Exploring the best place to watch the sunrise in Edinburgh

A ferocious blast of wind smacked me in the face, eliciting a gasp. The trees, stripped bare of leaves, mirrored my shiver. I pulled my hat as far down as possible before burying my face in my tightly-wrapped scarf.

A jogger plodded past, head down, their breath visible in the freezing morning air. The twinkling lights of the city were beginning to dwindle as a rich orange glow began to seep across the horizon. From up here, it seemed as if the entire city was stretched out beneath me – a spectacle that was worth the early alarm.

The location? Calton Hill – the best sunrise spot in Edinburgh’s historic city centre.

Why Calton Hill is the best sunrise spot in Edinburgh

Edinburgh locals are spoilt for choice when it comes to great places to watch the sunrise. In a city surrounded by hills, there are endless viewpoints to gather and enjoy the golden hour glow.

Whilst the likes of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle are always going to draw the crowds, we think Calton Hill is hard to beat. Ideally located in the heart of the city, it offers spectacular views across Edinburgh’s famous old town, the Pentland Hills and the Firth of Forth.

Alongside its far-reaching views, Calton Hill is also home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic structures, from the impressive National Monument to the elegant City Observatory. When silhouetted against a glowing sky, there can be few finer sights.

The National Monument on Calton Hill at sunrise — The National Monument at sunrise on Calton Hill.

How to get to Calton Hill for a beautiful Edinburgh sunrise

Calton Hill is a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh’s main sights. Whether you are staying nearby or travelling by public transport, it is easy to reach this brilliant sunrise spot.

Walking to Calton Hill

If you are walking to Calton Hill from Edinburgh city centre, you simply need to follow Princes Street. This busy thoroughfare is one of the city’s shopping hotspots and is busy from dawn ’til dusk.

Head east along Princes Street. You will pass the impressive Scott Monument on your right, a stone’s throw from the entrance to Waverley Station – the city’s main railway hub.
As you reach the end of Princes Street, pass the Old Calton Cemetery on your right. The steps to Calton Hill will shortly appear on your left.
Walk up the steps and take the first path heading right. Calton Hill opens up before you, and it won’t be long before you are enjoying a sublime sunrise over Edinburgh.

Catching public transport to Calton Hill

Edinburgh has an excellent public transport system, with a myriad of trams and buses crisscrossing the city. If you are travelling to Calton Hill from outside the city centre, there are several options:

Catch the bus to Calton Hill. Several bus routes stop within a stone’s throw from the entrance to the hill. The best routes include the 8, 36, 10 and 23 – the latter of which stops on Regent Road, right next to the southern entrance to the hill. For more information on Edinburgh bus routes, visit Lothian Buses.
Catch the tram to Calton Hill. The nearest tram stops to Calton Hill are York Place or the Princes Street stop next to Waverley Station. Both stops are a five-minute walk from Calton Hill.
From the Princes Street stop, simply follow the walking route to the top of Calton Hill. From York Place, turn right onto Leith Street and turn left down Calton Hill Road before joining the route from Princes Street and taking the stairs.

Views to the Pentland Hills at sunrise from Calton Hill. — Views across Edinburgh at sunrise from Calton Hill.

Sunrise on Calton Hill: The Basics

Here are a few of our hints and tips for enjoying Calton Hill – Edinburgh’s best sunrise spot.

Is it hard to climb Calton Hill?

Although Calton Hill is not a hard climb, it is steep. Care should be taken on wet or icy days when the steps and slopes can be deceptively slippery.

Do you have to pay to climb Calton Hill?

Calton Hill is completely free to visit.

When is Calton Hill open?

Calton Hill is open 24 hours a day, making it a perfect sunrise spot.

When is the best time to arrive at Calton Hill for sunrise?

Check the sunrise time for Edinburgh here. We recommend arriving at Calton Hill at least 30 minutes before sunrise. This gives you the best chance to enjoy the full spectacle of the fiery red sky as day breaks over Edinburgh.

What should I wear to watch the sunrise on Calton Hill?

Dress warmly! As the name suggests, Calton Hill is quite exposed to the elements. High winds race in from the Firth of Forth, bringing freezing temperatures even at the height of summer. Bring plenty of layers to make sure you can enjoy sunrise without getting too chilly.

Is Calton Hill safe?

Calton Hill is a popular landmark in Edinburgh city centre and a popular sunrise spot – it should be safe, and it is likely that there will be other people around. However, you should take the usual precautions. Bring a torch, and – if going alone – let someone know your route and your expected timings.

Edinburgh rooftops at sunrise from Calton Hill.

The best viewpoint on Calton Hill for sunrise

There are a few contenders for the best viewpoint on Calton Hill for sunrise, including perches that overlook the Firth of Forth or offer unobstructed views of Arthur’s Seat. However, we think the best spot on Calton Hill is the view down Princes Street.

This is the iconic shot of this famous boulevard, complete with classic Edinburgh architecture and some of the city’s most recognisable sights. From here, the early morning traffic and joggers form an ever-changing tableau against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and the Scotsman Hotel.

How to find the view of Princes Street

The best place to glimpse the perfect view of Princes Street from Calton Hill is under the shadow of the Nelson Monument.

Here, a small rocky platform gives enough room for a handful of people to enjoy an unobstructed vista. Click here for a Google map with a dropped pin showing the location.

The iconic view down Princes Street from Calton Hill.

Five more fantastic things to see on Calton Hill

Once the sun has risen and you have grabbed your golden hour photos, it is worth exploring everything else that Calton Hill has to offer. Whether you have a whole morning free, or just 30 minutes to spare, here are five more brilliant attractions on Calton Hill:

The City Observatory. Dating back to the 1770s, this historic site is currently used as a contemporary art space named Collective. Entry is free, with the building open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
The Dugald Stewart Monument. Instantly recognisable from afar, this memorial to Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart looks like it has been lifted straight from Greece.
The Nelson Monument. Built to honour Admiral Lord Nelson, the towering Nelson Monument is home to a small ground-floor museum. Its star attraction, however, is the platform at the top of the monument, which offers panoramic views across the city. Note: the Nelson Monument is currently closed to visitors.
The National Monument. Another structure inspired by the Greeks, the Parthenon-esque National Monument was built to commemorate Scottish soldiers and sailors who died during the Napoleonic Wars. The monument was only partially built, and its semi-finished outline is now one of the most iconic fixtures on the Edinburgh skyline.
The Portugese Cannon. Under the watchful gaze of the Nelson Monument, the Portuguese Cannon has a storied history, passing from the Spanish to the Burmese and eventually falling into British hands in the late 1800s. Today, it points out towards Edinburgh’s old town and is a favourite among tourists and locals alike.