A Local's Guide: 15 Best Views in Edinburgh

If you're looking for the best viewpoints across Edinburgh then read this guide.

Updated ago

I've been lucky enough to call Edinburgh my home for the past ten years, even now seeing the castle in all it's glory is still such a buzz for me.

Here are my best locations where you can see the scale, history and architecture of bonnie Edinburgh. My personal favourite is the view from Greyfriars Kirkyard overlooking the old town. It's from the Kirkyard you can really see all the different layers and styles of architecture.

National Museum of Scotland

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Head to the rooftop garden for the best views, you'll see over to Edinburgh Castle, the Hub, the Royal Mile and behind you'll spot the rolling hills of Arthur's seat and Sailsbury Crag.

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Dean Village View Point

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Walk downhill on Bells Brae and walk over the Bells Brae stone bridge for views across either side. I also recommend walking down Hawthornbank Lane and work your way down the waterway path to get closer to the water.

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Castlehill

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Position yourself outside the main door of the Tartan Weaving Mill on Castlehill. You'll see downhill towards Camera Obscura and the large gothic church known as the Hub (it's the highest point in Edinburgh's old town.)

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Waverley Bridge

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Walk along the Waverley Bridge from Princes street and you'll see the Old Town emerge. You'll see the layers and different levels that Edinburgh is built on.

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The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle

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Climb up the steps and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle. If you have watched Netflix's One Day you will recognise this spot. You will also see the Edinburgh city wall (marked with a sign "Telford Wall") arguably one of the best preserved sections.

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Victoria Terrace

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In my opinion this is the best point to see Victoria Street down below. Walk along the terrace right to the end and you'll see the colourful buildings down below. If you walk right around the corner you'll also spot the tops of George Heriots School in the background.

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Edinburgh Castle

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Whether you pay for entrance or not, you will be rewarded with great views across the city. If you do pay for entrance, make sure to seek out the view next to the war museum. You can see views across to the sea and over to the New Town.

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Calton Hill

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For locals and visitors alike, a walk up Calton hill is arguably the best view across Edinburgh. You'll see the city from all angles, even down as far as East Lothian. Time it well and head up for sunset.

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Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh

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Head into the cemetery from the main entrance and take the path down to the right, walk down past the impressive tombstones and you'll see the skyline overlooking the old town. You'll see the Scottish Library building from behind too, which is also impressive.

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Ross Fountain

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Walk along the west side of Princes street gardens and downhill to see the impressive Ross Fountain. You can also see the sheer scale of Edinburgh castle overshadowing the area. The fountain was recently renovated and in the winter, the water can be frozen.

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Playfair Steps

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If you're walking in between the old and new towns, head down the Playfair steps. You'll see over to the eastern side of the Princes street gardens, Scott monument and the towering Balmoral hotel.

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The Shore

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If you make it down to Leith, walk along the Shore. You'll see the water of Leith merging into the sea docks. This area also has lots of independent cafes and shops to explore. Grab great coffee at William and Johnston's on the left side of the shore.

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Advocates Close

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Leaving from the Royal Mile, peek down Advocates Close and down the narrow close to see the views across to Scott's monument. Named after the Lord Advocate of Scotland, the wealthy and well dressed gentry would walk down these steps over to the New Town.

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Makars' Court

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Personally one of my favourite views of Edinburgh. You'll spot the Writers Museum (which I highly recommend) and walk across the courtyard to see the scale of the old tenement buildings. It is usually quiet early in the morning and just off of the Royal Mile's Lawnmarket.

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St Cuthbert's Kirkyard

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Yes, another graveyard but St. Cuthberts offers a different vantage point, you'll see the true scale of Castle rock from this cemetery. It is also fascinating to look around the gravestones.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Travel Kat Tours

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Hi, I'm Kat a female business owner in Edinburgh, Scotland. I run small group and private walking tours. I specialise in Scottish history, film tourism (Harry Potter and Outlander) and the dark side of the witchcraft hunts in Edinburgh. I reside in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK - Leith. Which is famed for it's indie shops, coffee and street art. When I am not guiding around bonnie Scotland I like to travel. I have been lucky enough to travel to over 55 different countries. Usually now with my husband, but on occasion, but have been partial to a solo adventure also. I enjoy exploring bustling cities, enjoying the local food and finding unique places to eat. As a small business owner, I like to find independent places to try out. To me travel is the best education you can give yourself. When I am exploring a new destination I will delve it to the culture and history of that location, and I like to find off the beaten track sights. It is hard to define my favourite country, as I feel many places are special to me. As a keen photographer, the vivid colours of India was incredible. Alongside the vast landscapes of Iceland, where last year (2023) I was fortunate enough to elope there. My guides will be varied, my Scottish guides will be through the lens of a local. I have experience in the industry in creating Scottish itineraries and like to prepare personalised and tailor made plans.

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