The Majestic National Monument of Scotland: A Tribute to Scottish Heritage
Discover the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill, a magnificent tribute to history with breathtaking views of Edinburgh's skyline.
Perched atop Calton Hill in Edinburgh, the National Monument of Scotland is a stunning neoclassical structure that serves as a memorial to Scottish soldiers who died in the Napoleonic Wars. This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views of the city and is a must-visit for tourists seeking to embrace Scotland's rich history and picturesque landscapes.
A brief summary to National Monument of Scotland
- Calton Hill, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, GB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photography opportunities.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the walk up Calton Hill can be steep but is well worth the effort.
- Explore nearby attractions like the Nelson Monument and the Observatory for a fuller experience.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as clear days offer the best visibility of the surrounding landscapes.
- Take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of the monument and its role in commemorating Scottish heroes.
Getting There
-
Car
If you're driving, start your journey in Midlothian by getting onto the A701 towards Edinburgh. Follow the A701 until you reach the A720 (City Bypass). Take the A720 towards Edinburgh, then exit onto the A1 (North) towards the city center. Follow signs for 'Edinburgh' and keep an eye out for the signs to Calton Hill. There are parking options available nearby, but be aware that street parking may incur fees, typically around £2-£4 per hour. Once parked, it's a short walk to the monument.
-
Public Transportation
For those using public transport, you can take the bus from various locations in Midlothian to Edinburgh. Bus services such as Lothian Buses operate frequently. Look for routes that stop at 'Calton Hill' or nearby stops. The fare is approximately £1.70 for a single journey. Upon arrival, walk towards the Calton Hill area, which is just a few minutes away from the nearest bus stop. The National Monument is located atop Calton Hill, so expect a short uphill walk.
-
Walking
If you are already in Edinburgh and want to walk to the National Monument, head towards the city center and look for signs for Calton Hill. From Princes Street, it's about a 15-minute walk. Follow the road leading east from the city center, passing the Scottish Parliament and continuing up to Calton Hill. The walk is scenic and offers beautiful views of the city.
Discover more about National Monument of Scotland
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Dugald Stewart Monument
0.2 km
A neoclassical tribute to philosopher Dugald Stewart, offering iconic views over Edinburgh from historic Calton Hill.
Burns Monument
0.3 km
Edinburgh's classical tribute to Scotland's national poet, a Neo-Greek temple with commanding city views.
Martyrs of Reform Monument
0.3 km
A towering 27m obelisk in Edinburgh honoring five radical reformists who shaped Britain’s fight for democratic rights in the 18th century.
Scottish-American Soldiers Monument
0.3 km
A unique Edinburgh memorial honoring Scottish soldiers who fought in the American Civil War, symbolizing liberty and transatlantic heritage.
Robert Fergusson Statue
0.4 km
Celebrate the vibrant spirit of Scottish poetry with the Robert Fergusson Statue, a joyful tribute on Edinburgh’s historic Canongate.
The Centre of Edinburgh
0.4 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
0.5 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust
0.5 km
Explore the literary heart of Edinburgh at the UNESCO City of Literature Trust, a treasure trove of exhibitions and literary heritage.
Queen Mary's Bath House
0.5 km
A rare 16th-century Tudor pavilion near Holyrood Palace, steeped in royal mystery and linked to Mary, Queen of Scots.
Wellhead at John Knox House
0.5 km
Discover the medieval charm and Reformation history embodied by the Wellhead at John Knox House on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile.
North Bridge
0.5 km
Historic North Bridge links Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with stunning views and rich cultural heritage.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
0.6 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Dynamic Earth
0.6 km
Explore the captivating journey of our planet at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh's premier science museum with interactive exhibits and stunning visuals.
Royal Mile
0.6 km
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Edinburgh along the Royal Mile, where every step unveils a story waiting to be told.
Museum Context
0.6 km
Explore a unique selection of Scottish gifts and homewares at Museum Context, Edinburgh's premier souvenir shop celebrating local artisans.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nelson Monument
0.1 km
Discover the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill, a stunning tribute to Admiral Lord Nelson with panoramic views and rich maritime history in Edinburgh.
Playfair Monument
0.1 km
Elegant Greek Doric memorial on Calton Hill honoring John Playfair, a pillar of Edinburgh’s Enlightenment and uncle to architect William Playfair.
Monument to the Scottish Parliament
0.1 km
Explore Scotland’s bold and modern seat of democracy, where architecture and politics intertwine in Edinburgh’s historic heart.
Jacob's Ladder
0.2 km
Historic and steep, Jacob's Ladder links Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with stunning views and a glowing nighttime presence.
Steps to Calton Hill
0.2 km
Ascend the iconic steps to Calton Hill for breathtaking views, historic monuments, and a serene escape in the heart of Edinburgh.
Heart of Scotland Tours
0.3 km
Explore Scotland’s iconic sights and hidden gems with intimate, expertly guided small-group tours departing from Edinburgh’s Waterloo Place.
