Scott Monument

Standing tall on Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most striking landmarks — a dark Gothic spire dedicated to the novelist Sir Walter Scott.

Climb the 287 narrow steps to the top for sweeping views over Princes Street, the Old Town skyline, and the distant Firth of Forth. Inside, you’ll find a small museum celebrating Scott’s life and the many illustrators inspired by his works.

The monument’s intricate stonework makes it one of the most photographed spots in the city, especially when lit up at night or framed by the Gardens in bloom.