Rising above the eastern end of Princes Street, Calton Hill rewards the short climb with one of Edinburgh’s most memorable panoramas. From the summit, guests can look across the Old and New Towns towards Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, the Firth of Forth and the distant hills. The hill is also an open-air collection of striking landmarks, including the unfinished, Parthenon-inspired National Monument, the elegant Dugald Stewart Monument and the Nelson Monument, built to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson. The restored City Observatory is now home to Collective, a contemporary art centre presenting exhibitions and events in a remarkable heritage setting. Visit in clear daylight for far-reaching views, or arrive near sunset to watch the city’s stonework warm into gold. Paths are exposed, so sensible footwear and weather-ready layers are worthwhile.