Your Information To The Greatest Edinburgh Images Places
The place do I begin with this character crammed metropolis of outdated world appeal and vibrant Scottish custom? Edinburgh will little question find yourself in your listing of favorite cities when you’ve spent a while right here, particularly when you’re into pictures which I consider to be among the best issues to do in Edinburgh. There’s a sense you hardly ever get elsewhere that’s created by mysterious alleys, stone cottages and a rustic vibe with crags, waterways and mountains framing town.
Edinburgh is so photogenic. Let’s simply get that set in Scottish stone.
I could have even stated on quite a few events throughout our time there that I might most undoubtedly stay there. It’s a type of cities that as a photographer would maintain you busy for years with so many topics to seize and scenes to compose to not point out the ever altering climate and lightweight.
For those who’re visiting Edinburgh quickly I’ve put collectively a information to essentially the most photogenic places all through town, issues to do in Edinburgh and a few picture tips about how greatest to seize them. Belief me, there isn’t a scarcity of Edinburgh pictures places, when you’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 somewhat moist.
As all the time, I’ll kick issues off with a map to indicate you precisely the place every spot is, then beneath you’ll discover somewhat extra info and a few pattern photographs of every location.
Edinburgh Photograph Spots + Photoshoot Places
Learn extra: For extra pictures location guides to different cities and areas all over the world, click on by to the ‘Vacation spot Guides’ part
Edinburgh Images Places
Calton Hill
Probably the preferred place in Edinburgh to {photograph} sundown, Calton Hill overlooks town and undoubtedly delivers with spectacular views. From right here you’ll be able to watch a sunny glow seem behind the Edinburgh Citadel, seize lengthy publicity pictures of Princes Avenue from The Nelson Monument and watch as town switches on its lights for the night.
On the prime of the hill you’ll additionally discover the Nationwide Monument of Scotland, a memorial to Scottish troopers and sailors with large columns. You’ll discover lots of people crawling throughout it for pictures however personally I prefer to respect monuments like this, particularly after they’re memorials and seize a solar burst or lovely glow from afar.
Photograph Tip: The Dugald Stewart Monument creates an iconic view over Edinburgh and to seize it, wander up the hill somewhat extra to the stone constructing the place at sundown you’ll little question discover the tripods out in full power.
Dean Village
For those who 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. Remember to stroll down Hawthornbank Lane with an exquisite yellow constructing and cobbled avenue that leads all the way down to the stream.
You will get proper all the way down to the water stage for reflections and when you cross the bridge and proceed strolling alongside the stream you’ll arrive at a waterfall.
Photograph Tip: Strive 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 in my view, someplace it is advisable to go to when photographing Edinburgh. Whereas hundreds of individuals stroll alongside the principle thoroughfare day by day, few realise these hidden gems exist and when you look intently you’ll uncover walkways with an entrance title plate and steps main down.
Slim and moody, the closes weave between tall buildings and have been sometimes named after a notable resident who as soon as lived within the flats the staircases go. Every shut is totally different in look with some favourites together with Advocate’s Shut, Outdated Stamp Workplace Shut and Milne’s Shut.
The Royal Mile itself additionally provides oodles of pictures alternatives with buildings relationship again to the early 1800’s that lead in direction of the fortress. On the prime of the Royal Mile you’ll discover Castlehill which options lots of bigger buildings nevertheless down the tip with Holyrood Palace, facades are somewhat smaller, much less ornate however nonetheless stuffed with their very own particular character.
Photograph Tip: Go to when the dim avenue lamps create an eerie outdated environment.
Water of Leith Walkway
Not often in a metropolis do you discover a location as tranquil as this stroll means. Solely ten minutes from Prince’s Avenue you’ll be listening to the sound of chirping birds, trickling streams and wandering previous stone cottages that could be from a Beatrix Potter ebook. Put merely, this walkway is a peaceable metropolis escape.
Whilst you can be a part of the walkway in quite a lot of locations, the trail begins on the nook of Glenogle Rd and Brandon Terrace then weaves its means alongside the river banks in direction of Dean Village after which even additional to Roseburn. When you’ve walked by Stockbridge you’ll observe a path by lush inexperienced rainforest earlier than arriving at St.Bernard’s Properly. Found in 1760, this pure spring was believed to treatment all sicknesses 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 simply open on particular days all year long so guests are in a position to style the water which is thought to have a really sturdy style.
