21 Beautiful Photo Spots in Edinburgh
If you are a photographer and do not already have Edinburgh at the top of your bucket list, this is your sign to add it now! Edinburgh has some of the best photo spots in the world and is one of the places you cannot miss as a photographer! If you have ever seen photos of Edinburgh, it is easy to see why it is considered one of the best photo locations in the world. Look no further if you are searching for inspiration for the best photo spots in Edinburgh or the best Edinburgh Instagram spots! I will go through all the best photo locations, how to get to them, and show you a few of the best angles to get your shots!
Disclaimer: this blog post includes affiliate links
Tips for photographing in Edinburgh
In my opinion, an essential tip for photographers coming to Edinburgh is: come during autumn or winter! As this is the time, the city comes alive through its weather, colors, and overall feeling. Edinburgh is most vibrant in the dark, rainy months as this is when the streets will be glistening, the candles will be out, and the colours of the trees will turn yellow, orange, and brown. If you go during the spring and summer, know that it has charm. However, if you are going primarily for photography, go during autumn or winter!
Do not forget to bring a rain jacket, umbrellas, protection for your camera gear, and more to handle the Scottish weather! It is essential for those of you coming during the autumn months. You do not want to be stuck inside a café, unable to do any photography because of the weather! During this time, you want to be outside, taking photographs and videos, so make sure you have enough rain gear.
How to get to Edinburgh
The best way to get to Edinburgh is by flying. Traveling from Europe, you can find your flights to and from Edinburgh here. However, if you are already in the UK, you might want to consider driving/hiring a car. You can find the best car hires in the UK here.
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21 Best Photo Spots in Edinburgh
1. The Vennel Steps
One of the best photo spots in Edinburgh is The Vennel Steps. It is one of the most beautiful and iconic views of Edinburgh Castle. You can take a photo of the gorgeous steps with a castle peak between the buildings. This spot makes the castle stand out, and you can find many beautiful angles of this area.
Address: 11, 1 Vennel, Edinburgh EH1 2HU, United Kingdom
2. Starbucks on Princes’ Street
If you saw a picture of this fantastic window view on Instagram, you would never guess that the window view would be from a Starbucks! The gorgeous view is yet another of the best photo spots in Edinburgh; this one also comes with a comfortable couch and a cup of coffee! It is the perfect place to have your morning coffee or tea before starting your day in Edinburgh.
Address: 120 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 4AD, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun: 7:30am-9pm
3. Victoria Street
Victoria Street should be on your photography bucket list because of its great details, colours, and bustling vibe. If you want to capture Victoria Street in its most real moment, you should go during the day to catch it when it is bustling with crowds. However, if you want to capture Victoria Street in its more relaxed atmosphere, the morning or the evening would be a perfect time. In the evening you will see fantastic lights reflecting in the windows and onto the streets. In the early morning, you will get the chance to take a photo with no single person in it! Going these three different times will create three very different images. Choose one or all three; it does not matter; no matter what, Victoria Street is one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh.
Address: Victoria Ter, Edinburgh EH1 2EX, United Kingdom
4. The Milkman
If you want to capture a café or coffee moment in Edinburgh, there are many places to do so! You will never fall short of cafés to take photos. However, one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh for coffee lovers is The Milkman. It is one of the most famous Edinburgh Instagram spots. You might have already stumbled upon quite a few photos of this café on social media. It is easy to see why the Milkman has become so popular with photographers. The inside of the café matches the aesthetic of Edinburgh. It has beige-brown brick walls, beautiful, dark wooden furniture, and a gorgeous view of the Edinburgh buildings. The outside of the café is just as beautiful as the inside. Make sure you save some space for photos of both!
Address: 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 9am-5pm
5. Rooftop of Camera Obscura
This one is a little more hidden than the ones I have mentioned. The rooftop of Camera Obscura is one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh because of its fantastic view. Start by touring the actual museum, where you will go through mind-bending illusions, testing your brain! End your visit at the museum’s top and take a dozen amazing photos of the view.
