Best Photography Locations in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a photographer’s paradise! With its charming old-world vibe, you’ll find endless spots for amazing photos. Every sunrise and sunset creates a new masterpiece, and the ever-changing weather adds a special touch to all the best photography locations in Edinburgh that we’re going to analyze here.

My love affair with photography dates back to my school days when my father recognized a latent talent within me. He generously invested in my passion, gifting me a camera and supporting my photography lessons. Life took me on different journeys, but it was the desire to express my artistic side from my younger days that brought me back to photography, now as a content creator.

Let’s uncover some of the best photography locations in Edinburgh in this blog post! We’ll explore secret spots together, from charming alleyways to breathtaking landscapes. I’ll guide you to the city’s most photogenic corners and share tips to help you capture unforgettable shots. Get ready to unlock Edinburgh’s photographic secrets and create images that will make your heart sing!

Dean Village

Imagine a hidden valley in Edinburgh, just a 10-minute stroll from the bustling shops of Princes Street. Here, the tranquil Water of Leith winds its way past charming 19th-century houses adorned with colorful doors and flower-filled window boxes. Welcome to Dean Village — a peaceful oasis that feels like a step back in time, offering a delightful break from the rush of the city. This isn’t just another photogenic spot; it’s a portal to timeless Edinburgh, waiting to be captured and undoubtedly one of the best photography locations in the city.

Here’s why Dean Village should be high on your photography bucket list:

Storytelling Potential: Every nook and cranny tells a story. Let your lens breathe life into the village’s quiet charm.

Four Seasons of Charm: Each season paints Dean Village in a new light. 

Embrace the rain: Don’t shy away from a drizzle! Rainy days add a touch of nostalgia and enhance the reflections in the water.

Experiment with angles: Get low, go high, explore different perspectives.

Princes Street Gardens

Capturing Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens is a classic shot, but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Here are some tips and ideas to inject creativity and capture the castle’s majesty in a fresh way:

Play with Perspective:

• Go low: Get down on the ground for a dramatic worm’s eye view of the castle towering above. This emphasizes its grand scale and imposing presence.
• Unexpected Angles: Don’t just stand right in front of the castle. Explore the gardens, find interesting viewpoints behind trees, or frame the castle through archways or bridges for a unique perspective.

Embrace the Seasons:

• Spring bloom: Capture the castle emerging from a vibrant carpet of spring flowers in the gardens. Soft morning light is particularly magical.
• Golden hour: The setting sun bathes the castle in a warm glow, creating a dramatic contrast against the darkening sky. Look for silhouettes and reflections.
• Crimson Carpets: Look for paths or walkways carpeted with fallen leaves, creating a fiery path leading towards the castle, hinting at a hidden world beyond the rain.

Adding Human Connection:

• Silhouettes: Capture people enjoying the rain or walking with umbrellas. Their silhouettes against the castle create a sense of scale and human connection to the scene.
• Raincoats and umbrellas: Don’t be afraid of colorful raincoats and umbrellas. They can add pops of color and visual interest to your shots.

By embracing the mood of a rainy day and employing creative angles and details, you can turn a seemingly ordinary scene into a captivating and atmospheric capture of Edinburgh Castle. Don’t be intimidated by the rain, let it inspire you! Trust me, even puddles can be masterpieces if you look at them the right way.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh for the first time and unsure what to pack (packing for its changeable weather can be tricky!), I’ve created a free packing guide & checklist to help you navigate the cobblestone streets and unpredictable showers. This PDF takes the guesswork out of packing, ensuring a stress-free trip! Free download here.

The Ross Fountain, with its whimsical cast-iron figures and towering backdrop of Edinburgh Castle offer a scene dripping with history, artistry, and pure visual impact.

Scott Monument

If you’re exploring Edinburgh, the Scott Monument isn’t just another landmark – it’s a photographer’s dream come true and one of the best photography locations in Edinburgh. This tall and pointy tribute to Scotland’s writing hero, Sir Walter Scott, offers stunning views, hidden details, and a chance to tell a story through your lens.

The Scott Monument changes with the seasons like magic. Spring dresses it in flowers, autumn paints it in golden light, and winter turns it into a dramatic silhouette against the sky. Get creative and see how you can capture its different moods!

So, grab your camera, climb those steps, and let the Scott Monument inspire your creativity. It’s not just a monument, it’s a chance to capture a piece of Edinburgh’s history and share your own unique story through your photos.

For even more tips and recommendations, check out my blog post “Exploring Edinburgh: A Beginner’s Guide To The Best Travel Tips” I share a lot of tips for first time visitors.

The Royal Mile

The Royal Mile in Edinburgh is one of the city’s most famous streets, stretching from Edinburgh Castle to the Holyrood Palace. Even though it’s called the Royal Mile, it’s actually five streets joining together!

There are tons of great photo spots, like charming little alleyways called closes (White Horse Close is amazing!). The Royal Mile can be considered one of best photography locations in Edinburgh. 

You’ll often hear a bagpiper playing on High Street (you can grab a picture with him!).

