Edinburgh in Pictures: Famous Views
The Best Viewpoints in Edinburgh
At Parliament House Hotel we feel very lucky to live and work in such a magnificent city. Edinburgh is stunningly beautiful day and night and all year round! So, we know many picturesque views all over the city. Here are some of te best viewpoints in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Castle and Ross Fountain
This is one of the most famous views of Edinburgh Castle. It’s taken from Princes Street Gardens with the Ross Fountain in the foreground. The 146-year-old fountain has undergone a transformation this year, as it was taken apart piece by piece and lovingly restored and repainted. Previously all gold, it now has a vibrant new French colour scheme of turquoise, copper and brown. The new look has divided opinion in Edinburgh. But everyone is delighted to see water flowing from the fountain again, as it was switched off for over a decade.
View From Calton Hill
Our hotel is situated at the foot of Calton Hill, so this amazing view of Edinburgh is just a gentle hill walk away. The panoramic city views from here are simply breathtaking. And there’s lots to see here too. There are several historic monuments, including the famously unfinished National Monument. Also, the newly restored City Observatory and Dome, with art gallery and restaurant, will be opening on Calton Hill soon.
The Summit of Arthur’s Seat
If you’re up for a slightly more challenging climb, then how about a hike to the top of Arthur’s Seat? This extinct volcano is the highest point in Edinburgh and the views from here are unbelievable! There are several suggested routes you can take, which cater for different abilities.
Edinburgh Castle Fireworks
You can only catch this incredible spectacle at certain times of year. Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Fireworks and Festival Fireworks are set off at the Castle. You can see them from various vantage points across the city. Thousands of people assemble at on Calton Hill, Blackford Hill, Holyrood Park, Inverleith Park and many more places, to see these world-famous firework displays.
The Forth Bridges
The Forth Bridges connect South Queensferry in Edinburgh with North Queensferry in Fife. This image shows the iconic rail bridge, but there are three structures reaching over the Firth of Forth, which span three centuries of engineering. From the Forth Rail Bridge (opened in 1890), to the Forth Road Bridge (dating from 1964), to the newest Queensferry Crossing (opened last year in 2017). Visit South Queensferry for the best Edinburgh views of the Forth Bridges. Here, you can see the bridges by water, by taking a boat trip on the Firth of Forth. And if you want to go over them yourself, you can take a train over the Rail Bridge, a bus over the Road Bridge, or drive over the Queensferry Crossing.
To enjoy the best viewpoints in Edinburgh, book a stay with us at Parliament House Hotel. In our beautiful city, you’ll find jaw-dropping sights around every corner!
