Most Instagrammable Locations in Edinburgh: 10 Best Photo Spots

Edinburgh is teeming with stunning photo spots to snap the perfect, Instagrammable shot.

The bright colors mixed with Gothic dark Hogwarts style architecture is a perfect backdrop for the most instagrammable photos.
The city is a maze of photo-worthy spots. From the medieval alleys of the Old Town to the grand neo-Classical buildings of the New Town and tranquil country landscapes of Dean Village.

We all know that any modern-day adventure is incomplete without the perfect Instagram photos. So, let’s start exploring the most Instagrammable spots in Edinburgh.

Find the Most Instgrammable Locations

• Vennel Steps for a unique Edinburgh Castle perspective.
• Royal Mile: Stretching from Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle
• Victoria Street: take in picturesque views from Upper Bow for the best shots without the crowds.
• St Giles Cathedral: get a different angle by exploring one of its numerous closes.
• Grassmarket: its independent shops and street food market provide plenty of Instagrammable gems
• Narrow Streets/Closes: iconic narrow streets perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
• Dean Village: Insta worthy residential with gardens and charming postcard-worthy buildings.
• Circus Lane: this charming cobbled street lined with terraced cute houses

Capture the perfect shot with our top 10 photo spots in Edinburgh

Edinburgh – the city of castles, kilts and hauntingly haunting landscape. Old Town.. Royal Mile, and Victoria Street. Not very original but, truly, these locations are the ultimate photo spots in Edinburgh. There are endless angles to make sure your shots are totally unique. Follow my tips, locations and photo inspiration for the best Instagram-worthy photos in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh’s Most Stunning Photo Spots

Vennel Steps: Capture the Edinburgh Castle from a Different Angle

If you’re looking for the most instagrammable spots in Edinburgh, you don’t want to miss out on having a photo with the Edinburgh Castle in the background. And while there are plenty of spots to snap the perfect photo, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Edinburgh is the Vennel steps. Tucked away between two buildings in Grass Market, the Vennel gives you a unique perspective of the castle.

Not only does it provide a stunning backdrop with the castle looming in the distance, but it’s also a quieter spot than the bustling Royal Mile.

How to find Vennel Steps?

To get to the Vennel steps, just head along West Port Road in Grass Market and you’ll find it near the Kick-Ass Grass Market Hostel and Mary’s Milk Bar.

Capture Amazing Photos on Victoria Street

You can’t claim to have visited Edinburgh without taking a stroll down Victoria Street- one of the most photo worthy spots in Edinburgh. This charming, curved street is lined with colourful shopfronts .The colourful, charming shopfronts that line the gently curving street have been the backdrop for countless snapshots, postcards, and Instagram shots

Pro tip 1: For the best views of Victoria Street, head to Upper Bow where you can take in the vibrant scenery without the crowds
From this vantage point, you’ll have a stunning view of this iconic street and all its charm.

To make sure you don’t miss any angles, walk to the beginning of Victoria Street towards the Grass Market and snap some photos from that angle too.

Pro Tip 2: Make sure to stop by Scotts Kitchen for an authentic Scottish breakfast and some outdoor seating overlooking this stunning street.

With so much color and an endless array of angles and perspectives to capture, you’re bound to get some seriously instagram-worthy shots here.

How to find Victoria Street in Edinburgh?

Finding Victoria Street is easy- it’s located right in the heart of the Old Town, just a few steps away from the Royal Mile. This historic thoroughfare connects Edinburgh Castle to Holyroodhouse. You’ll know it when you see it – the colourful shopfronts, old buildings, and charming cobbled floors will make it hard to miss.

Royal Mile

This historic street stretches from the splendid Palace of Holyroodhouse to the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, both of which are definitely worth a visit. As you make your way up the Royal Mile, take the time to explore the quirky and fascinating narrow alleys known as closes.

Find the Best Photo Spots on the Royal Mile

Get Your Perfect Shot of St Giles Cathedral

If you are looking for the most instagrammable spots on Edinburgh, you definitely want to add St Giles Cathedral to your list. This impressive gothic building is the most famous cathedral in the Scottish capital, and for good reason. The cathedral boasts stunning neo-gothic architecture and is a must-see destination in Edinburgh.