Address: The Royal Mile, 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
Website: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/
6. Circus Lane
Circus Lane is one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh. It is a beautiful street lined with colourful houses and flowers, bushes, and ivy growing in every direction. You will also see a beautiful clock in the background, creating one of the most iconic shots in Edinburgh. The best way to get to Circus lane will be by bus. You take either of the buses: X6, X7, 16, 19, or 43 from Princes’ Street at Stop PQ. You get off at stop PU.
Suppose you are up for a short walk through town; that is also an option! It is possible to walk from the city’s center to Circus Lane. It will take about 20 minutes to walk from Princes’ Street to Circus Lane.
Address: 29 Circus Ln, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 6SU, United Kingdom
7. The Stockbridge House
If you love taking photos of architecture and beautiful houses surrounded by flowers and plants, you must go to this spot! This quaint little house has it all for the perfect shot. It has a unique architecture and aesthetic and a beautiful staircase filled with flowers and plants. This little house is one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh, and it looks impressive in all seasons! The best thing about this place is that if you walk just about 5 minutes down the road, you will find the beautiful area of Stockbridge. This area of Edinburgh has a lot of photo opportunities in itself!
Address: 33 N W Circus Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 6TP, UK
8. Old Town Skyline
Are you searching for a postcard skyline photograph of Edinburgh? Then this is it! The skyline of the Old Town is one of the most iconic, picturesque spots in Edinburgh. It is also one of the best Edinburgh Instagram Spots. The houses are stacked on top of each other, creating a beautiful, almost unreal setting. Just like the postcards! It is one of the places in Edinburgh where it is pretty much impossible to take a bad photo. Any direction you point to will create something beautiful.
Address: 3/1 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom
9. Advocates’ Close
You cannot take a photography trip to Edinburgh without taking photos of the many outstanding Closes. One of the best places for the perfect Close image is Advocate’s Close. You can find the most iconic view at the top of the staircase with a beautiful view of the Edinburgh buildings in the background and the tip of the Scott Monument! However, there are many other gorgeous angles, so get creative! This close especially looks good at night or after a good rainfall. This close is one of the most iconic Edinburgh Instagram spots that you will have most likely already seen before!
Address: 9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, United Kingdom
10. Princes’ Park Locations
If you are looking for more photo spots of Edinburgh Castle, then here is another one for you! Inside Princes’ Park, there will be many gorgeous angles to catch the castle; however, the most iconic one will be by the Ross Fountain. If you are looking for a lesser-known spot, I would recommend going to the public toilets (yes!), and down the staircase from there, you will find two of the best photo spots in Edinburgh.
The first one is just before you go down the stairs; this one especially looks good when the leaves have fallen from the trees. This way, you can see the castle in the background. The next one is just down the stairs and straight on. It is right next to the Parsian Church. To see the angles I caught, look at the photos below. There are so many gorgeous angles to capture in this area of Edinburgh, so get creative!
Ross Fountain Address: Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 2EU, United Kingdom
Public Toilet Address: West Gardens Cottage, Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
11. New College
New College is one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh. It is one of those spots in Edinburgh that feels like it came straight out of a Harry Potter movie. This place has so much atmosphere and drama, and it will also go through in your photos. In my opinion, this is one of the most scenic photo spots in Edinburgh and should be at the top of your Edinburgh photography bucket list.
Address: Mound Pl, Edinburgh EH1 2LX, United Kingdom
12. Dean Village
Dean Village is a charming, quaint area, just a short walk from the center of Edinburgh. It has a river running through the village and fascinating old buildings everywhere. When you first arrive in Dean Village, you will not believe it is a part of Edinburgh. Dean Village feels like a different world, a different time era. There is something so timeless and peaceful about this place, and if you want your photos to have that old-timey, vintage look, this place is perfect!
