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The centerpiece of Edinburgh is, of course, Edinburgh Castle, sitting atop a hill and looking beautiful in all seasons. So where can you find the BEST views of Edinburgh Castle?
I have visited Edinburgh several times and made it my mission to capture Edinburgh Castle in all possible angles and viewpoints. You can surprisingly see Edinburgh Castle from many different parts of the city, even from quite far away.
Below, I have compiled some of my favorite and most interesting views of Edinburgh Castle. Get your camera ready!
1. Princes Street
I have to start with Princes Street as it has the most obvious view of Edinburgh Castle.
But which part of this very long and busy street has the best viewpoint?
Head to the corner of Princes Street / the Mound, near the entrance to Princes Street Garden by the Floral Clock. From this angle, you get an incredible view of the castle and the kilted bagpipers that often play during the day. Follow the music, and it will lead you there.
Don’t miss the night view! Lights shine on the castle, making it glow like a beacon. Whether you’re returning from a day trip, a dinner, or trying to flag down a bus, be sure to stop and appreciate the view of Edinburgh Castle at night, lit up and beautiful. It’s a sight you can’t miss.
2. Atop the Scott Monument
Scott Monument is easy to spot along Princes Street, but did you know you can climb to the top of this gorgeous gothic landmark?
Yes, for just £9, you can join a guided tour that will allow you to ascend 221 stairs to the third level. From there, the view is seriously unmatched.
It’s 100% worth the climb. There are no lifts, however, but if you’re able to do it, I definitely recommend.
3. Waterstones Cafe / Starbucks / Willow Tea Room on Princes Street
Take a retreat from busy Princes Street by stepping onto a first-floor cafe or tea room — with an incredible view of Edinburgh Castle, of course.
- Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street
- Starbucks on Princes Street
- Willow Tea Room (advised to book in advance)
- Black Sheep Coffee on Princes Street
Which cafes have the best view? the biggest windows?
I wandered into three of the cafes above, and I found that while they all have great views, some have more window spaces than others. Starbucks has the most window space, then Willow Tea Room, then Waterstones.
Everyone wants a prime spot by a window, so try to get there early or be patient for your turn.
4. Ross Fountain
The beautiful Ross Fountain in Princes Street Garden is a highlight many tourists come to photograph.
It’s situated right below Edinburgh Castle, surrounded by lovely trees that are green in summer, red and yellow in autumn, and pink during cherry blossom season.
You can take some truly beautiful pictures in this spot, so don’t miss it.
5. St. Cuthbert’s Steps
There is a staircase leading down to St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, just off of Princes Street, before reaching Lothian Road.
From this staircase, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle framed by trees. In autumn, golden yellow leaves cover the steps, and in winter, snow will blanket it.
It’s a little hidden gem of a view, a photographer’s dream.
6. St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard
Head into a graveyard for even more unique views of Edinburgh Castle.
In particular, St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is right below the castle, and it offers some stunning views.
I especially loved the vintage lampposts scattered around the bare trees in winter.
7. The Vennel
One of the best views of Edinburgh Castle is in the Vennel, a staircase in Grassmarket.
Head to the top of the staircase to see Edinburgh Castle on a hill framed by historic buildings and lampposts. What a shot!
Why is it called the Vennel? “Vennel” comes from an old French word “venelle” meaning “alley.” A vennel is different from a close, in that it’s a public way, not a private lane like a close.
The Vennel has become more popular in recent years as it’s made its rounds on social media. Try to get here either early in the morning or be patient to wait for your perfect shot without the crowds.
8. “Behind the Vennel”
If the crowds at the Vennel are too much, try your luck just “behind the Vennel.”
How to get there? Ascend the stairs of the Vennel, and when you get to the top, pass the Flodden Wall and keep walking.
At the very next little street, you’ll see another view of Edinburgh Castle — one with significantly less people.
9. Grassmarket Square
Grassmarket Square may be my favorite spot to view Edinburgh Castle.
Why? Because you can grab a cup of ice cream from Mary’s Milk Bar, then sit on a bench and eat it as you stare up at the beautiful castle. What could be better than that?
You can also come to Grassmarket during New Year’s Eve and watch the fireworks from this close vantage point. I did this in 2024, and it will always be a fond memory.
10. Roof Terrace at the National Museum of Scotland
It’s a little secret (becoming more well known) that you can go up to the roof of the National Museum of Scotland.
From the rooftop viewing platform, you can see a 360-degree view of Edinburgh, including of course, the castle.
