10 Best Views and Viewpoints of Edinburgh

Arthur’s Seat is an iconic natural landmark in the city that lets you see out for miles across the cityscape and surrounding countryside. The landmark is a remnant of an extinct volcano that last erupted some 365 million years ago. In the modern era, it looks as if a slab of earth was shifted at a slight angle upwards.

Visiting this viewpoint lets you tower about 250 metres above sea level with views that let you take in virtually the entire skyline. You can even see the coast of the Firth of Forth and beyond over to Fife. You'll find this viewpoint just east of Old Town and north of Prestonfield.

St Giles’ Cathedral is a historic church along the Royal Mile with centuries of history and an imposing yet serene presence on the surrounding area. Inside the church, you'll find quite a few impressive sights, like stained glass windows and intricate architectural details. The hidden 'green man' carvings along the ceiling are a popular favourite.

When it comes to viewpoints, most people don't think of the cathedral, but you'll find plenty of opportunities for stunning sights here. Along the guided tour, you can access the roof and the bell tower, allowing you to look out across the Royal Mile and beyond. Just make sure you cover your ears if the bell rings. It's located in Old Town.

The Nelson Monument is an iconic landmark on top of Calton Hill where you'll find stunning views of the city from a towering hilltop. The monument is a tower built in the early 19th century to honour Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson and his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Venturing to this monument will have you atop Calton Hill, which offers incredible viewpoints with panoramas of the city. In fact, there's a viewing platform that brings you even higher, letting you get a view of the monument from above. You'll find it just north of Holyrood.

Blackford Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 summits where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from closer to its edge rather than from the centre. When you gaze out from this vantage point, you'll not only be able to see the cityscape, but also other viewpoints like Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill.

Outdoor adventurers tend to particularly enjoy this viewpoint and the hike it takes to get to the summit. The ascent has plenty of scenic views in its own right, and the hike is fairly easy. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit. It's located south of the city near Greenbank.

The Scott Monument is one of the largest monuments in the world dedicated to a writer, and you can see impressive views from the top. The monument, dedicated to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, stands over 60 metres tall and dates to the mid-19th century with a Gothic aesthetic, though the best way to describe it is to use its local nickname, the 'Gothic rocket ship'.

The monument is in the middle of town, letting you enjoy views from within the city. You'll have to climb some spiral stairs to get to the viewpoint, and they can feel claustrophobic at times. Entry to the monument is affordable but not free. You'll find it halfway between Old Town and New Town.

Edinburgh Castle is the city's central castle that offers a rich history as well as unforgettable viewpoints of the city. The castle is set upon a hill's summit, so just being at the castle offers a pristine vantage point for looking out onto the city.

When you visit this castle, you'll find plenty to explore inside with historical artefacts and tours available, but if you're interested in finding the best views, the battlements are among the best locations. Their design is meant to maximise the line of sight, and that's exactly what you'll be able to enjoy when you visit. You'll find the castle at the end of the Royal Mile in Old Town.

Camera Obscura is an attraction offering a prominent viewing platform along with an array of optical illusions that are sure to amaze when you visit. These illusions are presented throughout 5 floors of activities and sights with some so mind-bending that you'll actually feel off balance.

One of the more prominent features of this attraction is the namesake of it all, a device that projects an image of the city onto a viewing table. The invention dates back to the Victorian era, so don't confuse the 'live feed' it offers with that of a video camera. The viewing platform offers a more traditional viewpoint experience. It's located near Castle Esplanade in Old Town.

The Pentland Hills are a collection of hills outside of Edinburgh proper that let you take in not only pristine views of the city but also the surrounding nature. Travellers to these hills should expect a more nature-oriented experience compared with the other viewpoints more centrally located in town.

These hills consist of several notable peaks, with Scald Law being the highest with an elevation of around 579 metres. Much of the hills feature exposed Devonian volcanic rock, adding darker hues among the greenery. You'll find it a short distance southwest of Edinburgh.

Corstorphine Hill is a serene and protected hill from which you can take in stunning views of a nature reserve area around the Edinburgh suburbs. This hill features an elevation of 161 metres and a prominence of 117 metres.

Most of the area is packed full of vibrant greenery consisting mostly of broadleaf woodland. Much of the hill is easily accessible as well, so you won't have to worry about an intense hike to reach its peak. This hill that rises above the western suburbs of Edinburgh is about 3 miles from the city centre.

The National Museum of Scotland is home to numerous national treasures along with a rooftop garden that offers impressive views of the city. The museum has much to offer, with ancient artefacts along with exhibits showcasing much more than just history.

With plenty to do inside, it's easy to accidentally bypass the roof garden. Once you find it, though, you'll be able to enjoy stunning views of numerous attractions including Edinburgh Castle, the steeple of Tolbooth Kirk and even the Pentland Hills far in the distance. You can find this museum in Old Town.