Your Information To The Greatest Edinburgh Images Places
The place do I begin with this character crammed metropolis of previous world appeal and vibrant Scottish custom? Edinburgh will little doubt find yourself in your checklist of favorite cities when you’ve spent a while right here, particularly when you’re into pictures which I imagine to be the most effective 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 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 may most positively dwell there. It’s a kind 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.
When you’re visiting Edinburgh quickly I’ve put collectively a information to essentially the most photogenic areas all through town, issues to do in Edinburgh and a few picture tips about how greatest to seize them. Belief me, there is no such thing as a scarcity of Edinburgh pictures areas, 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 slightly moist.
As at all times, I’ll kick issues off with a map to indicate you precisely the place every spot is, then beneath you’ll discover slightly extra info and a few pattern photographs of every location.
Edinburgh Picture 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
Presumably the most well-liked place in Edinburgh to {photograph} sundown, Calton Hill overlooks town and positively delivers with spectacular views. From right here you may watch a sunny glow seem behind the Edinburgh Fort, seize lengthy publicity photographs of Princes Road from The Nelson Monument and watch as town switches on its lights for the night.
On the high 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 wish to respect monuments like this, particularly after they’re memorials and seize a solar burst or stunning glow from afar.
Picture Tip: The Dugald Stewart Monument creates an iconic view over Edinburgh and to seize it, wander up the hill slightly extra to the stone constructing the place at sundown you’ll little doubt discover the tripods out in full pressure.
Dean Village
When 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. You should definitely stroll down Hawthornbank Lane with an exquisite yellow constructing and cobbled road that leads all the way down to the stream.
You will get proper all the way down to the water degree for reflections and when you cross the bridge and proceed strolling alongside the stream you’ll arrive at a waterfall.
Picture Tip: Attempt 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 you must go to when photographing Edinburgh. Whereas hundreds of individuals stroll alongside the primary thoroughfare every day, few realise these hidden gems exist and when you look carefully you’ll uncover walkways with an entrance title plate and steps main down.
Slim and moody, the closes weave between tall buildings and had been sometimes named after a notable resident who as soon as lived within the flats the staircases cross. Every shut is completely different in look with some favourites together with Advocate’s Shut, Outdated Stamp Workplace Shut and Milne’s Shut.
The Royal Mile itself additionally presents oodles of pictures alternatives with buildings relationship again to the early 1800’s that lead in direction of the citadel. On the high of the Royal Mile you’ll discover Castlehill which options a number of bigger buildings nonetheless down the tip with Holyrood Palace, facades are slightly smaller, much less ornate however nonetheless full of their very own particular character.
Picture Tip: Go to when the dim road lamps create an eerie previous environment.
Water of Leith Walkway
Hardly ever in a metropolis do you discover a location as tranquil as this stroll manner. Solely ten minutes from Prince’s Road you’ll be listening to the sound of chirping birds, trickling streams and wandering previous stone cottages that could be from a Beatrix Potter guide. Put merely, this walkway is a peaceable metropolis escape.
When you can be part of the walkway in numerous locations, the trail begins on the nook of Glenogle Rd and Brandon Terrace then weaves its manner alongside the river banks in direction of Dean Village after which even additional to Roseburn. When you’ve walked by Stockbridge you’ll comply with a path by lush inexperienced rainforest earlier than arriving at St.Bernard’s Properly. Found in 1760, this pure spring was believed to remedy all sicknesses and has a statue marking its location of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of well being. There’s a small door to the effectively which is barely open on particular days all year long so guests are capable of style the water which is thought to have a really sturdy style.
Picture Tip: Take the walkway your 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 Pictures’
Victoria Road – aka Harry Potter Inspiration!
A curved and cobbled road, Victoria Road is sort of presumably the very best wanting road in Edinburgh. With vibrant facades it’s sometimes called Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter) and apparently the place J.Ok 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 situated proper in the midst of Victoria Road and presents a fascinating purchasing expertise when you’re into classic maps, antiques and naturally, the little magician known as Harry Potter.
Picture Tip: Climb the staircase to Higher Bow for an important view down over Victoria Road.
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 type 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 picket benches the place you may sit and take in the serenity or you will get busy like me and {photograph} their hedges and neat strains.
Picture Tip: Wait for somebody in a vibrant jacket to walk by 😉
St Giles’ Cathedral
Inside this cathedral relationship again to the 14th century is likely one of the most unimaginable ceilings I’ve ever seen. A putting 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 you must buy a pictures cross. 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.
Picture Tip: Search for, I had a sore neck after visiting as a result of I took so many various angles of the ceiling!
Edinburgh Fort
Perched excessive above town, Edinburgh Fort is the most well-liked vacationer attraction on the town. When you’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 supply a incredible view over Edinburgh. Inside there’s the Nationwide Struggle Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel and at 1pm every day the canons are fired!
I really most well-liked to {photograph} the citadel from varied factors across the metropolis than shut up. Its imposing presence is seen from numerous areas so you’ll want to maintain your eyes open for a novel perspective.
You’ll discover the citadel situated on the high of the Royal Mile, the previous city’s major road which connects the citadel with Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
Picture tip: Capturing the citadel from Calton Hill simply beside The Nelson Monument completely strains up with a Scottish flying flag someplace within the Princes Gardens when you’ve got a zoom lens!
