31+ Best Instagrammable Places In Edinburgh (2022)

Want to know where the best Instagrammable places in Edinburgh are? Here are over 31 best spots in Edinburgh to fill up your Instagram feed.

If you look up #Edinburgh on Instagram, you will find over 10 million posts. No surprise there, as Edinburgh is officially the best city in the world!

This Scottish capital is rich in history and home to beautiful classic and medieval architecture. So you will surely find plenty of photo ops for your next Instagram post.

I am Amalina, an avid traveler and writer and I lived in Scotland for a few years. Edinburgh was one of my favorite cities.

Ready to take some amazing photos? Follow me as I take you to the best Instagrammable places in Edinburgh.

31 Best Instagrammable Places In Edinburgh

1. Calton Hill

2. Princess Street Garden

3. The Vennel

4. Edinburgh Castle

5. Royal Mile

6. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

7. Victoria Street

8. Scott Monument

9. The University of Edinburgh

10. National Museum of Scotland

11. Palace of Holyroodhouse

12. Circus Lane

13. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art (Modern One)

14. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

15. Makar’s Court and Writer’s Museum

16. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

17. The Meadows

18. Hermitage Of Braid And Blackford Hill

19. Armchair Books

20. Dean Village

21. Water of Leith Walkway

22. Dr. Neil’s Garden

23. Craigmillar Castle

24. Lauriston Castle

25. Leith Shore

26. Forth Bridge

27. Cramond Beach

28. Portobello Beach

29. Pentland Hills

30. Threipmuir Reservoirs

31. Street and Close in Edinburgh City

Belford Mews

Advocates Close

White Horse Close

Bakehouse Close

Tweeddale Court

The Old Stockbridge Market Arch

Howe Street

Cockburn Street

Ramsay Garden

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There are plenty of activities and tours that you can join during your stay here in Edinburgh. From your local guided walking tour to a spooky underground close under the Royal Mile.

Here are some of the things that you can do in the city.

Harry Potter fans that want to discover the sights and locations in Edinburgh city that inspired J. K. Rowling’s famous book series can book the Original Harry Potter Location Tour.

Alternatively, if you are interested in trying Scottish food, Edinburgh Food & Drink tour, take a deep dive into Scotland’s culinary heritage and history with this tour.

Looking to learn about Edinburgh’s dark history? Book The Famous Underground Ghost Tour. The guide will take you on a spooky tour of the city’s hidden alleyways and underground vaults.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusion is another great attraction to try in Edinburgh. Enjoy five floors of optical illusion, a mirror maze, puzzles, and holograms in Outlook Tower just up the Royal mile.

Another great way to see the city of Edinburgh is by hopping on Edinburgh’s City Sightseeing bus tour. Have a commentary guide throughout the city while riding on an open-top double-decker bus.

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Instagrammable places in edinburgh — Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash

1. Calton Hill

Calton Hill is one of the best places to photograph in Edinburgh. Some of the most famous photographs of Edinburgh are taken from here as the hill sits right at the center of the city.

On top of Calton Hill, you can get views of Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town. In addition, it’s a great vantage point to see Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat.

Located at the end of Princess Street, the hill is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can find the National Monument and the Nelson Monument.

People usually come here to catch the sunset, so it gets rather crowded in the evening. To ensure that your photo is not photobombed, I suggest getting here bright and early.

2. Princess Street Garden

Princess Street Garden is located right in the heart of Edinburgh. This garden is an Urban park that separates Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town. The park is divided into an east side and west side.

There are several photo spots in Edinburgh’s Princess Street Garden that you can’t miss. One of them is the Ross Fountain situated on the west side of the park.

The fountain is right at the bottom of the cliffs on which Edinburgh Castle stands, so you can capture an excellent picture of the fountain with the castle in the background.

The park is beautiful year-round, but if you plan to visit between mid-November to early January, the garden is the site of the famous Edinburgh Christmas Market.

The best time to visit the Christmas Market is at night. This is when you can capture the beautiful lights of the market that decorates the garden.