Photograph Tip: Take the walkway the complete size and maintain a watch out for the little cascades, greenery framing the stone homes and staircases simply earlier than St.Bernard’s Properly which work nice in pictures.
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Making Water Dance in your Photographs’
Victoria Avenue – aka Harry Potter Inspiration!
A curved and cobbled avenue, Victoria Avenue is kind of probably the very best wanting avenue in Edinburgh. With vibrant facades it’s sometimes called 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 Avenue and provides a fascinating procuring expertise when you’re into classic maps, antiques and naturally, the little magician referred to as Harry Potter.
Photograph Tip: Climb the staircase to Higher Bow for an awesome view down over Victoria Avenue.
Dunbar’s Shut Backyard
This quiet backyard is such a particular little gem proper within the coronary heart of Edinburgh’s Outdated City. Designed within the fashion 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. Across the backyard are wood benches the place you’ll be able to sit and take in the serenity or you may get busy like me and {photograph} their hedges and neat strains.
Photograph 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 unbelievable 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 nevertheless to {photograph} contained in the cathedral it is advisable to buy a pictures go. To take action it’s merely a £2 donation and in return you’ll obtain a small sticker to put on whilst you’re taking pictures.
Photograph Tip: Search for, I had a sore neck after visiting as a result of I took so many various angles of the ceiling!
Edinburgh Citadel
Perched excessive above town, Edinburgh Citadel is the preferred vacationer attraction on the town. For those who’re after a peaceable stroll amongst historical past, sadly this isn’t the place to go. There’ll greater than probably be hundreds of vacationers piling by the gates however, it does provide a unbelievable view over Edinburgh. Inside there’s the Nationwide Conflict Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel and at 1pm every day the canons are fired!
I really most popular to {photograph} the fortress from numerous factors across the metropolis than shut up. Its imposing presence is seen from quite a lot of places so remember to maintain your eyes open for a novel perspective.
You’ll discover the fortress positioned on the prime of the Royal Mile, the outdated city’s important avenue which connects the fortress with Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
Photograph tip: Capturing the fortress from Calton Hill simply beside The Nelson Monument completely strains up with a Scottish flying flag someplace within the Princes Gardens if 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 operating by it, espresso retailers and naturally residence to Circus Lane (see beneath), its vibe may be very relaxed making it an awesome place to wander and seize avenue scenes. Among the best options all through Edinburgh are the cobbled streets, I’m unsure I even discovered a avenue that wasn’t cobbled so remember to go off exploring the countless rows of flats with matching doorways and squared window containers.
Photograph Tip: Keep away from peak hour occasions 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 appeal with immaculately saved cottages, flower pots and vibrant window sills. Positioned in Stockbridge it’s only a 10minute stroll from Princes Avenue. When strolling from St Vincent’s Avenue down the lane, remember to flip round as a result of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral creates an awesome topic to characteristic in your shot with the Circus Lane cottages within the foreground.
Photograph Tip: Go to throughout the day when the individuals who really stay listed here are at work and their vehicles aren’t parked within the lane.
Greyfriars Kirkyard + George Heriot’s Faculty
Hottest now due to their affiliation with the Harry Potter sequence, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is a cemetery positioned in Edinburgh’s Outdated City. J.Okay Rowling took inspiration from the cemetery for the Harry Potter sequence and the stately wanting George Heriot’s Faculty 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 Grey 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. Guests can now go away 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 Avenue Gardens
London has Hyde Park, New York has Central Park and Edinburgh has the Princes Avenue Gardens. Lined with historic buildings and stuffed with flower beds and inexperienced house, the gardens are an exquisite house throughout the metropolis centre. The primary motive I cherished photographing the gardens was as a result of they provide an awesome view of the buildings that lead towards the Edinburgh Citadel and the fortress itself is good for some inventive views by the timber.
On the western finish of the gardens you’ll discover St Cuthberts Churchyard which sits beneath Citadel Rock and has vaults and moss lined gravestones.
The gardens within the summertime are alive with exercise as musicians, bands and performances create an environment that’s arduous to not get caught up in. As soon as these bagpipes begin enjoying it’s virtually crime to not faucet your toes and have somewhat jig.
Photograph Tip: The Scottish Nationwide Gallery sits proper within the center up excessive above the gardens and it’s an awesome spot to look over them to {photograph} the scenes from above.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Because the official Scottish residence of the Queen, it’s fairly the present stopper. Whereas it’s a lot smaller than Buckingham Palace the Queen apparently spends one week right here every summer season and yr spherical it’s saved wanting ship form. Constructed 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. Additionally if you buy a ticket to discover the palace, you can too try the Holyrood Abbey ruins which in themselves are a sight to see.