13. Calton Hill
If you are searching for the best views of Edinburgh city and want to have that iconic skyline view, then Calton Hill is the place to go. This place is incredibly picturesque during a beautiful sunrise and sunset. It is one of the places in Edinburgh that shines on the days when the sun is out! If you have arrived in Edinburgh on a sunny day, go here at sunset for a magical photo of the city! It is one of the most magical Edinburgh Instagram spots during the evening.
Address: Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY, United Kingdom
14. Writers’ Museum Courtyard
You must go to the courtyard of the Writers’ Museum. It is one of the places you can capture unique angles and detail of the architecture in Edinburgh. You will find gothic architecture, excellent old lamp posts, and beautiful quotes on the street stones in this courtyard. This place looks good in photographs in any weather; however, on a foggy morning, this place entirely comes alive. During the autumn time, it is one of the best Edinburgh Instagram spots.
Address: Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm
Website: https://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venue/writers-museum
15. Canongate / Tolbooth Tavern
Tolbooth Tavern is yet another place that, if captured at the right moment, would be like a step back in time. The street Tolbooth Tavern is on is timeless, and without any cars, taken on an analog camera, no one would ever know it was in 2022! If you love capturing the Edinburgh architecture and old-timey moments, this is another place to go!
Address: 167 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, United Kingdom
16. The rooftop of National Museum of Scotland
If you want more views of Edinburgh, I have got you covered. It is one of the more hidden rooftops in Edinburgh, so keep reading! At the top of the National Museum of Scotland, you will find the incredible rooftop view of Edinburgh. It is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh for photos. It is the perfect place to get tips on the gothic buildings and the ideal opportunity to create a unique city photo. To get up to the rooftop, you will need to enter the museum using the tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge. Then you will need to take the Terrace Lift, situated at the back. Go from Level 1 to the 7th floor, and you will reach the viewpoint!
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Sun: 10am-5pm
Website: https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/
17. White Horse Close
White Horse Close is a historic collection of buildings at the foot of the Canongate that was built in the 17th century. Upon first seeing White Horse Close, it may seem like stepping back in time; however, it was rebuilt and heavily restored in the 1960s. Despite this, it is still one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh. It still keeps many of the original buildings’ historical elements, making it another one of the fantastic, beautiful, and timeless areas to photograph.
Address: 27 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BU, UK
18. Water of Leith Walkway
If you want to get a little bit outside the central area of Edinburgh, going for a walk along the Water of Leith Walkway is a perfect choice. You will stumble upon some of the most picturesque places, including St. Bernards Well, Union Canal, Winter Gardens, and more. To get nature photos, you should consider going on this beautiful walk filled with streams, greenery, canals, gardens, and more!
19. St. Giles’ Cathedral
You will adore St. Giles’ Cathedral if you love medieval architecture and cathedrals. St. Giles’ is one of Scotland’s most important medieval parish church buildings. It also makes for a stunning image. It has some incredible detail; you could stare at it for an eternity. You can create stunning imagery both on the outside and inside. Outside the cathedral, you will see the great, dark gothic details. You will find massive, impressive pillars and more incredible architectural detail on the inside.
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 9am-5pm, Sun: 1pm-5pm
Website: https://stgilescathedral.org.uk/
20. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the best Harry Potter spots and one of the best photo spots in Edinburgh. If you like capturing dark, moody imagery with “dark academia” aesthetics, you should not miss this place. There is something so mysterious and beautiful about the giant old tombstones and how they are placed in Greyfriars Kirkyard. You will even be able to find Harry Potter names on these tombstones! If you want to learn more about the best Harry Potter spots in Scotland, click here.
Address: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, United Kingdom
Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 10:30am-4:30pm, Sat: 12pm-4pm, Sun: Closed
21. Candlemaker Row
You need to add Candlemaker Row to your list for more amazing gothic, medieval buildings, and classic Edinburgh photography. Candlemaker Row is just a short walk from Greyfriars Kirkyard and has many charming shops and city facades to capture on camera! One of them is the bookshop Transreal Fiction. Other than the shops, you will also find gorgeous angles of the streets themselves. There are so many great opportunities for photography in this area, so do not miss it!
Address: 46 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
