Edinburgh is a city of hills, slopes, steep streets and spectacular views. It’s a city that’s constantly changing from the shadows of medieval alleyways to the light of panoramic vistas. If you don’t want to miss out on any of the city’s most beautiful views and iconic streets, here’s our selection of places to stroll with your nose in the air or find the best spot to watch the sun set.
In this article, you’ll find all our useful tips on how to make the most of this city, which is more hilly than it looks.
Useful tips for visiting Edinburgh
Here are some tips for visiting Edinburgh and taking full advantage of the most beautiful sights and streets:
- Get ready to walk and climb! We found Edinburgh to be a very hilly city, with many steps and uneven cobblestones. Bring comfortable, non-slip shoes.
- Climb early or late to Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hil. While both offer spectacular views, they are more enjoyable (and less crowded) early in the morning or late in the day. For photos, the golden light of sunset is ideal.
- Alternate between Old Town and New Town. There’s no need to confine yourself to the Royal Mile and its surrounding streets: Dean Village and the Stockbridge district (among others) offered us other, quieter and equally picturesque atmospheres.
- Visit museums for the views, too. Some museums, such as the National Museum of Scotland or the Camera Obscura, have elevated terraces, either free or included in the ticket price, perfect for an unexpected panorama.
- Allow time for strolling. Some streets are best walked slowly. We enjoyed sampling the atmosphere as we mingled with the people coming and going.
- Look around… but also up. Edinburgh’s verticality has given us some lovely architectural surprises emerging above the gray roofs.
And also:
- Anticipating rapid change. In Scotland, the weather can change from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes. Even in fine weather, we always had a light raincoat and a cap to hand.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Views from Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill stretch right out to sea, and are best appreciated on clear days.
- Beware of wind on high ground. If the panoramas are superb, some very exposed terraces required us to wear a windbreaker.
The 8 most beautiful views of Edinburgh
1. Arthur’s Seat
Climbing to the top of Arthur’s Seat gave us a breath of fresh air and an incredible view of the city. It takes just over an hour to reach it from Holyrood Park. Up there, the 360° view encompasses the whole city and the sea as far as the Fife hills on a clear day.
We went up there for the panorama, but also for the atmosphere: the wind, the changing light, the moors around the extinct crater. The contrast with the hustle and bustle of the city is striking. Best done early in the morning or late in the day, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful light.
It is possible to be guided to see the sun set and come back down at nightfall – See prices, photos and availability… and book.
2. Calton Hill
Easily accessible from Princes Street, Calton Hill is one of Edinburgh’s best vantage points. We climbed it in just a few minutes to admire the classic monuments and, of course, the unobstructed view of the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Leith harbour.
It’s an ideal spot for a sunset or a picnic. The atmosphere is peaceful, even in the middle of the city. Below, the roofs of the old town form a dense and spectacular silhouette. A must-see at any time of day.
Some guided tours of the city include a visit to the hill, particularly on walking tours. See prices, photos and availability and… book.
Where to stay in Scotland?
My favorites:
- Edinburgh to explore the fascinating city – see best-rated accommodations
- Portree to explore the isle of Skye – see best rated accommodations
- Glencoe to take time in the magnificent valley – see best rated accommodations
- Ullapool for the West coast on the North 500 – see best rated accommodations
- Thurso for the North coast + ferry – see best rated accommodations
- Kirkwall to explore the Orkneys – see best rated accommodations
- Inverness for the Speyside whiskies – see best rated accommodations
3. Edinburgh Castle
Perched on its volcanic rock, Edinburgh Castle offers one of the most impressive views of the Old Town and beyond. From the ramparts, we were able to take in the gardens, Princes Street and the hills to the north.
The panorama has to be earned: you have to climb the Royal Mile and pass through the fortified gate. Once inside, between the cannons, cobbled courtyards and terraces, there’s no shortage of viewpoints. On a clear day, the effect is striking, between raw stone and immense sky.
We strongly advise you to reserve your ticket to avoid the queues.
4. Camera Obscura
Right next to the castle, the Camera Obscura attracts visitors as much for its optical illusions as for its rooftop. We didn’t go up there, but we were told that from the terrace there’s a 360° panorama of the rooftops of the old town, the castle, Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill.
The climb to the top takes you through five floors of visual experiences. At the end, the view rewards young and old alike. Even on cloudy days, the urban spectacle is said to remain breathtaking, with unique perspectives on neighboring buildings.
More information on the official website here.
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5. National Museum of Scotland
Few visitors know it, but the National Museum of Scotland hides a free panoramic terrace, accessible by elevator. Up there, the view over the rooftops of the old town, the castle and Arthur’s Seat is breathtaking, even in the rain, as was the case on our visit.
It’s a quiet place, ideal for a break. Here we discovered yet another perspective on Edinburgh, between spires, turrets and hills. A pleasant surprise not to be missed, even if you don’t visit the whole museum.
Visit the official website for more info here.
Need to rent a car in Scotland?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the single-lane roads
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
6. Museum on the Mound
Set on a promontory overlooking Princes Street Gardens, the Museum on the Mound offers lovely views of the park and gardens from its windows, as well as the first buildings of New Town directly opposite.
An easily accessible and often overlooked vantage point, it’s possible to enjoy the forecourt and its unobstructed view of the city without visiting the museum. The place remains calm, even in high season. It’s an ideal stopover, with no crowds and no detours.
More info on the official website here.
7. Royal Botanic Garden
North of the city center, the Royal Botanic Garden offers a peaceful setting for a stroll, but also some lovely views of the Edinburgh skyline. From the heights aroundInverleith House, we could see the roofs of the city and the castle above.
