Skip to content
Daytime

Golden Light on Calton Hill

Start your afternoon with coffee, then climb the crag for the best view in Edinburgh as the day softens.

Best time: sunsetAbout 105 min

Timeline

  1. 13:40

    Leaf & Bean

    Grab a coffee at Leaf & Bean. It opens at 08:30, so you can start early and beat the crowds.

  2. 14:40

    Valvona & Crolla

    Walk to Valvona & Crolla. This legendary Italian deli has been around since 1934. Pop in for a snack or just browse the aisles.

  3. 15:25

    Calton Hill

    Climb Calton Hill. It is a short stroll up the stubby crag. From here you command great views of the city.

  4. 16:10

    Calton Hill

    Watch the sun set toward the SW. The golden light from the earlier part of the day will be fading into the evening glow.

  5. 16:55

    The Cumberland Bar

    End the night at The Cumberland Bar. This traditional pub is popular with everyone from students to office workers. It is open until 23:00 on weekdays.

Local tip

The walk up Calton Hill is short but steep. Wear sensible shoes. The Cumberland Bar can get busy, so arriving a bit early helps.

Check before you go

  • Leaf & Bean is closed Monday-Thursday after 11:15 and 15:15. Plan your coffee before then.
  • Valvona & Crolla closes at 18:00.
  • The Cumberland Bar is closed Monday-Thursday after 23:00.

Worth knowing

  • Valvona & Crolla is open at 14:40 only on Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Edinburgh (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Back to Edinburgh