a cultural attraction worth visiting in Edinburgh. Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed art galleries.
People's Story Museum
You can study the exhibits at People's Story Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Edinburgh. Add the area's notable monuments or shops to your travel plans.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Calton Hill
- Holidays and getaways similar to Calton Hill
- Hotels Near Calton Hill, Edinburgh City Centre
- Hotels near popular Edinburgh Attractions
- Choose Your Calton Hill Hotel Style
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Edinburgh Castle
- Royal Mile
- Princes Street
- Murrayfield Stadium
- Edinburgh Zoo
- University of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Grassmarket
- George Street
- Palace of Holyroodhouse
- St. Giles' Cathedral
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Edinburgh International Conference Centre
- St. Andrew Square
- National Museum of Scotland
- The Balmoral Hotel
- Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
- Cityroomz Edinburgh
- Motel One Edinburgh - Princes
- ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge - Royal Mile
- The Scotsman Hotel
- Hilton Edinburgh Carlton
- Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh
- Old Waverley Hotel
- Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
- ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Hunter Square
- Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
- Hotels near City Observatory
- Hotels near Nelson Monument
- Hotels near Edinburgh Castle
- Hotels near Royal Mile
- Hotels near Princes Street
- Hotels near Murrayfield Stadium
- Hotels near University of Edinburgh
- Hotels near Edinburgh Zoo
- Hotels near Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
- Hotels near Grassmarket
- Hotels near George Street
- Hotels near Royal Yacht Britannia
- Hotels near Edinburgh International Conference Centre
- Hotels near St. Andrew Square
- Hotels near National Museum of Scotland
- Hotels near Arthur's Seat
- Hotels near Palace of Holyroodhouse
- Hotels near Royal Highland Centre
- Hotels near St. Giles' Cathedral
- Hotels near Military Tattoo Theatre