Regent Rd
0.3 km
Tranquil urban park and historic street offering stunning views and cultural landmarks in the heart of Edinburgh.
Old Calton Cemetery
0.3 km
Historic resting place on Calton Hill with notable monuments and panoramic views of Edinburgh’s rich heritage.
Dunbars Close
0.3 km
Discover Dunbars Close, Edinburgh’s secret garden oasis offering peaceful charm and historic ambiance on the Royal Mile.
Waterloo Pl
0.4 km
Waterloo Place: historic gateway bridging Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with Georgian elegance and sweeping city views.
Canongate Kirk
0.4 km
Historic Canongate Kirk, a royal parish church with unique Dutch gable and serene blue interior, nestled on Edinburgh’s iconic Royal Mile.
The People's Story Museum
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s working-class heritage through immersive exhibits and personal stories in a historic 16th-century landmark on the Royal Mile.
London Road Gardens
0.4 km
A tranquil historic garden in Edinburgh’s New Town, blending natural beauty with neoclassical heritage and peaceful urban retreat.
The Fudge House of Edinburgh
0.4 km
Historic Royal Mile sweet shop offering rich, creamy Scottish fudge in a charming, welcoming setting with a wide variety of flavors.
The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s premier gin destination with immersive tours, bespoke blends, and stunning city views at The Arches.
Essential places to dine
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
0.1 km
Suspended fine dining with panoramic Edinburgh views from an architectural marvel atop Calton Hill.
Howies Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Scottish cuisine in a stunning Georgian dining hall at Howies Waterloo Place, Edinburgh’s beloved local gem.
The Gardener's Cottage
0.3 km
An intimate Edinburgh dining gem blending seasonal Scottish produce with rustic charm in a historic garden cottage setting.
Tolbooth Tavern
0.4 km
Historic Royal Mile pub blending 400 years of Scottish history with authentic cuisine and warm hospitality.
Duck & Waffle
0.4 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant St James Quarter hotspot where modern British cuisine meets playful indulgence and stylish atmosphere.
The Botanist Edinburgh
0.4 km
A lush botanical-themed bar and restaurant in Edinburgh’s New Town, offering creative cocktails, hearty British fare, and live music in a vibrant garden setting.
Down The Hatch Edinburgh
0.4 km
Bold Canadian comfort food and lively vibes meet in the heart of Edinburgh’s Antigua Street for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
La Garrigue
0.4 km
Experience authentic Languedoc French cuisine in Edinburgh’s charming Old Town bistro with rustic flavours and vibrant ambiance.
Wedgwood The Restaurant
0.4 km
Fine dining on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile with seasonal Scottish cuisine and foraged ingredients in a cozy, unpretentious setting.
Taisteal
0.5 km
A Michelin-mentioned Edinburgh gem where Scottish ingredients meet global flavours in a warm, intimate setting.
The Nether Bow Port Cafe & Bistro
0.5 km
Cozy bistro on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile serving diverse breakfast and lunch options in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Monteiths
0.5 km
Experience contemporary Scottish dining and crafted cocktails in a stylish, intimate setting on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
Number One
0.5 km
Experience modern Scottish fine dining with seasonal flair and impeccable service in the iconic Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh.
Tattu Edinburgh
0.6 km
Experience modern Chinese cuisine in a stunning setting blending Edinburgh’s historic charm with contemporary elegance.
Twenty Princes Street
0.6 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with stunning city views at Twenty Princes Street, a stylish dining destination in Edinburgh’s heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Prestige Scotland Kilt Maker & Souvenir Shop
0.4 km
Authentic Scottish kilts and Highland dress on Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile.
The Wyrd Shop
0.4 km
Edinburgh's esoteric gem on Canongate: crystals, tarot, pagan jewelry, and magickal handmade treasures in a cozy witchy haven.
Ragamuffin
0.5 km
Discover unique, beautifully crafted women's knitwear in a charming boutique on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile.
Holyrood Gift Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish crafts and souvenirs in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile at Holyrood Gift Shop.
Pure Scottish
0.5 km
Authentic Scottish gifts and crafts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic North Bridge district.
Real Scot Shop
0.5 km
Authentic Scottish gifts and crafts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic High Street, where heritage meets quality and friendly service.
Heritage Clearance Store
0.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish heritage treasures and unbeatable bargains in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic High Street.
The Wee Gift Shop
0.5 km
Award-winning Scottish gift shop celebrating local talent, sustainability, and authentic cultural heritage on Edinburgh's High Street.
The Cats Miaou
0.5 km
A vibrant Leith gift shop bursting with quirky, pun-filled designs and ethically sourced handmade treasures in Edinburgh.
scottish experience cashmere place
0.6 km
Explore the finest cashmere souvenirs at Scottish Experience Cashmere Place, where tradition and quality meet in the heart of Edinburgh.
Anime Republic
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant anime gift shop and community hub offering collectibles, manga, and events for fans of all levels.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.6 km
Discover quirky, affordable Danish design and everyday essentials in Edinburgh’s vibrant Waverley Mall store.
