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Ultimate Edinburgh Photography Guide: Most Iconic Locations and Hidden Gems

There are so many hidden gems and iconic locations in Edinburgh. Save this Edinburgh Photography Guide for your next visit!

Edinburgh has quickly become one of my favourite places. I’ve only been twice, but something about Scotland has captured my heart. I’ve only seemed to manage visiting when it’s been sunny and hot, but I hope to one day visit during a rainy period. As much as travelling is more enjoyable when it’s sunny and warm, there’s something magical about a rainy Edinburgh day. I plan to update this post as I discover more hidden gems of Edinburgh, but this is a great start! Save this Edinburgh Photography Guide for your next visit.

Read more: Edinburgh Itinerary | The Best 15+ Things to Do

Table of Contents
Princes Street Garden with people lounging in the grass, with the Scott Monument in the background. There are lots of trees and very green grass.
Woman in a white shirt and black shirts walking in front of colourful storefronts on Victoria Street in Edinburgh.
Pentland Hills in Scotland. There are green rolling hills with two blue lakes in the valley on a blue sky day.
Ornate turquoise fountain in front of the Edinburgh Castle. The fountain is multi-level with gold decorations and a statue at the top.

Vennel Viewpoint

Vennel Viewpoint is a hidden gem tucked away in the Grassmarket area. It provides a breathtaking view of Edinburgh Castle towering over the city. The viewpoint’s narrow, cobbled passageway and the surrounding historic buildings create a picturesque and somewhat nostalgic scene. It’s an excellent spot for capturing classic Edinburgh skyline shots.

Vennel Viewpoint in Edinburgh. A woman in a white shirt and black shorts is walking down a set of stairs, with brick buildings lining the stairs and the Edinburgh Castle in the background.
Vennel Viewpoint in Edinburgh. A woman in a white shirt and black shorts is walking down a set of stairs, with brick buildings lining the stairs and the Edinburgh Castle in the background.

Craigmillar Castle

New College University

New College, part of the University of Edinburgh, boasts stunning Gothic architecture and an impressive position overlooking the city. The view from the college’s grounds offers a unique perspective on Edinburgh’s Old Town, with intricate stone details and spires adding depth to your photos. The combination of academic heritage and architectural grandeur makes it a must-visit for those interested in historical and architectural photography. This spot has become much more popular in recent months! In the past, you could easily have the spot to yourself, but now you’ll find groups of people wandering through.

John Knox Monument from the New College Entryway.
Woman in white shirt and black shorts looking away from the camera at the John Knox Monument. There is a set of stairs and a set of doors at the top of the stairs, with the John Knox monument peaking over the doors. Edinburgh Photography Guide

Victoria Street

Victoria Street is thought to be inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. It’s a vibrant, curving road with colorful, picturesque facades and lively atmosphere. Its distinct, multi-colored buildings and charming shops create a striking backdrop, perfect for capturing Edinburgh’s eclectic urban character. The street’s historic charm and lively energy make it a favorite for both street and architectural photography. If you head up to the Victoria Terrace, you’ll get this amazing view from above! There are also little coffee shops and restaurants you can enjoy at the terrace.

Woman in a white shirt and black shirts walking in front of colourful storefronts on Victoria Street in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Photography Guide
Woman leaning over a railing overlooking a row of colourful buildings in Edinburgh

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a lush, green oasis with spectacular views of the city’s skyline. Capture the contrast between the serene parkland and the bustling cityscape, including iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle. The gardens are particularly beautiful in spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. Make sure to stop at the iconic Ross Fountain and Scott Monument (both shown below)!

Princes Street Garden with people lounging in the grass, with the Scott Monument in the background. There are lots of trees and very green grass.
Ornate turquoise fountain in front of the Edinburgh Castle. The fountain is multi-level with gold decorations and a statue at the top. Edinburgh Photography Guide

Dean Village and Dean Cemetery

Dean Village is another iconic gem in Edinburgh. It’s nestled along the Water of Leith. This charming area features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and quaint bridges, creating a fairy-tale setting. The reflections in the river and the lush greenery offer a serene escape from the city, perfect for capturing peaceful and timeless images.

