You’re looking at what is, without doubt, the finest panoramic view of Edinburgh, so breathtaking, in fact, that the hill it’s seen from is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is Calton Hill, an unmissable stop on any visit to the city, offering a completely different perspective… from above. Wander around at your own pace and you’ll soon see the view stretches a full 360 degrees, letting you take in every corner of the capital. The spot is often nicknamed the “Athens of the North,” not only for its stunning vistas but also for the monuments scattered across it, some of which echo the grandeur of ancient Athens, like the National Monument, with its twelve columns built in tribute to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars. You’ll also find the Edinburgh Observatory and, behind you, the Nelson Monument, dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, victor of the famous Battle of Trafalgar against the combined French and Spanish fleets. Every landmark here is a reminder of Edinburgh’s rich history, on a hilltop that archaeological digs have shown to be inhabited since the Bronze Age.