Photograph Tip: Seize the palace whereas climbing the Salisbury Crags. The palace is absolutely 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 instructed a spherical journey to Arthur’s Seat takes about two hours from Holyrood Palace which I suppose is appropriate when you don’t have a digicam. If nevertheless you prefer 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. Excessive above town you’ll be handled to unbelievable 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 maintain a watch out for reflections in St Margaret’s Loch, there’s loads of chicken life and when you’re not venturing out to the highlands, it’s an awesome place to seize some mountain landscapes.
Photograph Tip: Plan for sundown and take a picnic dinner!
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Golden Hour Images Suggestions’
Salisbury Crags
For those who’re going to do one stroll in Edinburgh, my alternative is the Salisbury Crags. Watching over Edinburgh like a rugged and resilient guard, the crags are fairly the journey. Ranging from simply close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, climb up beneath the crags for about 30minutes (45mins when you’re slower and like taking a number of pictures like me!). Half means up there’s an exquisite view over the palace however proceed on for some actually spectacular landscapes as you hike your means up the rocky cliffs. There’s just a few paths heading in numerous instructions when you attain a sure level however when you choose to stay near the rocks finally you’ll discover a place the place it’s attainable 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 route, an unbelievable vantage level particularly at sundown!
Photograph Tip: When you’ve made it to the highest of the crags, there’s a spot about half means alongside the place the rocks jut in somewhat and it creates the right place to {photograph} the fortress and Edinburgh skyline with somebody standing on the sting overlooking town.
Different Notable Edinburgh Images Places:
Heriot Place (The Vennel)
This staircase was one of many locations I used to be instructed to go to and whereas it’s most actually an awesome view of the Edinburgh Citadel, when you’re operating out of time don’t fear an excessive amount of. This shot is most lovely within the night gentle as soon as the lamps are lit and making a moody outdated world really feel.
North Bridge
Working on prime of Waverly Practice Station, the bridge connects Edinburgh’s Outdated City to the New City. It additionally gives dramatic views of the facades of the Royal Mile that lead in direction of Edinburgh Citadel. I used the railings as reflective distractions to blur out the prepare strains beneath.
Queen St Gardens
Whereas I couldn’t discover a means in, the Queen St Gardens are lovely even by the fence. You will discover little corners to seize and because it appears tough to achieve entry, it’s like somewhat dream world of completely preened backyard paths and plush flora.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A world away from Princes Avenue but in actuality, only a 15 minute stroll, the Royal Botanic Gardens are lovely. For those who favor somewhat 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. That includes greater than 13,000 plant species it’s lush, enjoyable and there’s the attractive Inverleith Home positioned proper within the centre which makes for nice picture alternatives. Admission is free!
The place to Keep in Edinburgh:
I opted for an residence to base myself whereas I explored town and occurred to come upon the cutest two bed room flat within the metropolis on Airbnb. Observe this hyperlink to take a look at Pier’s residence in Stockbridge which was adorned to perfection with attractive British furnishings, entry to Netflix, all the things you can have to cook dinner and really feel such as you’re residing in Edinburgh together with an incredible location.
Positioned in Stockbridge only a 10minute stroll from Princes Avenue it’s proper across the nook from espresso retailers, bus stops, the Water of Leith Walkway is a block away and so are the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those who haven’t executed AirBnb earlier than I extremely advocate it!
In any other case, I’d counsel someplace near town centre so you’ll be able to wander and {photograph} from dawn to sundown. I all the time use Reserving.com when looking for a lodge as I really like their map characteristic that allows you to see the place a property is positioned in relation to a number of the pictures places you wish to go to! Try the Edinburgh metropolis web page right here.
For extra info:
To take a look at opening occasions, metropolis excursions, locations to eat and normal details about the historical past of Edinburgh remember to try the Go to Scotland web site. Additionally their Instagram account @visitscotland is fairly addictive when you fall in love with the wonders of Scotland!
Highway Tripping in Scotland:
We used Edinburgh as our base to begin a Spaceships Leases street journey across the highlands and outer islands. I’ll be publishing extra guides about this over the approaching weeks so maintain a watch out to see what we obtained as much as!
Share the love through Pinterest…
Good day! 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 on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.