Best Landmarks near Edinburgh

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 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 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 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.

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 Political Martyrs' Monument is a 27-meter tall sandstone obelisk located in the Old Calton Burial Ground, Edinburgh. Erected in 1844, it commemorates five late 18th-century political reformists—Thomas Muir, Thomas Fyshe Palmer, William Skirving, Maurice Margarot, and Joseph Gerrald—who were sentenced to transportation for advocating parliamentary reform and universal suffrage. Designed by Thomas Hamilton, the monument stands as a symbol of radical political struggle and reformist ideals in Scotland and England.

Calton Hill is a volcanic hill rising dramatically at the eastern end of Princes Street, crowned with neoclassical monuments and offering some of Edinburgh's most iconic panoramic views. This UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies 19th-century ambitions to make Edinburgh the 'Athens of the North', featuring the striking National Monument (modelled on the Parthenon), Nelson's Monument, and the City Observatory. Free to access 24/7, the hill provides a peaceful yet inspiring vantage point over Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, and the Firth of Forth.

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 Dugald Stewart Monument is a striking memorial on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, dedicated to the Scottish philosopher Dugald Stewart (1753–1828). Designed by William Henry Playfair in 1831, it features a circular Greek temple style with Corinthian columns, overlooking the city skyline. This iconic monument celebrates Stewart’s legacy as a key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment and offers panoramic views of Edinburgh’s historic landscape.

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.