Calton Hill
When to go on Calton Hill
The best time to take pictures from Calton Hill in the summer is very early in the morning, when the sun is just coming up from behind Salisbury Crags or when the sun is setting. The view from the hill at dusk is breathtaking. Avoid going on Calton Hill after lunchtime if you want to take pictures of Princes Street and the Castle because the sun is in front of you at that time of the day.
It can get very windy on Calton Hill. Going up the hill does not require a particular level of fitness although the short path is somewhat steep.
If you happen to be in Edinburgh at the end of August don't miss the Fireworks Concert display. Calton Hill is an ideal place to watch and take pictures from but remember to go early to find the best spot.
The best view from Calton Hill
You can see all of the Edinburgh Centre from Calton Hill: North Bridge, Old Town, the Hub, Ramsay Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and further to the right, St Andrew's Square.
A view often missed by tourists going up on Calton Hill is that from near the base of Nelson's tower looking right along Princes Street. Edinburgh is also known as the City of Spires and the reason is that many of Edinburgh's tallest buildings seem to be aligned right along Princes Street, one behind the other: Nelson's Tower, the Balmoral clock tower, the Scott Monument and the spires of St Mary's Cathedral in the distance.
Calton Hill may not be as geologically impressive as Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags or the Castle Rock but it does stand out in Edinburgh's skyline through a number of monuments. It is also used as a venue for many open-air Festival shows, the Torchlight Procession in December and the Beltane fire festival in April.
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More Calton Hill information:
Calton Hill tips When to go on Calton Hill, must-see views, etc.
Pictures of Calton Hill Picture gallery with views of and from Calton Hill.
Attraction Details - Calton Hill Calton Hill tourist information including opening times for Nelson's Tower, dates for events on Calton Hill, etc.
Calton Hill on the web Links to other web pages related to Calton Hill.
>> Back to Princes Street guide index
All Princes Street articles:
Princes Street highlights Visitor information about the shops and attractions on Princes Street.
Princes Street Gardens Overview of the most popular green space in Edinburgh.
Scott Monument Information about the unmistakable neogothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.
National Gallery of Scotland Information about the top free attraction in Edinburgh and one of the finest art galleries in Britain.
Calton Hill While not at the end of Princes Street itself, Calton Hill plays a very big part in the distinctive Edinburgh panorama but also as an excellent viewpoint.
Ramsay Gardens Although at the top of the Royal Mile, Ramsay Garden is a distinctive part of Edinburgh's skyline that can be seen from Princes Street.
Pictures of Edinburgh City Centre Picture gallery of Princes Street, the gardens, Scott Monument, the Balmoral and Calton Hill.
Attraction Details - Princes Street Princes Street tourist information including opening times and contact details of the Tourist Centre and attractions on Princes Street and Edinburgh City Centre.
Princes Street on the web Links to other web pages related to Princes Street, the Gardens and the heart of Edinburgh.
Also see:
Hotels near Princes Street Ideas for accommodation close to Edinburgh City Centre.
Edinburgh attractions and sightseeing All of the best attractions in Edinburgh plus pictures and sightseeing tips.