Calton Hill
A ten-minute climb to the unfinished Parthenon and the best sunset in the city.
Calton Hill is the postcard: the National Monument's columns, the Nelson Monument and the view down Princes Street to the castle. It is a short climb from Waterloo Place, so it works as a half-hour detour, and it is the place to be at sunset on a clear evening. The Collective gallery at the top is free.
When it works
Outdoors: pick a dry day. Best morning, afternoon, evening.
Good for a date, sunset, a first visit and kids.
On these lists
- Things to do in Edinburgh when the sun is out
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh with kids
- Things to do in Edinburgh tonight
- Date ideas in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in Edinburgh around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Edinburgh ranked for right now.