Your Guide To The Best Edinburgh Photography Locations
Where do I begin with this character stuffed metropolis of outdated world allure and vibrant Scottish custom? Edinburgh will little question find yourself in your record of favorite cities when you’ve spent a while right here, particularly if you happen to’re into images which I imagine to be among the best issues to do in Edinburgh. There’s a sense you not often get elsewhere that’s created by mysterious alleys, stone cottages and a rustic vibe with crags, waterways and mountains framing the town.
Edinburgh is so photogenic. Let’s simply get that set in Scottish stone.
I could have even mentioned on quite a few events throughout our time there that I might most undoubtedly dwell there. It’s a kind of cities that as a photographer would hold you busy for years with so many topics to seize and scenes to compose to not point out the ever altering climate and light-weight.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh quickly I’ve put collectively a information to essentially the most photogenic places all through the town, issues to do in Edinburgh and a few photograph tips about how greatest to seize them. Trust me, there isn’t a scarcity of Edinburgh images places, if you happen to’re visiting for 24hrs or staying for 2 weeks, there’s a lot to maintain you occupied whether or not it’s snowing, sunny or a little bit moist.
As all the time, I’ll kick issues off with a map to point out you precisely the place every spot is, then beneath you’ll discover a little bit extra info and a few pattern photos of every location.
Edinburgh Photo Spots + Photoshoot Locations
Read extra: For extra images location guides to different cities and areas around the globe, click on by means of to the ‘Destination Guides’ part
Edinburgh Photography Locations
Calton Hill
Possibly the preferred place in Edinburgh to {photograph} sundown, Calton Hill overlooks the town and undoubtedly delivers with spectacular views. From right here you’ll be able to watch a sunny glow seem behind the Edinburgh Castle, seize lengthy publicity pictures of Princes Street from The Nelson Monument and watch as the town switches on its lights for the night.
At the highest of the hill you’ll additionally discover the National Monument of Scotland, a memorial to Scottish troopers and sailors with large columns. You’ll discover lots of people crawling throughout it for photographs however personally I wish to respect monuments like this, particularly after they’re memorials and seize a solar burst or stunning glow from afar.
Photo Tip: The Dugald Stewart Monument creates an iconic view over Edinburgh and to seize it, wander up the hill a little bit extra to the stone constructing the place at sundown you’ll little question discover the tripods out in full pressure.
Dean Village
If you wander the Water of Leith walkway you’ll arrive in Dean Village, a fairytale scene with vibrant buildings lining the stream and the texture of a rustic village. Be certain to stroll down Hawthornbank Lane with a fantastic yellow constructing and cobbled road that leads right down to the stream.
You can get proper right down to the water stage for reflections and if you happen to cross the bridge and proceed strolling alongside the stream you’ll arrive at a waterfall.
Photo Tip: Try for all angles, from the bridge, from the stream, the lanes…there’s a lot to seize right here.
Closes + The Royal Mile
Mysterious, charming and alluring, the closes of the Royal Mile are for my part, someplace it is advisable go to when photographing Edinburgh. While hundreds of individuals stroll alongside the primary thoroughfare every day, few realise these hidden gems exist and if you happen to look carefully you’ll uncover walkways with an entrance title plate and steps main down.
Narrow and moody, the closes weave between tall buildings and had been usually named after a notable resident who as soon as lived within the residences the staircases go. Each shut is completely different in look with some favourites together with Advocate’s Close, Old Stamp Office Close and Milne’s Close.
The Royal Mile itself additionally presents oodles of images alternatives with buildings relationship again to the early 1800’s that lead in the direction of the citadel. At the highest of the Royal Mile you’ll discover Castlehill which options loads of bigger buildings nonetheless down the tip with Holyrood Palace, facades are a little bit smaller, much less ornate however nonetheless stuffed with their very own particular character.
Photo Tip: Visit when the dim road lamps create an eerie outdated ambiance.
