The Mound Edinburgh
An iconic slope connecting Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, home to major art galleries and offering stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
The Mound Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic slope connecting Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, home to major art galleries and offering stunning city views.
"The Mound has picturesque views for one! It is one of the best places in Edinburgh for panoramic views."
Free Art Galleries
Many national galleries here are free! Explore world-class art without spending a penny. :art:
Stunning City Vistas
Climb to the museum's rooftop for phenomenal, glorious city views. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

National Gallery of Scotland
On The Mound
Explore masterpieces from Scottish and European artists. A must-see for art enthusiasts.

Panoramic City Views
From The Mound's upper levels
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, and Edinburgh Castle.

Royal Scottish Academy
On The Mound
Discover contemporary and historical Scottish art exhibitions in this striking building.
Planning Your Visit
Connect Old and New Towns
Free Cultural Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Art Galleries
Many national galleries here are free! Explore world-class art without spending a penny. :art:
Stunning City Vistas
Climb to the museum's rooftop for phenomenal, glorious city views. :camerawithflash:
Connects Old & New
Walk The Mound to easily transition between Edinburgh's historic and modern districts. :walking:
Hogwarts Vibes
Feel like you're in Hogwarts! Edinburgh's architecture is truly magical. :magic_wand:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Art Galleries
Many national galleries here are free! Explore world-class art without spending a penny. :art:
Stunning City Vistas
Climb to the museum's rooftop for phenomenal, glorious city views. :camerawithflash:
Connects Old & New
Walk The Mound to easily transition between Edinburgh's historic and modern districts. :walking:
Hogwarts Vibes
Feel like you're in Hogwarts! Edinburgh's architecture is truly magical. :magic_wand:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Mound to be a picturesque and essential connection between Edinburgh's Old and New Towns. It's praised for its stunning views of the castle and gardens, as well as its cultural institutions like the National Gallery. While busy, it's considered a must-visit for its scenic beauty and accessibility to key landmarks.
"It's a serene experience to be there... Sit at a corner and see the princess street and Scott monument from the top and Edinburgh Castle from below... One nice stop over is compulsory here.... The University of Edinburgh housing and other buildings around it giving the victorian era feel is mesmerising..."
Madiha Salam
"Lovely small museum nice"
Toby Clifford
"Notable street in Edinburgh."
Konstantinos Barlas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mound is centrally located, easily accessible on foot from Princes Street and the Royal Mile. It connects the Old and New Towns. If arriving by train, it's a short walk from Waverley Station. Numerous bus routes also stop nearby.
The Mound is an artificial slope, so while it connects different levels, it can be steep. The National Gallery of Scotland and other institutions on The Mound generally have accessible entrances and facilities.
Driving directly onto The Mound is restricted. There are several car parks nearby, including Waverley Station and St James Quarter, but walking is often the easiest way to explore this area.
Walking is the best way to experience The Mound and its surroundings. Take your time to admire the architecture, enjoy the views, and pop into the galleries.
Yes, The Mound is very close to major public transport hubs. Waverley Train Station is a short walk away, and numerous bus stops are located on Princes Street and George IV Bridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Mound itself is a public thoroughfare and does not require a ticket. However, entry fees may apply for specific exhibitions within the National Gallery of Scotland or the Royal Scottish Academy.
Yes, the National Gallery of Scotland and the Portrait Gallery are free to enter, though special exhibitions might have a charge. This makes it a great budget-friendly option.
Opening hours vary for the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy. It's best to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
For special exhibitions at the galleries on The Mound, booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
Accessing the rooftop view at the National Museum of Scotland (near The Mound) is generally free. Take the Terrace Lift to the 7th floor for phenomenal city vistas.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Mound offers access to the National Gallery of Scotland, the Royal Scottish Academy, and provides stunning views of Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle. It's a great place to soak in the city's atmosphere.
From The Mound, you get picturesque views of Princes Street, the Scott Monument, and Edinburgh Castle. The rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland nearby offers even more expansive panoramic views.
Absolutely! The Mound offers iconic views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens, especially beautiful during golden hour. The architecture of the galleries is also very photogenic.
While The Mound itself is primarily cultural institutions, the surrounding areas offer unique shops. TikTok creators have highlighted magical bookstores and themed bars nearby.
The Mound is an artificial slope created in the late 18th century to connect the Old and New Towns. It's a significant piece of Edinburgh's urban planning and a hub for arts and culture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around The Mound has many dining options. From cafes within the galleries to restaurants on Princes Street and in the Old Town, you'll find plenty to choose from.
The National Gallery of Scotland has a cafe, and there are numerous cafes and eateries on nearby Princes Street and in the Old Town, perfect for a quick bite or coffee break.
Edinburgh is known for its creative food scene. You can find everything from traditional Scottish fare to innovative international cuisine, including themed bars and restaurants with unique concepts.
Popular choices include traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties, as well as modern cuisine, seafood, and international flavors. Many places offer locally sourced ingredients.
Yes, you can find budget-friendly options like cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries in the surrounding streets. The National Galleries also offer free entry, saving money for food.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mound itself offers great angles of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens. The steps leading up to the National Gallery are also picturesque.
Late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides beautiful lighting for photos. Weekday mornings are also good for fewer crowds and softer light.
Photography policies vary within the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy. Generally, non-flash photography is allowed for personal use, but check specific exhibition rules.
You can photograph Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, and the surrounding Victorian architecture of the Old and New Towns.
Explore the smaller streets and closes off the Royal Mile for unique perspectives. The rooftop of the National Museum of Scotland offers a less common, but spectacular, city panorama.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the galleries, the Princes Street Gardens below The Mound are a fantastic place for kids to run around and play. The National Museum of Scotland nearby also has engaging exhibits for various ages, and its free rooftop view is a fun adventure for the whole family. Pack some snacks and make a day of exploring this central Edinburgh hub.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the galleries, simply walking across The Mound provides incredible views of Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street Gardens for free. For even more spectacular, cost-free panoramas, head to the rooftop of the nearby National Museum of Scotland. This area is also a great starting point for exploring other free attractions in the city.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mound: A Bridge Between Worlds
Today, The Mound is a cultural nexus, home to the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy. These institutions draw visitors with their impressive collections and exhibitions, making The Mound a destination for art lovers. The presence of these galleries underscores Edinburgh's status as a vibrant cultural capital.
Beyond its architectural and artistic significance, The Mound offers some of the most iconic panoramic views in Edinburgh. From its vantage points, you can capture breathtaking shots of Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument, and the majestic Edinburgh Castle perched on its volcanic rock. It's a prime spot for photography, especially during the 'golden hour' when the city is bathed in warm light.
Experiencing Edinburgh's Art Scene on The Mound
The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA), located adjacent to the National Gallery, showcases contemporary and historical Scottish art through its exhibitions and annual exhibition. It's a space that champions Scottish artists and provides a platform for emerging talent. Visitors can often find unique pieces and engage with the current artistic landscape of Scotland.
For those looking for an even broader perspective, the National Museum of Scotland is a short walk away and offers a rooftop terrace with phenomenal, free panoramic views of the city. This elevated viewpoint provides a different, yet equally stunning, photographic opportunity and a chance to orient yourself with the city's layout.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit