The best photo spots in Edinburgh
Here’s our list of the best places in Edinburgh to get the perfect holiday photo!
Many people consider Edinburgh to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with its breathtaking views set against rocky crags and the magnificent castle! Understandably, the locations of the best photo spots in Edinburgh will be on your mind. The city is full of old-world charm, mysterious alleyways, waterways and mountains that you won’t find in any other city. We want you to get the best pictures during your visit to our magnificent city, so we have compiled a list of the most scenic and Instagrammable photo locations in town!
If you fancy adding some Edinburgh experiences to your photography tour, you can purchase an Edinburgh City Pass for one, two, or three days. This pass gets you into the top attractions with one convenient ticket and offers a discount of up to 40%!
Princes Street Gardens
Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2ER
The Mound, a hill that connects the Old and New Towns, separates the Gardens into two sections: the East Gardens and the West Gardens.
- Get a photo with a spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle from below
- Snap the beautiful flower clock which is one of the oldest in the world! The designers change it every year, so it’s a good excuse to come back!
- There is an abundance of monuments and statues to get pictures of, with the most envy worthy backgrounds!
- Top Tip: The gardens were created in the early 19th century after the draining of the Nor Loch, a former defensive lake for Edinburgh Castle.
Salisbury Crags
Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5AA
The Salisbury Crags in Edinburgh offer dramatic cliffs and panoramic views of the city, making them an excellent photography spot. The crags offer a stunning perspective for sunrise and sunset shots, capturing the light and shadows on the landscape.
- Top Tip: About halfway along the top of the Crags, the rock juts in a little and you can get the perfect picture of Edinburgh skyline with someone standing on the edge (not too close!).
Circus Lane
Circus Lane, Edinburgh EH3 6SU
Take yourself down to Circus Lane if you’re looking for some Instagrammable content! This is a beautiful cobbled street which winds round and has the cutest mews houses either side. If you come in the summer, there will be beautiful flowers and plants decorating the street.
- Top tip: The best shot is looking down the street looking towards St Stephens Cathedral.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH8 8HG
One of the most famous streets in Edinburgh! With it’s colourful buildings, cobblestone streets and quirky shops and a multitude of restaurants and bars, this is a must see on your trip to Edinburgh. People believe that Victoria Street inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
- Top Tip: Climb the staircase to the Upper Bow for a great view down over Victoria Street.
The Vennel Steps
EH1 2HU
If you want an unbeatable castle backdrop, visit the Vennel steps! This hidden alleyway, lined with old buildings and streetlamps, creates the perfect frame for your photograph. You can capture the sheer size of the castle and the 350-million-year-old dormant volcano it sits atop in your photos. The steps are located between Purple Glamour and Kick Ass Café on the Grassmarket.
- Top Tip: Visit at dusk, when the lamps are lit to get your shot with an old-world feel to it!
Calton Hill
Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY
Calton Hill offers one of the best views in Edinburgh, and you’ll definitely want to take a picture of the city from this vantage point. Head here at sunset to capture the sun just dropping below the castle – a stunning shot that you’ll want to print and put on your wall!
- Top Tip: Walk along the Water of Leith Walkway to Stockbridge for local cafes and independent shops.
Other locations considered to be the best photo spots in Edinburgh…
- The Scott Monument, East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ
- Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HR
- The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS
- The School of Divinity, New College Mound Place Edinburgh. United Kingdom. EH1 2LX
Ready to start your Edinburgh adventure?
The Edinburgh City Pass saves you money and is easy to use.
Each pass is valid for either one, two, or three consecutive calendar days and is simply scanned at each experience to gain entry. Your pass includes access to multiple attractions and experiences around Edinburgh, including a hop-on hop-bus tour and a free open return airport transfer. You can see our up-to-date list of what’s included and buy your pass by clicking the button below.