Water of Leith Walkway
Rarely in a metropolis do you discover a location as tranquil as this stroll method. Only ten minutes from Prince’s Street you’ll be listening to the sound of chirping birds, trickling streams and wandering previous stone cottages that might be from a Beatrix Potter guide. Put merely, this walkway is a peaceable metropolis escape.
While you’ll be able to be a part of the walkway in quite a few locations, the trail begins on the nook of Glenogle Rd and Brandon Terrace then weaves its method alongside the river banks in the direction of Dean Village after which even additional to Roseburn. Once you’ve walked by means of Stockbridge you’ll comply with a path by means of lush inexperienced rainforest earlier than arriving at St.Bernard’s Well. Discovered in 1760, this pure spring was believed to treatment all diseases and has a statue marking its location of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of well being. There’s a small door to the nicely which is just open on particular days all year long so guests are in a position to style the water which is thought to have a really robust style.
Photo Tip: Take the walkway your entire size and hold an eye fixed out for the little cascades, greenery framing the stone homes and staircases simply earlier than St.Bernard’s Well which work nice in photographs.
Read extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Making Water Dance in your Images’
Victoria Street – aka Harry Potter Inspiration!
A curved and cobbled road, Victoria Street is sort of probably the most effective trying road in Edinburgh. With vibrant facades it’s also known as Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter) and apparently the place J.Okay Rowling took her inspiration, it’s value a stroll to seize the road scenes right here.
My favorite retailer in the entire metropolis is Museum Context which is positioned proper in the midst of Victoria Street and presents a fascinating purchasing expertise if you happen to’re into classic maps, antiques and naturally, the little magician referred to as Harry Potter.
Photo Tip: Climb the staircase to Upper Bow for an excellent view down over Victoria Street.
Dunbar’s Close Garden
This quiet backyard is such a particular little gem proper within the coronary heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Designed within the model of a 17th century backyard it’s elegant shrubs are preened, fairly and blooming. You don’t even realise you’re in a metropolis when you step off the Royal Mile and into this hidden house. Around the backyard are wood benches the place you’ll be able to sit and absorb the serenity or you will get busy like me and {photograph} their hedges and neat traces.
Photo Tip: Wait for somebody in a vibrant jacket to walk by 😉
St Giles’ Cathedral
Inside this cathedral relationship again to the 14th century is among the most unimaginable ceilings I’ve ever seen. A placing daring blue color highlights the centre of the cathedral with lights creating an impact just like the sky and solar. There’s no admission cost nonetheless to {photograph} contained in the cathedral it is advisable buy a images go. To accomplish that it’s merely a £2 donation and in return you’ll obtain a small sticker to put on whilst you’re taking photographs.
Photo Tip: Look up, I had a sore neck after visiting as a result of I took so many various angles of the ceiling!
Edinburgh Castle
Perched excessive above the town, Edinburgh Castle is the preferred vacationer attraction on the town. If you’re after a peaceable stroll amongst historical past, sadly this isn’t the place to go. There’ll greater than seemingly be hundreds of vacationers piling by means of the gates however, it does provide a incredible view over Edinburgh. Inside there’s the National War Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel and at 1pm every day the canons are fired!
I really most well-liked to {photograph} the citadel from numerous factors across the metropolis than shut up. Its imposing presence is seen from quite a few places so remember to hold your eyes open for a singular perspective.
You’ll discover the citadel positioned on the prime of the Royal Mile, the outdated city’s primary road which connects the citadel with Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
Photo tip: Capturing the citadel from Calton Hill simply beside The Nelson Monument completely traces up with a Scottish flying flag someplace within the Princes Gardens in case you have a zoom lens!
Stockbridge
My favorite suburb of Edinburgh, Stockbridge is all the things you need in a Scottish village. With the Water of Leith working by means of it, espresso outlets and naturally dwelling to Circus Lane (see beneath), its vibe may be very relaxed making it an excellent place to wander and seize road scenes. One of the most effective options all through Edinburgh are the cobbled streets, I’m undecided I even discovered a road that wasn’t cobbled so remember to go off exploring the limitless rows of residences with matching doorways and squared window bins.
Photo Tip: Avoid peak hour instances to take pleasure in Stockbridge to the fullest. Circus Lane is a should see in Edinburgh!
Circus Lane
Quaint, cobbled and easily put, cute. Circus Lane gives all these emotions of outdated world allure with immaculately saved cottages, flower pots and vibrant window sills. Located in Stockbridge it’s only a 10minute stroll from Princes Street. When strolling from St Vincent’s Street down the lane, remember to flip round as a result of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral creates an excellent topic to function in your shot with the Circus Lane cottages within the foreground.
Photo Tip: Visit in the course of the day when the individuals who really dwell listed below are at work and their vehicles aren’t parked within the lane.
Greyfriars Kirkyard + George Heriot’s School
Most fashionable now due to their affiliation with the Harry Potter collection, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is a cemetery positioned in Edinburgh’s Old Town. J.Okay Rowling took inspiration from the cemetery for the Harry Potter collection and the stately trying George Heriot’s School positioned proper beside was used as the bottom for her Hogwart’s imaginative and prescient.
My favorite a part of Greyfriars Kirkyard although is the story of Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a Skye Terrier whose proprietor John Gray was buried within the graveyard. The story goes that for the following 14 years Bobby spent his life sitting by the grave and was then buried simply contained in the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Visitors can now depart a stick for Bobby, a convention that I couldn’t resist including to and was very near bursting into tears at simply how cute it was!
Princes Street Gardens
London has Hyde Park, New York has Central Park and Edinburgh has the Princes Street Gardens. Lined with historic buildings and stuffed with flower beds and inexperienced house, the gardens are a fantastic house throughout the metropolis centre. The primary motive I liked photographing the gardens was as a result of they provide an excellent view of the buildings that lead towards the Edinburgh Castle and the citadel itself is right for some inventive views by means of the timber.
At the western finish of the gardens you’ll discover St Cuthberts Churchyard which sits beneath Castle Rock and has vaults and moss coated gravestones.
The gardens within the summertime are alive with exercise as musicians, bands and performances create an environment that’s onerous to not get caught up in. Once these bagpipes begin taking part in it’s nearly crime to not faucet your toes and have a little bit jig.
Photo Tip: The Scottish National Gallery sits proper within the center up excessive above the gardens and it’s an excellent spot to look over them to {photograph} the scenes from above.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
As the official Scottish residence of the Queen, it’s fairly the present stopper. While it’s a lot smaller than Buckingham Palace the Queen apparently spends one week right here every summer season and 12 months spherical it’s saved trying ship form. Built within the 1670s it has a glamourous nation mansion really feel whereas clearly nonetheless being extravagantly royal. What units it aside for me are the gardens that encompass the palace. Also if you are going to buy a ticket to discover the palace, it’s also possible to try the Holyrood Abbey ruins which in themselves are a sight to see.
Photo Tip: Capture the palace whereas climbing the Salisbury Crags. The palace is admittedly spectacular from above and from the crags and even from Calton Hill, you’ll be able to {photograph} it with the mountain environment.
Photogenic Hikes in Edinburgh –
Arthur’s Seat
So I used to be advised a spherical journey to Arthur’s Seat takes about two hours from Holyrood Palace which I suppose is right if you happen to don’t have a digital camera. If nonetheless you wish to cease each jiffy to seize the surroundings and your breath, give your self an honest 4 hours to actually soak all of it in. High above the town you’ll be handled to unimaginable views when you attain the highest and my tip is to take a picnic since you’ll want some sustenance after the hike!
On the best way to the highest there’s all the fantastic thing about Holyrood Park to {photograph} so hold an eye fixed out for reflections in St Margaret’s Loch, there’s loads of chicken life and if you happen to’re not venturing out to the highlands, it’s an excellent place to seize some mountain landscapes.