Stockbridge
My favorite suburb of Edinburgh, Stockbridge is every thing you need in a Scottish village. With the Water of Leith operating by it, espresso outlets and naturally house to Circus Lane (see beneath), its vibe could be very relaxed making it an important place to wander and seize road scenes. Probably the greatest options all through Edinburgh are the cobbled streets, I’m unsure I even discovered a road that wasn’t cobbled so you’ll want to go off exploring the countless rows of flats with matching doorways and squared window containers.
Picture Tip: Keep away from peak hour instances to get pleasure from Stockbridge to the fullest. Circus Lane is a should see in Edinburgh!
Circus Lane
Quaint, cobbled and easily put, cute. Circus Lane offers all these emotions of previous world appeal with immaculately stored cottages, flower pots and vibrant window sills. Situated in Stockbridge it’s only a 10minute stroll from Princes Road. When strolling from St Vincent’s Road down the lane, you’ll want to flip round as a result of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral creates an important topic to characteristic in your shot with the Circus Lane cottages within the foreground.
Picture Tip: Go to through the day when the individuals who really dwell listed here are at work and their vehicles aren’t parked within the lane.
Greyfriars Kirkyard + George Heriot’s College
Hottest now due to their affiliation with the Harry Potter collection, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is a cemetery situated in Edinburgh’s Outdated City. J.Ok Rowling took inspiration from the cemetery for the Harry Potter collection and the stately wanting George Heriot’s College situated 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 subsequent 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 Road Gardens
London has Hyde Park, New York has Central Park and Edinburgh has the Princes Road Gardens. Lined with historic buildings and full of flower beds and inexperienced house, the gardens are an exquisite house throughout the metropolis centre. The principle motive I liked photographing the gardens was as a result of they provide an important view of the buildings that lead towards the Edinburgh Fort and the citadel itself is right for some artistic views by the bushes.
On the western finish of the gardens you’ll discover St Cuthberts Churchyard which sits beneath Fort 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 laborious to not get caught up in. As soon as these bagpipes begin enjoying it’s virtually crime to not faucet your toes and have slightly jig.
Picture Tip: The Scottish Nationwide Gallery sits proper within the center up excessive above the gardens and it’s an important 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 stored 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 may also take a look at the Holyrood Abbey ruins which in themselves are a sight to see.
Picture Tip: Seize the palace whereas climbing the Salisbury Crags. The palace is admittedly spectacular from above and from the crags and even from Calton Hill, you may {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 assume is right when you 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 essentially soak all of it in. Excessive above 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 way in which to the highest there’s all the great thing about Holyrood Park to {photograph} so maintain a watch out for reflections in St Margaret’s Loch, there’s loads of chook life and when you’re not venturing out to the highlands, it’s an important place to seize some mountain landscapes.
Picture Tip: Plan for sundown and take a picnic dinner!
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Golden Hour Images Ideas’
Salisbury Crags
When you’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 plenty of pictures like me!). Half manner up there’s an exquisite view over the palace however proceed on for some actually spectacular landscapes as you hike your manner up the rocky cliffs. There’s a number of paths heading in varied instructions when you attain a sure level however when you decide to stay near the rocks ultimately you’ll discover a place the place it’s potential to climb up after which wander alongside the very high of the crags. With Arthur’s Seat looming behind you’ll have Edinburgh glowing within the different route, an unimaginable vantage level particularly at sundown!
Picture Tip: When you’ve made it to the highest of the crags, there’s a spot about half manner alongside the place the rocks jut in slightly and it creates the right place to {photograph} the citadel 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 advised to go to and whereas it’s most definitely an important view of the Edinburgh Fort, when you’re operating 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 previous world really feel.
North Bridge
Working on high of Waverly Prepare Station, the bridge connects Edinburgh’s Outdated City to the New City. It additionally offers dramatic views of the facades of the Royal Mile that lead in direction of Edinburgh Fort. I used the railings as reflective distractions to blur out the prepare strains beneath.
Queen St Gardens
Whereas I couldn’t discover a manner in, the Queen St Gardens are stunning even by the fence. You’ll find little corners to seize and because it appears troublesome to realize entry, it’s like slightly dream world of completely preened backyard paths and plush flora.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A world away from Princes Road but in actuality, only a 15 minute stroll, the Royal Botanic Gardens are stunning. When you favor slightly little bit of nature over crowded streets I actually suggest 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, stress-free and there’s the gorgeous Inverleith Home situated proper within the centre which makes for nice picture alternatives. Admission is free!
The place to Keep in Edinburgh:
I opted for an condominium to base myself whereas I explored town and occurred to encounter the cutest two bed room flat within the metropolis on Airbnb. Comply with this hyperlink to take a look at Pier’s condominium in Stockbridge which was adorned to perfection with attractive British furnishings, entry to Netflix, every thing you would must prepare dinner and really feel such as you’re dwelling in Edinburgh together with a tremendous location.
Situated in Stockbridge only a 10minute stroll from Princes Road 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. When you haven’t achieved AirBnb earlier than I extremely suggest it!
In any other case, I’d recommend someplace near town centre so you may wander and {photograph} from dawn to sundown. I at all times use Reserving.com when looking for a lodge as I like their map characteristic that permits you to see the place a property is situated in relation to a few of the pictures areas you need to go to! Try the Edinburgh metropolis web page right here.
For extra info:
To take a look at opening instances, metropolis excursions, locations to eat and common details about the historical past of Edinburgh you’ll want to take a look at 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 received as much as!
Share the love through Pinterest…
Howdy! 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 in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.