How to get to the seventh-floor rooftop viewing platform: There is only one lift that takes you there, and it’s the lift in the Kingdom of the Scots gallery.
It gets busy later in the day, so go early if you can.
11. Castle Terrace (and Edinburgh Farmers Market)
If you’re ever in Edinburgh on a Saturday morning, I highly suggest meandering over to Castle Terrace. Every week a phenomenal farmers market takes place with incredible views of the castle.
You can try pastries, get a falafel wrap, or some other treats and enjoy it at one of the tables while admiring Edinburgh Castle.
The farmers market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.
12. Inverleith Park
Since Edinburgh Castle sits perched on a hill, you can see it from farther away in the city. Even from Stockbridge.
Grab a coffee or tea from one of the cafes in Stockbridge, then walk over to Inverleith Park, sit on a bench or the grass (on a dry day) and take in the views.
There’s also a pond at this park with ducks and swans that are interesting to watch as well.
13. Calton Hill
One of the most famous views of Edinburgh Castle is from Calton Hill.
It only takes a few minutes to get to the summit but once there, you’ll find epic views of the city.
If you’ve seen photos of Edinburgh, chances are that Calton Hill was in one of them. It’s an iconic landmark of central Edinburgh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the home of several monuments.
There are a few staircases to reach Calton Hill, but you can also take the stair-free circular route, which gently slopes up to the top of the hill.
14. Arthur’s Seat / Salisbury Crags
If you’re up for a hike, there’s no better one than the hike up Arthur’s Seat or even Salisbury Crags.
Arthur’s Seat is the highest point of a hill in Holyrood Park. Said hill is an extinct volcano that last erupted millions of years ago. Those who climb to the peak are treated with panoramic views of the city.
It’s a top experience for most visitors to Edinburgh, so definitely add it to your list if you enjoy hiking. You won’t be disappointed by the views.
15. Bruntsfield Links
Bruntsfield Links is near the Meadows, and here in this open green space, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle just beyond some Georgian buildings.
It is also a golf course. In fact, in the 17th century, the links became one of the world’s first golf courses.
Here, you’ll have to be on the lookout for both flying golf balls as well as the view of the castle. But it’s a nice place to stroll or even picnic on a sunny afternoon.
16. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the most famous graveyards in Scotland, if not the world.
It has been around since the seventeenth century. The land had formerly been a Franciscan monastery, hence the name “friar,” before it was converted to a gravesite.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is open 24 hours, and as you stroll around, you’ll see Edinburgh Castle peeking over walls and between gravestones.
17. The Elephant House (Fake View)
If you’d like to fool your friends into thinking you sat at J.K. Rowling’s writing table in front of an incredible view of Edinburgh Castle, then head to the Elephant House on Victoria Street.
On the first floor of the cafe, just behind the cash register, is an area setup to look like the desk the Harry Potter author sat at to write chapters of the first books in the series.
The window and view are, unfortunately, fake. But it looks real enough that when I sent the photo to my mom, she replied with “Wow, that view!”
18. Johnstone Terrace
If you want to get as close as possible to Edinburgh Castle and really examine its finer details, there’s no better place than Johnstone Terrace.
This road goes right by Edinburgh Castle and you can get some interesting photos from this angle.
Map
Where to Stay in Edinburgh for Views of Edinburgh Castle
Consider staying in a hotel that has views of Edinburgh Castle, so you can enjoy the sight during your entire stay in Edinburgh.
Where I stayed with castle views: On my second visit to Edinburgh, I stayed for a week in a 1-bedroom flat in Grassmarket in Old Town that was facing the Grassmarket Square, right next to the Vennel and Mary’s Milk Bar, with views of Edinburgh Castle out the window. It was, in short, incredible to drink my tea each morning, looking out at that view.
I wish you the same experience, so here are some options.
Recommended hotels in New Town with castle views:
Recommended hotels in Old Town with castle views:
- Apex Grassmarket Hotel
- Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
- The Caledonian Hotel
- Sheraton Grand Hotel
- Doubletree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre
What to Pack to Visit Edinburgh
Warm, waterproof wear
If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.
- This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
- Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland
Scotland Overall
Edinburgh
- Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid
- 11 Hidden Closes on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile (with Map!)
- 10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 6!)
- Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)
- Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop
- Complete Guide to Joining the Edinburgh Torchlight Procession during Hogmanay
- Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?
Glasgow
- Guide to Visiting Pollok Country Park in Glasgow Scotland
- 10 Best Free Things to Do in Glasgow Scotland
Inverness
Beautiful pictures I can’t wait to see the castle from all sides