Your Information To The Greatest Edinburgh Pictures Areas
The place do I begin with this character stuffed metropolis of outdated world attraction and vibrant Scottish custom?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 in the event you’re into pictures which I consider to be among the finest 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’ll have even mentioned on quite a few events throughout our time there that I may 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.
When you’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 recommendations on how finest to seize them. Belief me, there isn’t a scarcity of Edinburgh pictures places, in the event 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 a bit of 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 a bit of extra info and a few pattern photos of every location.
Edinburgh Picture Spots + Photoshoot Areas
Learn extra: For extra pictures location guides to different cities and areas world wide, click on via to the ‘Vacation spot Guides’ part
Edinburgh Pictures Areas
Calton Hill
Probably the most well-liked place in Edinburgh to {photograph} sundown, Calton Hill overlooks town and undoubtedly delivers with spectacular views. From right here you possibly can watch a sunny glow seem behind the Edinburgh Fortress, seize lengthy publicity pictures of Princes Road 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 big 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 stunning glow from afar.
Picture Tip: The Dugald Stewart Monument creates an iconic view over Edinburgh and to seize it, wander up the hill a bit of extra to the stone constructing the place at sundown you’ll little doubt discover the tripods out in full drive.
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. Make sure you stroll down Hawthornbank Lane with a ravishing yellow constructing and cobbled avenue that leads right down to the stream.
You will get proper right down to the water degree for reflections and in the event 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 in my view, someplace you’ll want to go to when photographing Edinburgh. Whereas 1000’s of individuals stroll alongside the primary thoroughfare every day, few realise these hidden gems exist and in the event you look intently you’ll uncover walkways with an entrance identify 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 move. Every shut is totally different in look with some favourites together with Advocate’s Shut, Previous Stamp Workplace Shut and Milne’s Shut.
The Royal Mile itself additionally provides oodles of pictures alternatives with buildings courting 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 numerous bigger buildings nonetheless down the tip with Holyrood Palace, facades are a bit of smaller, much less ornate however nonetheless stuffed with their very own particular character.
Picture 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 method. 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 e-book. Put merely, this walkway is a peaceable metropolis escape.
Whilst you can be part of the walkway in various locations, the trail begins on the nook of Glenogle Rd and Brandon Terrace then weaves its method alongside the river banks in direction of Dean Village after which even additional to Roseburn. When you’ve walked via Stockbridge you’ll comply with a path via lush inexperienced rainforest earlier than arriving at St.Bernard’s Nicely. Found in 1760, this pure spring was believed to remedy all diseases 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 just open on particular days all year long so guests are capable of style the water which is thought to have a really robust 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 Nicely which work nice in pictures.
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Making Water Dance in your Photos’
Victoria Road – aka Harry Potter Inspiration!
A curved and cobbled avenue, Victoria Road is sort of probably one of the 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 situated proper in the midst of Victoria Road and provides a fascinating procuring expertise in the event you’re into classic maps, antiques and naturally, the little magician referred to 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 Previous 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 picket benches the place you possibly can sit and take in the serenity or you will get busy like me and {photograph} their hedges and neat traces.
Picture Tip: Wait for somebody in a vibrant jacket to walk by 😉
St Giles’ Cathedral
Inside this cathedral courting again to the 14th century is without doubt one of the most unbelievable 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’ll want to buy a pictures move. 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 alternative angles of the ceiling!
Edinburgh Fortress
Perched excessive above town, Edinburgh Fortress 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 possible be 1000’s of vacationers piling via the gates however, it does supply a incredible view over Edinburgh. Inside there’s the Nationwide Battle Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel and at 1pm every day the canons are fired!
I really most well-liked to {photograph} the fortress from numerous factors across the metropolis than shut up. Its imposing presence is seen from various places so make sure you maintain your eyes open for a novel perspective.
You’ll discover the fortress situated on the prime of the Royal Mile, the outdated city’s most important avenue which connects the fortress with Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
Picture tip: Capturing the fortress from Calton Hill simply beside The Nelson Monument completely traces up with a Scottish flying flag someplace within the Princes Gardens you probably have a zoom lens!
