Scott Monument

A true tribute to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, one of the nation’s most celebrated literary figures, this time-darkened monument is a proud symbol of Edinburgh. In fact, it’s one of the largest monuments in the world dedicated to a writer. This 60-metre-high neo-Gothic tower houses an exhibition on the beloved author, whose works helped preserve Scottish culture and traditions. Inside, you can learn about his life, novels, and character, and admire a marble statue of Scott that took six years to complete. If you choose to visit, you can also climb nearly 300 steps to the top for a stunning view over Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s without doubt one of the city’s must-see landmarks, but a word of warning for the claustrophobic: the staircase becomes increasingly narrow and steep towards the top.