The most magical views in Edinburgh

As one of the most beautiful cities in the UK, or anywhere else for that matter, it should be of no surprise to visitors that Edinburgh also boasts some of the most fantastic views imaginable. From the various summits of this hilly city, it is possible to cast your gaze over the new and old towns, or turn outwards and take in the majesty of the Forth of Fife, as well as the Lothian plains.

If you're staying at hostels in Edinburgh, it may seem strange to think that you're just minutes away from such unadorned vistas as those offered by Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. But this mixture of the urban and natural worlds is what makes the city so special, as manmade structures and those natural monuments carved by Mother Nature compete to offer the most striking views of Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Castle

It seems impossible to talk about Edinburgh without mentioning the castle that stands as an ever-present constant on the horizon. From all around Edinburgh, you can enjoy amazing views of the fortress, which dominates the skyline from its seat at the summit of Castle Rock. From West Princes Street Gardens, you'll be able to crane your neck up to look at this impressive structure from the most imposing of angles - and imagine what impact its sight alone must have had on invading forces over the centuries.

From the castle itself, the views are simply stunning, stretching for miles into the distance thanks to its strategic positioning on one of Edinburgh's best vantage points. One of the best views can be had from the Argyle Battery, where you can look out clearly across Princes Street and New Town to the Firth of Forth, the beautiful estuary that flows into the North Sea. From parts of the castle, it is also possible to look up on the Pentland Hills to the south and across much of the Lothian region to the west.

Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG.0131 668 8600. Open Monday to Sunday, 9.30am - 6pm (April to September); Monday to Sunday, 9.30am - 6pm (October to March).

Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

Arthur's Seat is the tallest of the group of hills that make up the beautiful Holyrood Park, which provides plenty of great opportunities for hikers and hill-walkers to get their blood pumping.

The hill towers above the centre of Edinburgh, rising to a height of 250 metres and providing some of the most awe-inspiring panoramas of the city and the surrounding landscape. As well as being able to look down on Nelson's Monument and the City Observatory at Calton Hill, you can also cast your eye across the Firth of Forth and Fife.

Scott Monument

The Scott Monument is a tribute to the 19th-century novelist, poet and playwright Sir Walter Scott, who penned such classic tales as Rob Roy, Ivanhoe and The Lady of the Lake. Located on Princes Street, it can lay claim to the impressive title of world's largest monument to a writer. The monument itself stands impressively at the top of 287 steps, leaving it towering more than 60 metres above Princes Street.

From the summit, you will be met with spectacular views of one of Edinburgh's most iconic streets, as well as much of the city's surrounding vista. No doubt you'll need a minute to catch your breath after climbing all those stairs so take a minute and breathe in the wonderful crisp air, while gazing out from this fantastic vantage point.

Princes Street Gardens East, EN2 2EJ. 0131 529 4068. Monday to Sunday, 10am - 7pm (April to September). Monday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm (October to March).

Calton Hill and the Nelson Monument

Calton Hill is the perfect spot from which to look down into the Waverley Valley and cast your eye over the centre of Edinburgh's city centre. Just to the east of Edinburgh's New Town, the hill is home to several iconic buildings including the Old City Observatory, the Robert Burns Monument, the National Monument and St Andrews House, which looks out over Holyrood Park and is the headquarters of the Scottish government.

Amazing views can be had from all of these sites, which are well worth a look at themselves. But arguably the best vantage point is at the top of the Nelson Monument, which stands proud in memory of Lord Admiral Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgur in 1805 during the Napoleonic Wars, but not before defeating the French and Spanish fleets.

Situated at the highest point of Calton Hill, it features a time ball at the top, which was once used as a signal for the ships in Leith harbor and is still dropped each day at 1pm. Climbing the stairs to the viewing platform at the top, you'll be greeted with an a new perspective over the Calton Hill and down into the old city.

Nelson Monument: 32 Calton Hill, Abbeyhill, EH7 5AA. 0131 556 2716. Monday to Saturday, 10am - 7pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm (April to September). Monday to Saturday, 10am - 3pm (October to March).

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Oloroso

If you like fine food and drink to go with those fine views, then this is the one for you. Oloroso is famed for its locally sourced, seasonal foods, which are produced by head chef and co-founder Tony Singh. But what really sets it apart from Edinburgh's other dining experience is its rooftop location, which affords al fresco diners with some of the most stunning panoramic views of the city, including Edinburgh Castle, and Castle Street.

The scenery gets even more magical after dark, as you can watch on while the heart of Edinburgh is illuminated by a thousand glimmering lights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city while tucking into delicious curries, steaks and burgers with a glass of sherry for an all-encompassing sensory experience. Remember, though, to follow the dress code, which calls for "casual elegance" - the perfect choice of attire considering the location.

33 Castle Street, Edinburgh EH2 3DN. 0131 226 7614. Dress code: no shorts, football shirts, vests or flip-flops.

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