The view, framed by trees and flowerbeds, is surprisingly tranquil. It’s only a few minutes from Princes Street, but it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. A great place to admire Edinburgh from a green break.
More info on the official website here
It’s time to book!
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8. Dean Village
Nestling along the Water of Leith, Dean Village treated us to one of Edinburgh’s most picturesque views. From the footbridge, we could admire the old millers’ houses, colorful facades and pointed roofs reflected in the water.
The atmosphere is peaceful, almost timeless. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll and join the Water of Leith Wakway to enjoy the coolness of this delightful little valley. Preferably in the morning or at the end of the day, for soft light and less traffic.
Why not book a guided tour to learn more about the history of this picturesque village? See prices, photos and availability… and book.
Edinburgh’s 7 most beautiful streets
1. Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is Edinburgh’s iconic thoroughfare, linking the Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with stone buildings, mysterious closes and historic monuments. We discovered it on foot, slowly, paying close attention to detail.
It’s a lively, bustling street, especially in summer. But despite the crowds, the atmosphere remains impressive, with its austere architecture and hidden courtyards. By wandering through the alleyways, we were able to gain access to some surprising views of the city.
And why not sleep there? We chose The Inn on the Mile, a former bank whose floors have been converted into a boutique hotel. See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Victoria Street
With its colorful arched facades, Victoria Street isone of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets. It slopes gently down from the Royal Mile to Grassmarket, lined with quirky stores and picturesque storefronts.
We came for the atmosphere and the aesthetics, between cobblestones and old-fashioned shop windows. Many come for the Harry Potter references. They see it as the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Guided tours are organized to follow all the places in the city that inspired the creator of the famous young wizard.
3. Grassmarket
At the foot of the castle, Grassmarket is a wide square surrounded by pubs and restaurants with picturesque facades. Formerly a market and public execution site, it retains a lively atmosphere of history and conviviality.
From the center of the square, we enjoyed a spectacular view of the castle perched just above. It’s a pleasant place to take a break on the terrace or enjoy an ice cream, especially in the late afternoon, when the light warms the stone walls.
4. The Vennel
The Vennel is a narrow, stepped alleyway linking Grassmarket to Lauriston Place. As we climbed it, we gradually discovered an impressive view of the castle, perfectly framed between the lampposts and the old stone walls.
It’s become a well-known photo spot, and is often crowded, especially in fine weather. But the place retains its charm, with a typical Edinburgh perspective. The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the light is soft and the alley quieter.
5. George Street
The elegant, regular architecture of George Street is the backbone of New Town. With its aligned Georgian facades, spacious sidewalks and refined boutiques, we sometimes felt as if we were strolling through a set from the Bridgerton series.
The vistas are carefully designed, punctuated by statues and churches, with occasional unobstructed views of the castle or surrounding hills. The atmosphere is more peaceful than in the old town, ideal for strolling, shopping or dining in a fancy restaurant.
A lovely place to spend the night in Edinburgh, away from the crowds. We stayed at the lovely Hotel Eden Locke – See prices, photos and availability… and book.
6. Raeburn Place
In the heart of Stockbridge, Raeburn Place is one of our favorite streets. It exudes a village atmosphere, with its traditional shopfronts, small boutiques and lively pubs. It’s a 10-minute walk from the center, but feels like a different town.
It’s a lively but peaceful street, ideal for a late-morning stroll or lunch. A must is a stop at Restaurant Scran & Scallie, a modern bistro with a Scottish flair, appreciated as much for its cuisine as for its warm setting. One of our favorite gourmet breaks in a charming street.
7. Princes Street
Princes Street is Edinburgh’s busiest avenue. Above Waverley station, it’s caught up in the whirlwind of buses , streetcars , department stores and grand hotels. But what makes it unique is its unobstructed view of the old town, with the castle towering above the gardens.
Despite the hustle and bustle, we found some great vantage points, especially from the Princes Street Gardens below. In winter, it comes alive with Christmas markets; the rest of the year, it’s a good landmark for observing the contrast between New Town and Old Town.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a ticket to see Edinburgh’s finest sights?
Most viewpoints are free (Calton Hill, The Vennel, Arthur’s Seat…). The castle and Camera Obscura are not free, but the ticket includes access to a terrace or panorama.
Is Arthur’s Seat accessible by public transport?
Yes, there are several buses to Holyrood Park (e.g. number 35). After that, the climb is on foot. The main route starts from the parking lot near Holyroodhouse Palace.
Which street to choose for accommodation in Edinburgh?
The Royal Mile is central but lively. George Street and Raeburn Place are quieter and more charming. Victoria Street and Grassmarket are very picturesque, but sometimes noisy in the evening.
Is Victoria Street accessible by wheelchair or baby carriage?
The street is steep, cobbled and fairly narrow. It can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair or with a baby carriage, especially on busy days.
Are the views from Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat accessible in bad weather?
In wet or windy weather, Calton Hill can still be reached with care. Arthur’s Seat can become slippery and exposed: avoid in strong winds or fog.
Want to see more of the best Scotland has to offer?
- Most beautiful landscapes in Scotland – read article
- Best things to do in Scotland – read article
- Best Scotland destinations – where to go? – read article
- Best Scottish Castles – read article
- Most beautiful lochs in Scotland – read article
- Most scenic drives in Scotland – read article
- The magnificent Isle of Skye – read my best-of guide
- The magnificent Wester Ross region – read article
- The Borders Abbeys including Melrose Abbey and the photogenic Jedburgh Abbey
Plan your dream trip in Scotland with my guide!
- 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
- 170+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
- Tips to make the most of your time
- 170+ original photos to help you choose
