Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh

With its striking architecture, village-like neighbourhoods and a castle on a hill, Edinburgh is a dream for photographers. From Harry Potter–esque closes to sweeping city panoramas and trendy rooftop bars, the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh are never far away.

This guide groups the city’s prettiest photo spots by area so you can plan a walking route, plus our favourite photogenic cafes and bars and a map at the end. A quick tip before you start: the best light is early morning, which also means the fewest crowds at popular viewpoints.

Old Town & the Royal Mile

The medieval heart of the city packs the highest density of photo spots — colourful streets, hidden closes and castle views round almost every corner. Many are also Harry Potter locations.

• Victoria Street — the rainbow of curved shopfronts is the classic Edinburgh shot; the best angle is from the Bow Well at the West Bow foot. Often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
• Victoria Terrace — the upper level, reached by steps halfway up, lets you shoot Victoria Street from above.
• The Vennel — these lamplit steps off the Grassmarket frame Edinburgh Castle perfectly; arguably the single most Instagrammable spot in the city.
• Advocate’s Close — an arched frame of the Scott Monument with a well-placed lamp; grab a cocktail after at the Devil’s Advocate.
• Warriston’s Close — a moody, mossy close and a filming location from the film One Day.
• Ramsay Lane & Ramsay Gardens — opens onto Princes Street and New Town views, with a striking red-and-white staircase.
• New College, The Mound — a favourite of Harry Potter fans for its Gothic courtyard.
• Makars’ Court — author quotes underfoot and the free Writers’ Museum; look up, down and around.
• Canongate Tolbooth — instantly recognised by its jutting clock and turret; built in 1591.
• Chessels Court — steal a snap of the dreamy ivy heart on the Canongate.
• White Horse Close — a lesser-known tucked-away courtyard of historic houses (privately owned — please be respectful).
• Dunbar’s Close Garden — a serene, free 17th-century-style garden hidden off the Royal Mile.

Holyrood Park & Calton Hill

For big skies and city panoramas, head to Edinburgh’s hills and the green expanse of Holyrood Park.

• Scottish Parliament — Enric Miralles’ bold 2004 design, with wall quotes at the foot of the Royal Mile.
• Arthur’s Seat — a 1–2 hour urban hike to 251m with views over to Fife.
• Salisbury Crags — the lower cliffs (46m) offer an easier walk with a dramatic city outlook.
• St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins — loch, greenery and ruins with a cityscape backdrop, and still under-shot.
• Calton Hill — the postcard composition lines up the Dugald Stewart Monument with the castle; come at sunrise for crowd-free shots.
• National Monument — the twelve pillars of the “unfinished Parthenon” make for striking shadow shots.

New Town, Stockbridge & Dean Village

The Georgian New Town and the villagey streets beyond it trade drama for elegance — mews lanes, gardens and water.

• Princes Street Gardens — frame the Scott Monument or shoot the flower clock and Gardener’s Cottage; for the famous view arrive early at St David Street. Magical with the Christmas lights in winter.
• Ross Fountain — a graceful gold-and-green focal point with Edinburgh Castle behind.
• Circus Lane — a cobbled mews of Georgian houses with St Stephen’s Church rising above; one of the prettiest lanes in the city.
• Howe Street — look down the hill towards St Stephen’s for a sunset shot.
• Dean Village — the Well Court houses (including the yellow one) beside the Water of Leith, barely ten minutes from the centre; find St Bernard’s Well nearby.
• Stockbridge — the potted garden at 33 St Bernard’s Row and the etched Stockbridge Market sign reward a wander.

Leith & the Outskirts

A little further out, the waterfront and green spaces offer a different palette — reflections, blossom and coastline.

• Leith Shore — catch building reflections and boats on the water; some of the city’s most romantic restaurants line the waterfront.
• Maritime Lane, Leith — home to the much-photographed “The Things I Love Are Not At Home” graffiti.
• Lauriston Castle & Japanese Gardens — a 16th-century tower house over the Firth of Forth; the grounds and Japanese gardens are free to roam.
• The Meadows — a big Old Town–side park that erupts with arching cherry blossom in spring.

Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh

• RSA Museum Cafe — Princes Street Gardens framed by the windows.
• Starbucks, Princes Street — big windows with sweeping city views.
• City Cafe — a cool throwback diner with boozy milkshakes.
• The Milkman — a hip little coffee shop in a photogenic Old Town close.
• Mary’s Milk Bar — get the ice-cream-against-the-castle shot on Grassmarket.
• Mimi’s Bakehouse — pretty setting and cakes; featured in The Princess Switch.
• Lovecrumbs — the pink coffee maker says it all.
• Cafe Party at Jupiter Artland — a pink cafe designed by artist Nicolas Party.

Instagrammable Bars & Rooftops

• Maxies — overlooking Victoria Street.
• Juniper — castle views with your cocktails.
• Cold Town House — a rooftop right beside the castle.
• W Hotel — two rooftop bars taking in Calton Hill, Arthur’s Seat and the castle.
• Cafe Royal — historic, ornate Victorian interiors.
• Tattu — theatrical decor and golden-egg puddings.
• The Ivy — extravagant seasonal floral displays at the door.
• The Dome — the place for a Christmas photo.
• Rose Street Garden — summer decor and (Scotland-ready) heaters.
• The George Hotel Bar — 1920s glamour.
• Le Monde — a stylish, moody bar.
• Tigerlily — a boutique hotel bar with a glossy cocktail list.
• Chaophraya — Thai food and castle views from the terrace.
• Skybar Edinburgh — an outdoor terrace with castle views.
• Brewhemia — 10/10 for flower-crown decor.
• Roseleaf, Leith — cocktails served in teapots.
• Teuchters Landing, Leith — a characterful waterside building, once a steamboat waiting room.

Hungry too? See our Edinburgh restaurant guide for every cuisine.

Edinburgh Instagram Spots Map

We have plotted these photo spots on a map so you can plan a route. Open the Edinburgh Instagram spots map and enjoy.

Tips for Better Shots

• Go early. Sunrise gives soft light and empty streets at busy spots like Calton Hill, the Vennel and Dean Village.
• Mind the traffic. Cobbled Victoria Street is not pedestrianised — watch for cars while you frame the shot.
• Respect residents. White Horse Close, Circus Lane and many closes are private homes; keep noise down and leave props behind.
• Shoot the seasons. Cherry blossom on the Meadows in spring, red ivy in autumn, and Christmas lights in Princes Street Gardens in winter.