The TravelScotland Selection: The Best Views of Edinburgh

Calton Hill

Opinion: If you would love to savor a great view of the city of Edinburgh, then Calton Hill is the place for you. Rising beyond the east end of Princes Street, a short walk can take you up there. Go to the end of the buildings and climb the stairs up on the left. It carries with itself an exquisite collection of beautifully styled monuments and buildings, though the best part of the place is the awesome and panoramic view it gifts. If you have seen a beautiful view of the entire Edinburgh city only in photographs and pictures and would love to behold the same, then pack your bags and get to the top of Calton hill. Fabled Scottish buildings like the Palace of Holyrood and the Scottish Parliament Building can be spotted lying towards the foot of the hill. If its a sunny day you can view upto the Forth estuary. Gays love the place. Prettier at the night when you can literally see the city sparkling.

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Arthur's Seat

Opinion: Proceed to the Holyrood Park on the east of the city centre from the foot of the Canongate. This extinct volcano of Edinburgh is also a splendid walk and serves as a public park today. Arthur's Seat is a notable landmark which dominates the Edinburgh city skyline. Its the highest of the wide range of peaks which take shape to form a crouched lion. The parkland displays the magnificent ruins of St.Anthony's Chapel, a conduit and a well that is named after St Margaret's et cetera. Offers a fine view of the city. The view from the west where you can catch sight of the Edinburgh Castle, Old Town and the New Town is the best.

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Penthouse of the Point Hotel

Opinion: The not very popular yet worth mentioning spot is the tiny penthouse space of the stylish Mercure Point hotel. Beautiful view of the city and the castle from the hotel's Penthouse suite. The design-led 3 star hotel has always remained in the spotlight with its inclusion in books and is always highly documented. The view was the source of inspiration behind Edinburgh being rebranded as Edinburgh Inspiring Capital. And if you're at Edinburgh during the Hogmanay break then there is probably no better place to enjoy the display of the fireworks from the Edinburgh Castle.

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Scott Monument

Opinion: This Victorian Gothic monument stands in the Princes Street Gardens of the capital city of Scotland. Its statuettes reflect the characters in Walter Scott's works. Beautiful views of the city if you are ready to climb around 287 narrow steps. The climb is in four stages and you have at each level 360 degree viewing galleries. But the view from the top of this monument build to in commemoration of one of the outstanding literary figures of Scotland-Sir Walter Scott is rewarding enough. Source of inspiration behind the design of Thunderbird 3. April-September Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm; Oct-Mar, Mon-Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm. Last entry is permitted 30 minutes before closing.

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Camera Obscura

Opinion: An excellent way to start your Edinburgh tour. One of the interesting ways to see the city. Guides fill you in with the history of the city. You'll have to ascend through a shop past photography exhibitions and interactive galleries. Housed within a Victorian rooftop chamber, the giant periscope projects the entire city right before the viewing table in front of you. Rides you back on the wheels of time. Apr-Oct 9.30am-6pm. Nov-Mar 10am-5pm.7 days.

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North Berwick Law

Opinion: Don't miss it if you are at North Berwick. The volcanic hill which is conical in shape overlooks the town of East Lothian. The landmark can be easily viewed from the City of Edinburgh. Beautiful views of East Lothian, the Castle and Forth Bridge, the Tantallon castle and the Lammermuir hills, and the Firth of Forth and Fife coastline. The nearby Traprain Law offers boundless opportunities for mountaineering. Also both the hills are good family climbs. Amongst the few ancient ruins on the summit, it is the whale's jawbone which is the most popular.

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The Pentlands/Hermitage

A great outdoor recreation and experience, the view from the Pentlands hill range is equally entertaining as well.

Edinburgh Castle Ramparts

One of the most popular attractions in the United Kingdom with millions of visitors flocking to the place to catch a glimpse of it, is no doubt the Edinburgh Castle .

If you feel there are other places which offer equally splendid views and which we have not mentioned please get in touch with us.