Last Updated on 21/08/2025 by Armands Sprogis

Calton Hill is one of the most iconic Scottish National Monuments in Edinburgh. With its amazing views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the city skyline, it makes a perfect backdrop for proposals, engagement sessions.

Today, I will walk you through the best Calton Hill photography locations. If you are looking for more great photography locations around Edinburgh, please check my Edinburgh engagement location guide and my quiet locations to propose guide.

best photography locations on Edinburgh Calton Hill

From the moment I arrived in Edinburgh back in 2005, Calton Hill has been one of my favourite spots to visit.

This post was originally written back in 2020, and now (2025) it’s time for a major update. There is a lot new to know about Calton Hill, including some pros and cons of using it as your proposal or photography spot. You’ll also see examples of proposals in various locations around Calton Hill, captured during different times of the year, so you can get an idea of what it looks like in every season.

Video walkthrough these locations.

PROS and CONS of Proposing at Calton Hill

PROS

In my opinion, this is by far the best location where you could propose. Amazing city views (on a clear day!) and lots of opportunities to create both “tourist look” photos and more intimate, personal portraits.
Even though it can be one of the busier locations, you can still find quieter corners where you can sneak away and propose without a huge audience.
All of the photo locations are within a very short walking distance of each other — so you won’t waste valuable photography time trekking around.
A taxi can even bring you up the hill if you don’t fancy the short climb.
It’s close to the city centre, so you won’t need to plan a big journey there and back.

CONS

New in summer 2025: Calton Hill now charges a £90 fee for photography — even if we’re only there for 20–30 minutes without causing disruption. It feels steep, especially since there’s no mention of it on their official website. So far, we’ve managed to do some proposals without issue, but I always make sure couples are aware in case we’re approached by staff.
It can be busy. To avoid large crowds, we usually suggest an early proposal (around 9:30 am) or a late one (after 5 pm).
Foggy weather is a gamble. On misty days, you won’t see much of the city at all. (Check some photos further down to see how this looks!) Unfortunately, it’s one of those things we can’t control — but sometimes the atmosphere adds its own kind of romance.

Tips to Get Your Partner to Calton Hill (Without Spoiling the Surprise)

– Say you’ve booked a private tour there.
– Suggest you have an appointment at a nearby restaurant.

These little tricks usually help with timing and make sure your partner is dressed nicely without getting suspicious.
You can check more of my proposal tips here.

proposal photographer in Edinburgh Calton Hill

Top 7 Photography & Proposal Locations on Calton Hill

1. Edinburgh Castle and Balmoral Hotel Clock

This is normally the first spot I take couples to after photos, but it can be used for an actual proposal, too. It’s one of the classic Calton Hill views, looking out towards the Castle and the Balmoral Hotel clocktower. In summer, the view is stunning; in winter, it can get muddy and slippery (it’s about a 40-degree slope).

2. The Corner with Edinburgh Castle View

This can be a crowded spot for photos, but if we come here early in the morning, it is pretty quiet. It’s the highest vantage point. You can also go around the corner for more quieter place or don’t go all the way to the corner, but propose just 10-15m before the corner. On the day, I would stand in the spot where I want you to propose.

3. The Seaside Side of Calton Hill

This wide open space gives a beautiful view towards the sea. You can step back far enough to avoid including buildings in the shot. On busy days, though, I sometimes skip this one.

4. Observatory House garden.

This area became available after the 2019 renovations. It’s a lovely little spot for portraits, with a stone wall, greenery, and views by the Observatory House itself.

5. Photography Locations around Nelson Monument.

From here, you can capture great views over Princes Street — especially in winter when the city lights up. Behind the monument, there are also quieter corners for intimate photos. This location is perfect for less crowded proposals. It is secluded and less visible to tourists.

6. Arthur’s Seat View and National Monument of Scotland

One of my favourite spots on Calton Hill. The seating area with a direct view is usually crowded, so I prefer a slightly higher angle, where the views are just as spectacular but the space is less busy.

Climbing the steps of the National Monument of Scotland can be fun, but usually tourists sit along the top — tricky for photos. Instead, I like to work around the monument and use it as a dramatic backdrop. This way, you can get a nice variety of portraits without the crowds.

7. Dugald Stewart Monument

If the popular corner location is super busy, you also have the option of taking photos next to the Dugald Stewart Monument. It’s almost never crowded, as most visitors walk straight up the main path rather than turning left towards the monument. The vantage point is slightly lower, but you still get a lovely city view. A quieter, more relaxed option to consider if you’d like to avoid the tourist crowds.

Calton Hill continues to be one of the best places in Edinburgh for photography and proposals. With its breathtaking city views, short walking distances, and romantic atmosphere, it’s hard to beat. Yes, it’s busier than some hidden corners of the city — and now there’s a fee to factor in — but for many couples, it’s worth it.

Whether you’re planning a proposal, engagement session, or simply want stunning Edinburgh portraits, Calton Hill should definitely be on your list.