The hill of unfinished temples
An open lawn, columns that look like they belong in a different century, and all of Edinburgh spread out below. Calton Hill brings together a collection of neoclassical monuments scattered across the summit of an ancient volcanic plug at the eastern end of Princes Street.
The hill is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, wedged between the New Town and Holyrood, right near Waverley station.
Why visit Calton Hill
The most intriguing monument of the bunch looks completely unfinished, featuring twelve columns rising toward the sky as the remaining fragments of the National Monument. Conceived as a replica of the Parthenon in Athens to honor Scottish soldiers who fell during the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed. The almost accidental result looks like an ancient ruin dropped onto a Scottish hillside.
On the opposite side, the Nelson Monument pursues its mission directly. Completed in 1816 to commemorate the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at Trafalgar, it occupies the highest point on the hill and remains its tallest tower. Every October 21, on Trafalgar Day, a flag signal reproducing the order given by Nelson is still hoisted to the summit, weather permitting.
What to see and do
The most photographed viewpoint pairs the Dugald Stewart Monument with the silhouette of Edinburgh Castle in the background. You can also climb the steps of the Nelson Monument for an even more expansive view over the city.
The city's former observatory reopened in 2018 as Collective, a contemporary art gallery with rotating exhibitions and a rooftop café looking toward the Old Town. Across the grassy slopes, the walking paths open up toward Arthur's Seat and the Salisbury Crags.
The hill hosts the Beltane fire festival every year on the last day of April.
Good for
- A quick break with a panoramic view
- Exploring on foot from downtown
- Catching the light on the monuments at sunrise or sunset
Less suited for
- Visitors with limited mobility, as certain areas are steep
- Anyone looking for parking on site, which is extremely limited at the summit
Friendly tip: walking access starts from the eastern end of Princes Street, following Waterloo Place and then a stone staircase behind the Royal High School, or from Royal Terrace to the north near Greenside Parish Church. Do not plan on driving up and parking at the top, since the access road is reserved for Blue Badge holders.
Opening hours
Open daily: 24/7.
Nelson Monument: April through September, Tue to Sat from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Mon from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM; October through March, Mon to Sat from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
How long for this activity
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours to walk the hill, take in the monuments, and enjoy the views.
One of the hills in this city built on ancient volcanoes.
Close to the city center, the top is much easier to get to than Arthur's Seat, 15 - 20 minutes of walking on a not-too-steep path is enough to make the climb.
At the top, a few old monuments, which did not blow me away, but a pretty view. I went there on my first day in the city. Tons of people, but I think that was to watch the solar eclipse.