Born In Scotland - Edinburgh Waverly Mall
0.6 km
Authentic Scottish gifts blending tradition and playful modernity in Edinburgh’s Waverly Mall, perfect for meaningful keepsakes and souvenirs.
Pie In The Sky Ltd
0.6 km
Discover unique, creative clothing inspired by Scottish culture in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
Curiouser & Curiouser
0.7 km
A design-led independent shop in Edinburgh, filled with art, cards, homewares, and unique gifts with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist St James Quarter
0.4 km
Experience Edinburgh’s vibrant cocktail theatre and unique dining at The Alchemist St James Quarter, where drinks come alive with magic and flair.
The Cocktail Geeks
0.4 km
Edinburgh's arch-hidden gem for themed cocktails, geeky immersions, and masterful mixology in a cozy, ever-changing vault.
The Street
0.4 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
The Voodoo Rooms
0.6 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Whiski Bar & Restaurant
0.6 km
A cosy Royal Mile whisky bar with 300+ Scotch malts, hearty Scottish food and nightly live music in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Whistlebinkies
0.6 km
Edinburgh’s legendary underground live music bar offering free entry, vibrant bands, and a cozy vaults atmosphere every night until the early hours.
Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House, celebrating 20 years of serving The Best Haggis in Town!
0.6 km
Cozy Edinburgh bar serving renowned haggis and over 100 whiskies in a warm, traditional Scottish setting with hearty portions and friendly vibes.
Nightcap
0.7 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
The Banshee Labyrinth
0.7 km
Discover Scotland’s most haunted pub, a labyrinth of eerie vaults and lively entertainment beneath Edinburgh’s Old Town.
Copper Still
0.7 km
Cozy Royal Mile retreat dishing fresh Scottish eats and drams amid buskers and historic vibes – from breakfast brekkie to late-night cocktails.
Artisan Bar
0.8 km
A classic Edinburgh pub with ornate charm, lively atmosphere, and a welcoming vibe for locals and visitors alike.
The Three Sisters
0.9 km
A legendary Edinburgh bar and live venue famed for its vibrant atmosphere, historic roots, and nonstop entertainment on Cowgate.
Deacon Brodies Tavern
0.9 km
Historic Royal Mile pub channeling Deacon Brodie's Jekyll-and-Hyde legacy with cask ales, hearty pies, and Old Town buzz—perfect for ale lovers and tale seekers.
Captain's Bar
0.9 km
Historic Edinburgh pub with daily live Scottish folk music, local ales, and a warm, intimate atmosphere steeped in tradition.
Hoot The Redeemer
0.9 km
A quirky, tarot-themed cocktail bar in Edinburgh offering inventive drinks, playful games, and a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
0.7 km
Edinburgh's gritty Cowgate nightclub: cheap drinks, multi-room beats, and non-stop energy until 3am in the heart of Old Town.
Cabaret Voltaire
0.7 km
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
La Belle Angele
0.8 km
Edinburgh’s intimate nightclub and live music venue blending historic charm with vibrant themed nights and diverse performances.
The Mash House
0.8 km
A vibrant Edinburgh nightclub and live music venue blending folk, electronic, and techno in a lively, casual setting.
Why Not Nightclub
0.9 km
Edinburgh's multi-award-winning late-night haven with LED immersion, garden vibes, and non-stop beats on George Street.
Shanghai Nightclub
0.9 km
Edinburgh's Oriental nightlife den: Asian decor, themed beats, VIP vibes, and non-stop energy on George Street.
Sneaky Pete's
0.9 km
Intimate live music and club nights in Edinburgh’s Old Town, where emerging talent meets vibrant nightlife.
El Barrio Latino
0.9 km
Edinburgh's sizzling Latin nightclub where salsa beats pulse through New Town nights, drawing dancers to its vibrant Hanover Street heart until the early hours.
Legends
0.9 km
Edinburgh’s only 24/7 rock nightclub, Legends pulses with raw energy and live alternative music in the heart of Cowgate.
Garibaldi's
1.0 km
Edinburgh's tiniest nightclub packs the biggest late-night punch on Hanover Street, with killer margaritas and a dance floor that never quits till 3am.
The Bongo Club
1.0 km
Edinburgh’s underground hotspot blending eclectic music, live art, and a vibrant late-night scene in the historic Old Town.
The Liquid Room
1.0 km
Edinburgh's multi-level nightlife gem: techno thumps, live gigs, and warehouse vibes on historic Victoria Street.
Opal Lounge
1.1 km
A stylish live music bar and nightclub in Edinburgh’s New Town, perfect for celebrations and vibrant nightlife.
The Shack Retro Bar & Club
1.3 km
Edinburgh's retro dance den blasting 60s-90s hits amid quirky decor and sweaty dance floors—pure nostalgic escapism on Rose Street.
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
1.5 km
Edinburgh's George Street gem: chic cocktails, thumping beats, and dance floors that ignite the night in upscale style.