But the main stars are Edinburgh Castle and the Holyrood Palace. Sure, you can capture pictures from the gates, but go for a tour! It’s more interesting to see them up close and learn about their history. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Close (meaning)

It’s a narrow alleyway or passageway that runs between buildings. Think of it as a shortcut or a secret way to get from one street to another. Here are some key things to know about closes in Edinburgh:

• They’re super old! Most of them were built hundreds of years ago, so they have a ton of history and character.
• They’ve got interesting names! Many closes are named after people who lived there, trades that were practiced there, or events that happened there.
• They’re full of surprises! You never know what you’ll find down a close – it could be a hidden garden, a secret courtyard, or a cozy pub.

Here’s how to capture Royal Mile’s soul through your lens:

Remember, the Royal Mile is a living, breathing story. Use your lens to capture its soul, its vibrant life, and its timeless whispers of history. Become a storyteller through your images, and share the magic of Edinburgh’s beating heart with the world.

Advocate’s Close

Advocate’s Close is a hidden gem just off High Street (Royal Mile). For photographers, it’s a fantastic place with lots of great photo opportunities. Here’s why you should consider capturing it with your camera:

Unique Atmosphere:

• Timeless Charm: This narrow, cobbled alleyway wrapped in history and character offers a timeless backdrop for your shots.
• Light and Shadow Play: The close’s narrow confines create a dramatic stage for light and shadows to dance adding depth and intrigue to your compositions.
• Hidden Beauty: You’ll find hidden corners and tucked-away details begging to be captured. A rusty lamp post, a weathered door knocker, or a blooming window box can tell a story in themselves.

Capturing the Scott Monument from Advocate’s Close

To get a better sense of the location, remember that the Scott Monument can be seen clearly from the top of Advocate’s Close.

Here are some tips to make your shot stand out. Don’t forget, it’s all about exploring unique angles, playing with light and shadow, and telling a story through your lens.

Tell a Story:

• People and perspectives: Be the model or include people in your shot to give it a sense of scale and human connection. Capture someone taking pictures of Scott Monument or a couple walking hand-in-hand.
• Details and history: Don’t forget the close itself! Look for weathered details like cobblestones, carvings, or lamp posts. These elements add a layer of history and context to your photo.

Remember, the key is to be creative and explore different angles and perspectives. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and experiment!

The Writers’ Museum

The Writers’ Museum, also known as Lady Stair’s House, is one of best photography locations in Edinburgh. 

It is located in the heart of Edinburgh, on Lady Stair’s Close just off the Lawnmarket section of the Royal Mile. This 17th-century gem isn’t just a treasure trove of literary history; it’s a canvas begging to be captured.

Knowing some information about The Writers’ Museum can help you take better pictures of the building. Here are some ideas:

Highlight Historical Features: Focus on details like the carved initials WG and GS and the date 1622 on the lintel, capturing the age and history of the building.

Entrance and Details: Frame the museum entrance through the archway of the close, creating a sense of anticipation and mystery. Pay attention to details such as the inviting glow emanating from the windows and the charm of the lamp post.

Timing Matters: Experiment with different times of the day to capture Lady Stair’s House in varying lighting conditions. Consider early morning or late afternoon for warm, soft light, and dusk to capture the building’s charm under artificial lighting.

Silhouettes: Capture the silhouettes of people passing by the museum. This technique adds a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to imagine the unique stories of those in motion.

Tolbooth Tavern

It is nestled in the heart of the Royal Mile. It’s a portal to Edinburgh’s rich history and vibrant present. Here are some examples on how to capture its unique charm through your lens:

This photo perfectly captures the essence of Tolbooth Tavern (taken from Sugarhouse Close) – a welcoming haven steeped in history, where warm light spills out onto the cobbled streets and invites you in for a story or a pint. It’s a timeless image that evokes a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust, making the viewer want to step right into the scene and experience the magic for themselves.

Ready to dive deeper into Edinburgh’s photographic treasures?

Here are some hidden gems and iconic sights beyond the Royal Mile:

Nature & Stunning Views:

• Calton Hill: Breathtaking panoramic views of the city, iconic monuments like the National Monument, the City Observatory and the Dugald Stewart Monument, and dramatic sunsets. 
• Arthur’s Seat: Trek up this extinct volcano for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. Capture dramatic skies, Edinburgh’s sprawling landscape, and the satisfaction of reaching the summit.
• The Salisbury Crags: A series of basalt columns (cliffs) rising 150 feet above the city that give you the perfect view of the Edinburgh skyline. Perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
• Blackford Hill: Another hilltop vantage point with stunning views, but with a wilder, heather-covered landscape. Ideal for nature enthusiasts and panoramic photographers.
• Lauriston Castle & Japanese Gardens: Elegant 16th-century tower house with scenic Firth of Forth views, paired with serene Zen gardens offering seasonal beauty.

Quirky & Unique:

• Victoria Street: Diagon Alley vibes, colorful facades, lively shops.
• Greyfriars Kirkyard: Atmospheric gravestones, hidden corners, macabre beauty.
• Grassmarket: Buzzing crowds, unique architecture, lively spirit.
• The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle: unique perspective.
• Circus Lane: Curved cobbled lane with colorful houses, fairytale charm.

Remember, the best photos are often found in the unexpected corners, so keep your eyes peeled and don’t be afraid to experiment. And when you’re ready to share your masterpieces, tag me on Instagram @rhona_the_unicorn and let me see your Edinburgh through your lens!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my other blog posts for more photography inspiration and tips. Happy snapping!

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By the way, are you planning your first trip to Edinburgh? I’ve prepared a helpful travel guide for you, created based on the questions I received over the last year from over 200k followers across platforms.

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