10 Beautiful Spots to Photograph in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of those cities I could keep returning to and never get bored. With its historic charm and cobbled streets, it’s a city best explored on foot. Over the past couple of years, I’ve visited several times and discovered lots of incredible spots. In this guide, I’m sharing my top favourite places in Edinburgh, perfect for exploring and photographing, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning like me.
Where to stay in Edinburgh?
If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and are looking for accommodation, you can browse below! A few of my favourite spots (listed in order of starting room price) are:
Eden Locke - apartment hotel on George Street with stylish studios and suites and fully equipped kitchens. Ideal for longer stays.
Market Street Hotel - just a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile. It combines Old Town character with contemporary style and is high on my list to visit!
The Roseate - stylish hotel in Edinburgh's West End known for its gorgeous interiors and luxurious amenities.
Gleneagles Townhouse - 5-star accommodation that is ideal for special occasions.
Browse more hotel accommodation options below.
Calton Hill
Starting with a firm favourite, Calton Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh with landmarks like Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle in one frame. The hill is easy to access and is especially beautiful at sunset. In the summer, you can take a picnic with you and watch the sun go down!
Stockbridge and Dean Village
Stockbridge and Dean Village are picture-perfect neighbourhoods in Edinburgh. Stockbridge is my favourite spot in the city for a bite to eat or to aimlessly wander in independent shops - you’ll also find Circus Lane (the famous picturesque cobbled residential street). From Stockbridge, you can walk to Dean Village which is a picture-perfect spot with its quaint cobblestone streets and historic mill houses and sits along the Water of Leith.
The Vennel Steps
The Vennel Steps in Edinburgh offer a beautiful view of the city's historic architecture, particularly Edinburgh Castle - it’s perfect for capturing a unique perspective of the city. I’d recommend visiting at the start of the day when it’s quiet or after a light rain when the cobbles glisten!
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Grassmarket, once a medieval marketplace, is now a lively area filled with pubs, boutiques, and historic charm. Nearby, Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh’s most photographed locations so you’ll recognise it immediately — the winding buildings that are said to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. The view from the top of Victoria Street looking down is a classic shot.
Princes Street Gardens
Nestled between Edinburgh’s Old and New Town, Princes Street Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park with a lovely view of Edinburgh Castle. It’s the perfect place to relax and photograph seasonal flower displays, especially during spring and autumn when the colours are most vibrant. I’d also recommend visiting Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street for a coffee with a lovely view of the gardens and castle.
Pentland Hills
If you’re looking for an outdoor escape from the city, the Pentland Hills offer breathtaking hiking trails with sweeping views of Edinburgh and beyond. One of the most accessible walks is to/near Glencorse Reservoir. You can get the bus from central Edinburgh to Flotterstone Inn (approx. 30 mins) and start walks from there. Remember to check the bus times! The spot is perfect for long walks and capturing dramatic landscapes.
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
If you don’t have time to head to the Pentland Hills but you’d still like to escape the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens is a great alternative for nature lovers. You’ll find lush greenery, exotic plants, and serene walking paths. The glasshouses and Japanese Garden provide endless opportunities for stunning nature photography too.
Cockburn Street and Old Town
Cockburn Street is a winding, cobbled lane lined with quirky shops, historic buildings, and atmospheric cafes. One of my favourite photo spots is at the bottom of the street on Waverley Bridge (the photo below is just a short walk from Waverley train station). It leads directly into Edinburgh’s Old Town and the Castle so you’ll find lots of nooks and medieval architecture, perfect for photographing.
Waverley Bridge
Waverley Bridge connects Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town and I think is a great spot to capture the city’s bustling atmosphere. It’s particularly beautiful at golden hour when the light reflects off the buildings.
National Museum of Scotland
I visited the National Museum of Scotland (free entry!) for the first time a couple of years ago and thought it was the perfect spot for explorers and photographers. The museum has a stunning Grand Gallery, a light-filled atrium with elegant white ironwork is lovely to capture on camera. The museum also has interesting exhibits. I also didn’t realise there is a rooftop terrace with views over Edinburgh’s Old Town.
To summarise, some of my top spots to explore and photograph in Edinburgh are:
Calton Hill
Stockbridge and Dean Village
The Vennel Steps
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
Princes Street Gardens
Pentland Hills
Cockburn Street and Old Town
Botanical Gardens
Waverley Bridge
The National Museum of Scotland
Thanks for reading,
T.
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