Where to watch the sunset in Edinburgh without the crowd: secret viewpoints
The sunset in Edinburgh is a ritual (but avoiding the crowd is possible)
Organizingholidays in Edinburghand not seeing a sunset from the hill is like going to Paris and not climbing the Eiffel Tower. The two most famous spots, Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat, are often crowded at sunset, especially in summer. But Edinburgh offers dozens of other, lesser-known places where you can enjoy the show in peace, perhaps with a blanket and a thermos of tea.
Calton Hill (anti-crowd version)
Calton Hill is beautiful, but at sunset it’s a beehive. Two strategies:
Go on a weekday (Tuesday-Wednesday)when locals are working and tourists are fewer.
Choose a side corner:don’t stop near the National Monument (the "Unfinished Parthenon"), but move slightly down towards the northeast side, near the City Observatory. From there the view is almost identical but with fewer people.
Timing:arrive 20 minutes before sunset (calculate the exact time ontimeanddate.com). Stay 10 minutes after the sun has set: the blue light (blue hour) is just as beautiful and the crowd has already left.
Arthur's Seat (the south side)
The summit of Arthur's Seat is always crowded at sunset. But the south side (the one facing Dunsapie Loch) offers grassy meadows where you can sit in solitude. Arrive an hour early, bring a blanket, and choose a spot halfway up (not the top). The view is of the city and the sea, with the sun setting behind the Pentland Hills. Access from the Dunsapie Loch parking lot (bus 15 or a 30-minute walk from Meadowbank).
Blackford Hill (the best-kept secret)
South of the city center, accessible by bus 41 or 42 (stop "Blackford Avenue"). A 15-minute climb on grass. From the top (Royal Observatory), the view stretches over Edinburgh, Arthur's Seat, the Forth Bridge, and on clear days, all the way to the Highlands. Almost always deserted. Perfect for a romantic sunset. Note: there are no benches, bring a blanket.
Corstorphine Hill (west)
15 minutes by bus from the center (line 26, 31). A wooded park with a lookout tower (Clermiston Tower). The tower is closed, but the meadow in front offers a view of the castle and the Firth of Forth. Popular among local runners, but zero tourists. The sunset here is spectacular because the sun sets behind the Pentland Hills, creating dark silhouettes.
Water of Leith (stretch from Dean Village to Stockbridge)
It's not a hill, but a walking path along the river. At sunset, the light reflects on the water and the pastel-colored houses of Dean Village. Walk west (from Dean Village to Stockbridge) to have the sun at your back. Few tourists after 6:00 PM. Bring a camera for the reflections.
South Queensferry (sunset over the Forth Bridge)
15 minutes by train from Waverley (Dalmeny station). The village of South Queensferry looks west over the Forth Bridge. At sunset, the red bridge stands out against the orange sky. Sit on the dock near the pub The Hawes Inn. In winter, the sun sets directly behind the bridge. Bring binoculars.
Cramond Island (only at low tide)
20 minutes by bus (line 41) from central Edinburgh to Cramond Village. Cross the footbridge (check the tide times: it must be low tide, otherwise the island is inaccessible). On the island, look for a spot facing west. The sunset over the Firth of Forth is wild and solitary. Warning: return before the tide rises (the tide tables are at the beginning of the footbridge).
Sunset times by month (approximate)
January:4:00 PM
February:5:00 PM
March:6:00 PM (then daylight saving time, jumps to 7:30 PM)
April:8:00 PM
May:9:00 PM
June:10:00 PM (latest)
July:9:45 PM
August:8:30 PM
September:7:15 PM
October:6:00 PM
November:4:15 PM
December:3:40 PM
What to bring for a crowd-free sunset
Blanket or mat (the grass is damp even in summer).
Thermos with hot tea or mulled wine.
Snacks (shortbread, chocolate).
Headlamp (if you go down after sunset – many trails are not lit).
Windbreaker (the wind is strong at the top of the hills).
FAQ
What is the closest viewpoint to the center with few crowds?
Blackford Hill (15 minutes by bus + 15 minutes of climbing). Side Calton Hill (10 minutes on foot from the center) but you need to choose the right angle.
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, it is legal to drink in public (in Scotland). But in moderation and without glass bottles (fine if you break them).
Is it safe to go down Blackford Hill in the dark?
Yes, the path is well marked, but bring a flashlight. There are no dangerous animals.
What is the most spectacular sunset of the year?
The summer solstice (June 20-21) at Calton Hill: the sun sets at 10:00 PM and the sky remains bright until midnight. But there are a lot of crowds.
Can I photograph the sunset with my smartphone?
Yes, but use HDR mode and lock the exposure on the sky (not on the ground). Bring a small tripod if you want long exposures.
Are there wheelchair accessible spots for the sunset?
Princes Street Gardens (benches near the Ross Fountain) and the terrace of the National Museum of Scotland (closed after 5:00 PM though). Calton Hill has a paved road (steep slope, but doable with assistance).
Unforgettable sunsets
Theholidays in Edinburghthey offer unforgettable sunsets, but you don't have to share them with hundreds of tourists. Just move a few hundred meters away from the most famous spots or choose lesser-known hills like Blackford Hill or Corstorphine Hill. Even a walk along the Water of Leith or a trip to South Queensferry can provide you with a natural spectacle that will stay in your memories more than any postcard. The important thing is to arrive prepared (blanket, hot tea, right time) and leave your phone in your pocket for a few minutes.
For a complete overview of periods, itineraries, budgets, and transportation in the Scottish capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Edinburgh.
Review date:March 21, 2026