Photo Tip: Plan for sundown and take a picnic dinner!
Read extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Golden Hour Photography Tips’
Salisbury Crags
If you’re going to do one stroll in Edinburgh, my selection is the Salisbury Crags. Watching over Edinburgh like a rugged and resilient guard, the crags are fairly the journey. Starting from simply close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, climb up beneath the crags for about 30minutes (45mins if you happen to’re slower and like taking a number of photographs like me!). Half method up there’s a fantastic view over the palace however proceed on for some actually spectacular landscapes as you hike your method up the rocky cliffs. There’s a couple of paths heading in numerous instructions when you attain a sure level however if you happen to choose to stay near the rocks finally you’ll discover a place the place it’s doable to climb up after which wander alongside the very prime of the crags. With Arthur’s Seat looming behind you’ll have Edinburgh glowing within the different path, an unimaginable vantage level particularly at sundown!
Photo Tip: Once you’ve made it to the highest of the crags, there’s a spot about half method alongside the place the rocks jut in a little bit and it creates the proper place to {photograph} the citadel and Edinburgh skyline with somebody standing on the sting overlooking the town.
Other Notable Edinburgh Photography Locations:
Heriot Place (The Vennel)
This staircase was one of many locations I used to be advised to go to and whereas it’s most definitely an excellent view of the Edinburgh Castle, if you happen to’re working out of time don’t fear an excessive amount of. This shot is most stunning within the night gentle as soon as the lamps are lit and making a moody outdated world really feel.
North Bridge
Running on prime of Waverly Train Station, the bridge connects Edinburgh’s Old Town to the New Town. It additionally gives dramatic views of the facades of the Royal Mile that lead in the direction of Edinburgh Castle. I used the railings as reflective distractions to blur out the practice traces beneath.
Queen St Gardens
While I couldn’t discover a method in, the Queen St Gardens are stunning even by means of the fence. You can discover little corners to seize and because it appears tough to achieve entry, it’s like a little bit dream world of completely preened backyard paths and luxurious flora.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A world away from Princes Street but in actuality, only a 15 minute stroll, the Royal Botanic Gardens are stunning. If you favor a little bit little bit of nature over crowded streets I actually advocate spending a while right here after which following it up with a stroll alongside the Water of Leith. Featuring greater than 13,000 plant species it’s lush, stress-free and there’s the attractive Inverleith House positioned proper within the centre which makes for excellent photograph alternatives. Admission is free!
Where to Stay in Edinburgh:
I opted for an house to base myself whereas I explored the town and occurred to encounter the cutest two bed room flat within the metropolis on Airbnb. Follow this hyperlink to take a look at Pier’s house in Stockbridge which was embellished to perfection with attractive British furnishings, entry to Netflix, all the things you could possibly have to cook dinner and really feel such as you’re dwelling in Edinburgh together with a tremendous location.
Located in Stockbridge only a 10minute stroll from Princes Street it’s proper across the nook from espresso outlets, bus stops, the Water of Leith Walkway is a block away and so are the Royal Botanic Gardens. If you haven’t finished AirBnb earlier than I extremely advocate it!
Otherwise, I’d counsel someplace near the town centre so you’ll be able to wander and {photograph} from dawn to sundown. I all the time use Booking.com when trying to find a lodge as I like their map function that allows you to see the place a property is positioned in relation to a few of the images places you need to go to! Check out the Edinburgh metropolis web page right here.
For extra info:
To try opening instances, metropolis excursions, locations to eat and normal details about the historical past of Edinburgh remember to try the Visit Scotland web site. Also their Instagram account @visitscotland is fairly addictive when you fall in love with the wonders of Scotland!
Road Tripping in Scotland:
We used Edinburgh as our base to start out a Spaceships Rentals street journey across the highlands and outer islands. I’ll be publishing extra guides about this over the approaching weeks so hold an eye fixed out to see what we acquired as much as!
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Hello! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.