How to find St Giles Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral right in the heart of the Royal Mile, next to where the Edinburgh Free Tour begins!

Pro tip:

Head over to the opposite side of the cathedral and see if you can take a shot from one of the many closes for a unique perspective that really showcases the beauty of the building.

Captivating Pictures: Explore the Narrow Streets (Closes) of Edinburgh

If you’re ever in Edinburgh and looking for the most photo-worthy spots to capture that perfect shot, you’ll definitely want to venture down one of the Royal Mile’s numerous closes.

The Royal Mile is also peppered with intriguing closes, perfect for Instagram-worthy snaps. These narrow, winding streets are filled with history and intrigue.

These narrow streets are almost as iconic as Harry Potter himself, and each one has a fascinating story to tell. These closes are some of the most photo-worthy spots in Edinburgh.

Where to find closes in Edinburgh?

Closes are sprinkled all over the old town (Royal Mile in particular) Most of them are clearly marked with names like “Advocate’s Close”. All you need to do is wander around the Old Town and keep your camera at the ready!

If you’re looking for the most photo-worthy spots in Edinburgh, you can’t go wrong with one of the historic closes off the Royal Mile.

Pictures from the Historic Grassmarket

This historic area sits right off the Royal Mile and offers stunning views of Edinburgh Castle. Not only is it picture-perfect, but it’s also a bustling hub of independent shops and restaurants.
And if you visit on the weekend, you’re in luck! There’s a street food market – perfect for indulging in delicious food while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
If you’re looking for the best photo spots in Edinburgh, you can’t pass up Grass Market.

How to find the Grassmarket?

You’ll find the Grassmarket right below Edinburgh Castle, on one of the main east-west vehicle arteries through the city centre. It’s easy to get to no matter where you’re staying.

Get the Perfect Instagrammable Shot at Dean Village

If you’re looking for the most photo-worthy spots in Edinburgh, you’ll definitely want to check out Dean Village.

This residential area has recently become a popular destination for Instagrammers seeking the perfect shot.
with its charming bucolic setting, tranquil stream, and lush gardens, Dean Village is like something out of a fairytale.

Dean Village village is situated along a tranquil stream and features plenty of gardens and charming postcard-worthy buildings. Best of all, it’s not yet as crowded with tourists as Edinburgh’s Old Town, so you won’t have to fight your way through crowds to get the perfect shot

It’s still not as crowded with tourists as some of Edinburgh’s better-known attractions, so you can take your time and really soak in the beauty of this hidden gem.

How to find Dean Village?

If you’re wondering how to find Dean Village, it’s only a short 10-minute taxi ride from Edinburgh city center.

Capture Beautiful Photos at Circus Lane Edinburgh

If you’re looking for the best photo spots in Edinburgh, then Circus Lane definitely deserves a spot on your list. This charming cobbled street is located close to Old Town and is perfect for anyone looking for an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for their photos. It’s no wonder that Circus Lane has become one of the most famous “instagrammable” spots in Edinburgh. The terraced mews houses are covered in flowers and ivy, which make for the perfect picture-perfect scene. Many people consider Circus Lane to be the most attractive street in all of the UK

How to find Circus Lane?

To find Circus Lane, head to the bustling Stockbridge area and take a stroll down St Stephen Street. From there, you can make your way through Dean Village and along the Water of Leith for a perfect day of sightseeing and snapping unforgettable photos.

Where to find the best spots for perfect, Instagrammable photos in Edinburgh?

• Capture the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle from the Vennel Steps, tucked away in Grass Market.
• Explore the quirky alleys and narrow closes of the Royal Mile for some unique perspectives.
• Don’t forget to snap some shots in Victoria Street, with its colorful shopfronts and cobbled floors. From a certain vantage point, you’ll have an Instagram-worthy view without all the crowds.
• Visit St Giles Cathedral and take a shot from one of the many closes for a unique perspective that really showcases its beauty.
• Grassmarket – filled with independent shops and restaurants as well as an outdoor street food market.
• Head to Dean Village for some fairytale-inspired views sans tourists!
• View Circus Lane’s terraced mews houses covered in flowers and ivy for picture-perfect shots of one of UK’s most attractive streets.