Stockbridge
My favorite suburb of Edinburgh, Stockbridge is every part you need in a Scottish village. With the Water of Leith working via it, espresso outlets and naturally house to Circus Lane (see beneath), its vibe may be very relaxed making it an important place to wander and seize avenue scenes. Among the best options all through Edinburgh are the cobbled streets, I’m undecided I even discovered a avenue that wasn’t cobbled so make sure you 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 supplies all these emotions of outdated world attraction with immaculately stored cottages, flower pots and vibrant window sills. Positioned in Stockbridge it’s only a 10minute stroll from Princes Road. When strolling from St Vincent’s Road down the lane, make sure you 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 throughout the day when the individuals who really stay listed below are at work and their automobiles 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 Previous City. J.Okay 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 stuffed with flower beds and inexperienced house, the gardens are a ravishing house throughout the metropolis centre. The primary purpose I beloved photographing the gardens was as a result of they provide an important view of the buildings that lead towards the Edinburgh Fortress and the fortress itself is right for some artistic views via the bushes.
On the western finish of the gardens you’ll discover St Cuthberts Churchyard which sits beneath Fortress 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 a bit of 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 12 months 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 can too try 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 actually spectacular from above and from the crags and even from Calton Hill, you possibly can {photograph} it with the mountain environment.
Photogenic Hikes in Edinburgh –
Arthur’s Seat
So I used to be informed a spherical journey to Arthur’s Seat takes about two hours from Holyrood Palace which I suppose is right in the event you don’t have a digicam. If nonetheless you prefer to cease each jiffy to seize the surroundings and your breath, give your self a good 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 way in which 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 fowl life and in the event 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 Pictures Ideas’
Salisbury Crags
When you’re going to do one stroll in Edinburgh, my selection 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 in the event you’re slower and like taking numerous pictures like me!). Half method up there’s a ravishing view over the palace however proceed on for some actually spectacular landscapes as you hike your method up the rocky cliffs. There’s just a few paths heading in numerous instructions when you attain a sure level however in the event you decide to stay near the rocks finally you’ll discover a place the place it’s potential 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 course, an unbelievable vantage level particularly at sundown!
Picture Tip: When you’ve made it to the highest of the crags, there’s a spot about half method alongside the place the rocks jut in a bit of and it creates the proper place to {photograph} the fortress and Edinburgh skyline with somebody standing on the sting overlooking town.
Different Notable Edinburgh Pictures Areas:
Heriot Place (The Vennel)
This staircase was one of many locations I used to be informed to go to and whereas it’s most actually an important view of the Edinburgh Fortress, in the event you’re working 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 outdated world really feel.
North Bridge
Operating on prime of Waverly Prepare Station, the bridge connects Edinburgh’s Previous City to the New City. It additionally supplies dramatic views of the facades of the Royal Mile that lead in direction of Edinburgh Fortress. I used the railings as reflective distractions to blur out the prepare traces beneath.
Queen St Gardens
Whereas I couldn’t discover a method in, the Queen St Gardens are stunning even via the fence. You could find little corners to seize and because it appears troublesome to achieve entry, it’s like a bit of dream world of completely preened backyard paths and luxurious 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 want a bit of 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 attractive 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 bump into the cutest two bed room flat within the metropolis on Airbnb. Observe this hyperlink to take a look at Pier’s condominium in Stockbridge which was embellished to perfection with beautiful British furnishings, entry to Netflix, every part you could possibly must 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 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 counsel someplace near town centre so you possibly can wander and {photograph} from dawn to sundown. I at all times use Reserving.com when looking for a resort as I really like their map characteristic that permits you to see the place a property is situated in relation to a few of the pictures places you wish to go to! Take a look at 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 make sure you 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!
Street Tripping in Scotland:
We used Edinburgh as our base to begin a Spaceships Leases highway 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 acquired as much as!
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Whats up! 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 highway. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.