Skip to main content
Calton Hill

Calton Hill Tourism

Calton Hill Tourism

Type of destination: Historic Site / Park / Viewpoint
Ideal visit duration: 1-3 hours
Calton Hill, situated at the east end of Princes Street in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, is a historic hill offering panoramic views of the city, including classic vistas of the castle, Holyrood Palace, and the Parliament. It's an integral part of Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage site. The hill is notable for its collection of historic and iconic monuments, which include the National Monument, reminiscent of the Parthenon in Athens and intended as a memorial to the Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars; Nelson's Monument, shaped like an upturned telescope; the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the City Observatory. The hill is also a popular location for events like the Beltane Fire Festival. Its relatively easy hike rewards visitors with its vast and verdant spaces that provide a quiet escape from the bustling city below. Calton Hill's importance isn't only visual; it's also regarded as the birthplace of modern astronomy and meteorology in Scotland.
Beaches (1)
Historical Places (21)
Museums (15)
Gardens (4)

Other Places to Visit in Edinburgh

View all Places to Visit in Edinburgh

Explore Places to Visit Near Calton Hill by Type

Other Suggested Reads for Calton Hill