Arthur's Seat
Arthur's Seat is an ancient volcano in the middle of Edinburgh, rising 251 meters above Holyrood Park. Free to hike.
Viewpoint in Edinburgh
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is a low hill at the east end of Princes Street with classical monuments, a city observatory, and views over the New Town, the castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Firth of Forth. Free. The unfinished National Monument (Edinburgh’s attempt at replicating the Parthenon) sits at the top. Budget travelers climb the short path from Waterloo Place and get a second free viewpoint to complement Arthur’s Seat.
Practical
Before you go
- Address
- Calton Hill, EH7 5AA Edinburgh
- Good to know
Nearby
More in Edinburgh
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Dean Village
Dean Village is a former milling village hidden in a steep valley of the Water of Leith, a 10-minute walk from the West End. Free.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is Scotland's most visited paid attraction, a fortress on the Castle Rock that has been occupied for over 3,000 years. Entry is paid.
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
The Esplanade is the broad open forecourt in front of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile. Free to stand on.
Grassmarket
The Grassmarket is a wide, sunken square below Edinburgh Castle, historically the site of public executions and cattle markets, now a lively strip of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops. Free to enjoy.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a 16th-century cemetery in Edinburgh's Old Town, famous for the loyal dog Bobby, connections to Harry Potter (Tom Riddell's grave), and the Covenanters' Prison. Free to enter.
Working out what Edinburgh costs?
The whole of Edinburgh