Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh? Sure, you can’t miss the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, dinner in a pub, and whisky tasting, but you also cannot miss the best views of Edinburgh. No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a climb up Arthur’s Seat or a view from the Scott Monument.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat arguably has the best views over Edinburgh. Sure, it’s a hike (literally) to get there, but that’s part of the fun. You have the option of climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat for the best 360° views of Edinburgh or sticking to the paved path along the Salisbury Crags.

Arthur’s Seat

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Edinburgh Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat
Arthurs Seat Edinburgh View

Edinburgh Castle

The Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in all of Scotland. Did you know that it also provides one of the best views over the city? The castle sits atop Castle Rock, making it the centerpiece of the city. On your visit to the castle, enjoy more sweeping 360° views over the Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle

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Edinburgh Castle View
Edinburgh View from the Edinburgh Castle

The Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is a Gothic tower dedicated to the writer Sir Walter Scott. Located adjacent to Princes Street Gardens, this monument offers an interesting perspective of the city. It’s also a fun, and sometimes crowded, climb to the top on narrow spiral staircases. It’s 287 steps to the top and you can get updated pricing and hours here.

Scott Monument
Scott Monument View
Best Edinburgh View

Camera Obscura

This spot may come as a surprise. Camera Obscura is located very close to Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile. It’s a multi-level building filled with illusions, fun for kids and families. At the very top you can watch the camera obscura show, with its live moving images of Edinburgh projected onto a viewing table via a periscope.

Or, step out onto the rooftop terrace for one of the best views down the Royal Mile.

Royal Mile Edinburgh
Camera obscura view
Scotland

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Calton Hill

Calton Hill is a relatively small hill located at the end of Princes Street in Edinburgh. It’s much easier to walk up to the top of this hill compared with Arthur’s Seat. Nelson Monument, a commemorative tower in honor of Horatio Nelson, gets you a little higher for some of the best views of Edinburgh. It is 143 steps to the top for these views.

Nelson Monument

Nelson Monument

Calton Hill

Calton Hill

Arthurs Seat Edinburgh

View of Arthur’s Seat

Calton Hill Edinburgh View

View down Princes Street


Have you been to Edinburgh? What is your favorite view of the city?

Where to get the best views of Edinburgh Scotland

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Julie

About Julie

Julie is the main author for Earth Trekkers. Hiker, foodie, photographer, and triathlete, Julie loves traveling the world in search of new experiences and then sharing them on this site. Her goal is to make your travel planning process easier and to inspire you to visit new places.

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