The Dean Cemetery is a Victorian cemetery is a peaceful spot with ornate gravestones, sculptures, and ivy-covered tombs, offering a unique blend of history and nature.

Dean Village as seen from the bridge crossing over the creek. There are red brick and yellow stone buildings on either side of the creek. Edinburgh Photography Guide
Dean Village as seen from the viewpoint. There is a stone/gravel viewpoint with a sundial in the bottom third of the photo. The middle of the photo has a creek with stone buildings to the left and right of the creek.

Arthur Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano and the highest peak in Holyrood Park. From the top, it provides panoramic views of Edinburgh and beyond. The hike up offers various vantage points with sweeping vistas of the cityscape, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding hills. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to capture the landscape’s dramatic contrasts and colors (just watch your footing in the dark)!

Calton Hill

Calton Hill is renowned for its stunning 360-degree views of Edinburgh. The hill is home to several iconic monuments, including the National Monument and the Nelson Monument, which add historical and architectural interest to your photos. The elevated position provides excellent opportunities for capturing both the city’s skyline and its surrounding landscapes, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Edinburgh Photography Guide Calton Hill

Pentland Hills

Just outside the city, the Pentland Hills provides expansive views and varied landscapes, from rolling hills to serene reservoirs. It’s a great location for nature photography and escaping the urban environment.

Pentland Hills in Scotland. There is a winding gravel path through two green hills, and the city sprawling in the background of the photo.
Pentland Hills in Scotland. There are green rolling hills with two blue lakes in the valley on a blue sky day. Edinburgh Photography Guide
Woman in a blue jacket and black baseball cap looking at the camera and smiling. She is standing on green grass, with green and brown hills in the background and water beyond the hills.

Hidden Close Gardens and Labyrinths

A close is private property and typically gated and closed to the public. As you walk along the Royal Mile, you’ll notice a ton of “close” alleyways. Some lead to private residences, and others lead to public places. Dunbar’s Close Garden is a secluded garden with manicured hedges and colorful flowers. The Real Mary King’s Close is an underground labyrinth of narrow streets and hidden passages beneath the Royal Mile. You need tickets for The Real Mary King’s Close, and it offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s medieval past and eerie atmospheric photography opportunities.

Water of Leith Walkway

A scenic riverside path that winds through the city, the Water of Leith Walkway is definitely a hidden gem in the city! It offers glimpses of wildlife, charming bridges, and hidden spots for peaceful photography. The Colinton Dell is a hidden nature reserve along the Water of Leith Walkway. You’ll find featuring wooded paths, a cascading waterfall (Redhall Weir), and opportunities to photograph wildlife and seasonal changes. Another gem is the St. Bernard’s Well: a neoclassical structure nestled in a leafy dell along the Water of Leith.

A pathway with a black fence on the left hand side curves into the photo. There are green trees and branches overhead and a green vine fence on the right. Edinburgh Photography Guide
A pathway with a stone fence covered in moss on the right hand side curves into the photo. There are green trees and branches overhead and on the left. Edinburgh Photography Guide

Photography Tips

Golden Hour and Sunrise/Sunset: Try to capture Edinburgh during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon), or sunrise/sunset to get the best light and vibrant colors in your photos.

Weather Variability: As mentioned, Edinburgh’s weather can change rapidly. Rainy days can add a magical, misty quality to your photos, so don’t let a rainy day deter you!

Cityscape Shots: For iconic cityscape shots, consider spots like Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat and Pentland Hillsfor panoramic views.

Details and Textures: Look for the intricate details and textures in historical buildings, cobblestone streets, and natural elements to add depth to your photography.

Local Tips: Engage with locals for their favorite hidden spots. They often know the best places that aren’t always in the guidebooks.

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