Timeline
10:00
Wander the Rock Garden and along the herbaceous border. The Palm House is closed for rebuilding until 2025, but the open grounds are perfect for a quiet morning stroll. Arrive right when the gates open at 10:00 to enjoy the space before it gets busy.
11:30
Walk up to Calton Hill and browse Vinyl Villains. This small record shop is just a five-minute walk from the base of the hill. It is a great spot to pick up a souvenir or some local music while taking in the air.
11:40
Climb the short path to the top of Calton Hill. From here you can command great views of Edinburgh. The National Monument and the Dugald Stewart Monument offer iconic backdrops. It is a short, steep walk that rewards you with the best perspective of the city.
12:30
Descend to Cafe Royal for lunch or a late coffee. This beautifully tiled Victorian pub serves seafood and classics. It is a nine-minute walk from Calton Hill and provides a stylish end to your morning.
Local tip
The Royal Botanic Garden is free to enter. Calton Hill is open 24 hours, but the shops nearby have specific opening times. Check the route for the walk up Calton Hill if you are not sure where to start the climb.
Check before you go
- The Royal Botanic Garden opens at 10:00 daily from November to January, and 10:00 from February to October.
- Vinyl Villains is open Mon-Sat 10:30-18:00 and Sun 13:00-17:00.
- Cafe Royal is open Mon-Thu and Sun 11:00-23:00, and Fri-Sat 11:00-01:00.
Worth knowing
- Vinyl Villains is open at 11:30 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).