Best Landmarks near Waverley Steps

The Waverley Steps connect Edinburgh's Princes Street to Waverley Station, one of Scotland's busiest railway hubs. Named after Sir Walter Scott's iconic novel, these historic steps have been dramatically transformed with modern accessibility features including glass-covered walkways, escalators, and lifts. Serving approximately 14,000 passengers daily, the steps offer a unique blend of Victorian heritage and contemporary design, providing step-free access to the station for the first time in over 140 years.

The Duke of Wellington Equestrian Statue stands proudly outside Register House at the east end of Princes Street in Edinburgh. Created by Scottish sculptor Sir John Steell and unveiled in 1852, this magnificent bronze statue depicts the Duke mounted on his famed horse Copenhagen, commemorating his victory at the Battle of Waterloo. It remains one of Edinburgh’s most iconic historical landmarks, celebrated for its artistic excellence and patriotic significance.

The Stamp Office at 10 Waterloo Place is a distinguished Grade A listed Georgian building in Edinburgh’s city centre, comprehensively refurbished to provide high-spec, open-plan office space. Adjacent to Waverley Station and St James Quarter, it combines historic architectural charm with modern amenities including wellness facilities, secure cycle storage, and sustainability certifications, making it a prime business location in the heart of Edinburgh.

The North Bridge is a historic steel and stone bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland, connecting the medieval Old Town with the Georgian New Town. Spanning the Waverley Valley above Waverley Station, it offers panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street, and Calton Hill. Originally opened in 1772 and rebuilt in 1897, it remains a vital transport link and architectural symbol of Edinburgh’s urban evolution.

The Earl of Hopetoun Statue, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square, is a striking bronze tribute to John Hope, the 4th Earl of Hopetoun. Depicted as a Roman consul clad in a toga and accompanied by a horse, the statue commemorates a prominent Scottish politician and British Army general. Positioned in front of Dundas House, the statue enriches the historic and elegant atmosphere of this Georgian square.

The Scott Monument is a towering Gothic spire in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, Scotland’s famed novelist and poet. Completed in 1846, it stands 61 meters tall, making it the largest monument to a writer worldwide. Visitors can explore a museum room with stained-glass windows and climb 287 narrow steps to panoramic viewing platforms offering stunning city vistas, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.

The Melville Monument is a striking neoclassical column standing about 45 meters tall in the heart of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square. Erected between 1821 and 1827, it commemorates Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, a prominent Scottish statesman. The monument’s towering column is topped by a 4.2-meter sandstone statue of Dundas, designed by Francis Leggatt Chantrey. This landmark offers rich historical context and architectural grandeur, making it a key feature of Edinburgh’s New Town skyline.

Anchor Close is a historic passageway in Edinburgh's Old Town, dating back to approximately 1521. This atmospheric close once served as a gathering place for distinguished figures including Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott's parents. Today, it remains a charming slice of Edinburgh's medieval heritage, connecting the Royal Mile to Market Street and intersecting with Cockburn Street. The close features well-preserved 17th-century buildings and carries centuries of literary and cultural significance.

The Scottish-American Soldiers Monument in Edinburgh is a unique historical landmark commemorating Scots who served in the American Civil War (1861–65). It stands as the only memorial of its kind outside the United States, featuring statues of Abraham Lincoln and a freed African-American soldier, symbolizing liberty and emancipation. Located in Old Calton Cemetery, this poignant monument honors the bravery and sacrifice of Scottish-American soldiers and reflects deep transatlantic ties.

A serpentine Victorian street linking Edinburgh's Royal Mile to Waverley Station, Cockburn Street winds down a dramatic four-storey descent through the heart of the Old Town. Named after Lord Henry Cockburn, a 19th-century lawyer and conservationist, this characterful thoroughfare showcases Scots Baronial architecture alongside independent boutiques, quirky shops, cafes, and restaurants. The street's distinctive curve and historic stonework—including carved stone portraits and architectural details—make it one of Edinburgh's most visually distinctive shopping and dining destinations.