The 8 sunset spots in Edinburgh you’ll want to visit

In Edinburgh, historic architecture and awe-inspiring nature collide to make the kind of city that’s perfect for aimless wandering. Here, you can quickly move between narrow cobblestone alleyways to bustling major thoroughfares like the Royal Mile to volcanic hills that dramatically jut out of the ground like Arthur’s Seat. Add the fact that you’re by the sea, and there’s a long list of scenic sunset spots worth checking out — whether you want city views or water all the way to the horizon.

Nevertheless, as a visitor to the city, you probably have limited time to figure out where you should watch the sunset in Edinburgh. No worries — this guide does the legwork for you. From the tranquil Blackford Hill to the prominent Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, these are the best places to watch the sunset in Edinburgh.

1. Calton Hill

No round-up of sunset destinations in Edinburgh is complete without mention of Calton Hill, a hill in the city center with clear, close-up views of the skyline. With various monuments like the National Monument of Scotland and the Nelson Monument, it was designed to resemble Athens’ Acropolis.

Know before you go

• One of the best views is looking at the Dugald Stewart Monument with the Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Hotel clock tower in the background.
• At the top, you can visit the Collective contemporary art gallery for free.

Address

Edinburgh EH7 5BN

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

2. Arthur’s Seat

Making your way up Arthur’s Seat means getting to tell your friends you hiked up an ancient extinct volcano — and having the pleasure of the best sunset views in Edinburgh. Surprisingly close to the city center, the 251-meter (823-feet) – tall peak offers the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset over Edinburgh.

Know before you go

• Depending on which route you take, the hike can take 1 to 2 hours.
• There are no refreshments along the hike, and it’s windy at the top, so pack water, snacks, and a light jacket.

Address

Edinburgh EH15 3PY

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Blackford Hill

In the southern part of the city, Blackford Hill offers a gentler ascent than Arthur’s Seat while still delivering a panoramic look over Edinburgh. Plus, you’ll be able to see Arthur’s Seat on the horizon from here too, and you can decide for yourself if it looks like a lying lion, as some say.

Know before you go

• For a scenic walk up, meander the trails of the Hermitage of Braid Nature Reserve, which is directly by the hill.
• If you time your visit right, you can combine your sunset viewing with a talk to stargazing event at the Royal Observatory at the top of the hill.

Address

Edinburgh EH10 6BR

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

4. Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

The mighty Edinburgh Castle is a must-see attraction, especially those visiting Edinburgh for the first time, with highlights like the crown jewels and St. Margaret’s Chapel (the city’s oldest building). But even after the 12th-century stronghold closes to visitors for the day, you can stick around the esplanade to watch the sunset over the rooftops and Pentland Hills.

Know before you go

• You could easily spend two to three hours exploring the castle.
• For an Instagram-ready photo, head to the nearby Vennel Viewpoint for a shot of a charming alleyway with street lamps in the foreground and the castle towering in the background.

Address

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

5. Portobello Beach

It can be easy to forget that Edinburgh is a coastal city, and Portobello Beach is the local favorite with its two-mile stretch of sandy shore and parallel promenade. Find your spot among the dog walkers, joggers, and people chowing down on fish and chips, and enjoy seeing the sunset reflected on the water.

Know before you go

• Wild swimming is popular here — locals do so year round with and without wetsuits.
• There’s an annual arts festival, usually in September, in the Portobello neighborhood.

Address

1 Promenade, Edinburgh EH15 2DX

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

6. Newhaven Harbour

Perched on the northern coast of Edinburgh, Newhaven Harbour is a quiet, sunset viewing spot where there was once a fishing village. Sit at Lighthouse Park to see all the way across the Firth of Forth. Or, position yourself in front of the Forth Lock, looking out to the water, for the chance to see the sun go down in the structure’s gap next to the lighthouse.

Know before you go

• You can visit the Royal Yacht Britannia here to see the oceanic liner used by the royal family for 44 years.
• Check out the local seafood restaurants for some fresh fish and chips.

Address

Pier Pl, Newhaven, Edinburgh EH6 4LP

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

7. Salisbury Crags

Salisbury Crags is another highlight in Holyrood Park, along with Arthur’s Seat, but you’ll encounter fewer visitors here than at the peak. A good option for anyone who wants elevated views from the cliffside without a steep climb, this rugged spot allows for some pretty dramatic shots as the sunset casts the city in a golden glow.

Know before you go

• The way up is rocky, so put on your sturdy, comfortable shoes.
• Keep a safe distance from the edge — you don’t want to take any risks, especially given how windy it can get here.

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

8. Dean Village

Dean Village is a storybook town come to life — especially when you see the babbling Water of Leith river running between charming red-stone structures on one side and timber-framed houses on the other. During sunset, this quaint spot, which you could easily imagine as a Harry Potter setting, is cast in an enchanting glow.

Know before you go

• While in the area, consider visiting The National Galleries of Scotland Modern One or Modern Two.
• You can take a whiskey tour at the Johnnie Walker Experience, just down the road on Princes Street.

Address

3 Hawthornbank Ln, Edinburgh EH4 3BH

Opening hours

Open 24 hours