3. The Vennel

The Vennel is a staircase alleyway in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket area. This historic alleyway would have to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh.

You might find yourself a little out of breath climbing up the steps, but the view of Edinburgh Castle with the buildings lining the alleyway provides the most classic Edinburgh picture.

4. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is the subject of nearly most of the iconic photographs you see of Edinburgh. The castle is an ancient stronghold and is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe that makes it one of the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh.

The castle’s main entrance is on the eastern side, right on top of the Royal Mile. The Edinburgh Castle Esplanade is the first thing visitors see before entering the castle.

The large open area is great for photographing the castle’s entrance. The Esplanade is also home to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual performance by the British Armed Force.

The Edinburgh Castle is open to visitors year-round except on 25 and 26 December. You can learn about Edinburgh Castle’s rich history by booking a tour here.

5. Royal Mile

Another Instagram spot in Edinburgh is the famous Royal Mile. Despite the name, the street is slightly longer than a mile. It starts from the Palace of Holyroodhouse and ends at Edinburgh Castle.

On this street, you will find many places to photograph in Edinburgh. The Royal Mile is made up of Castlehill, Lawnmarket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand.

Along the Royal Mile is St Giles’ Cathedral. Here you can capture the beautiful Gothic architecture of the Church. If you get the chance to go inside, you can see stained glass windows from the 19th Century.

6. Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat

Holyrood Park is just a short walk away from Edinburgh’s Old Town. The main attraction of this park is the hike up the extinct volcano to Arthur’s Seat.

Depending on your pace, the hike to reach the peak takes 30 to 60 minutes. Having hiked this trail a few times, I can say that it is a moderate hike but be sure that your footwear has a good grip.

Find out more on the best hiking boots for Under $100 here.

11 Best Hiking Boots for Under 100 dollars In 2022 (Comfy!)

The view from Arthur’s Seat is genuinely one of the best Instagrammable places in Edinburgh. It is worth the hike as you get 360° views of the entire city.

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7. Victoria Street

One of the Instagrammable places in Edinburgh is Victoria Street. Fancy walking down Diagon Alley? You might recognize this reference if you are a Harry Potter fan. It is rumored that Victoria Street was the influence behind the famous alley in the Harry Potter series.

The colorful buildings along this curved street provide a unique Instagram spot in Edinburgh. Another photo op of the street is from Victoria Terrace. The terrace is a pedestrian walkway that runs on top of the road.

8. Scott Monument

Another landmark of Edinburgh city is the Scott Monument. Located at the end of Princess Street, the monument is a memorial to writer Sir Walter Scott.

A tip for photographing the monument is by taking it from the angle from the steps of Princess Street Garden, capturing both the monument and the handrail of the steps.

9. The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh provides some great Instagrammable places in Edinburgh. One of the locations is Old College.

The best place to photograph this late 18th-century building is in the central courtyard.

Another popular spot is the School of Divinity, located at New College. Head to the courtyard area to capture the beautiful old gothic architecture of the building.

10. National Museum of Scotland

Next on the list of the best Instagrammable places in Edinburgh is the National Museum of Scotland. Located on Chambers Street, the entrance to the museum is free.

The museum has many galleries for any creative Instagrammer to take photos. For the best indoor Instagram spots, head to the main hall. The hall has excellent lighting and beautiful symmetry for light and airy pictures.

Another spot in the museum is the rooftop terrace. Up here you can get a fantastic view of the Edinburg skyline.

11. Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the British Royal Family’s official residence in Scotland. However, the palace is open to visitors year-round. You can book admission tickets for the palace here.

The palace presents many Instagram photo spots. Capture the beautiful royal gardens, the magnificent courtyard, and the many state apartments.

Another highlight of the palace is Holyrood Abbey Ruins. Holyrood Abbey was the site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials of monarchs.

12. Circus Lane

Circus Lane is one of the prettiest photo spots in Edinburgh. From late spring to early summer, you can see the flowers adorning the row of Georgian Houses in full bloom.

Circus Lane is located just behind St Stephen Street, at the end of the lane is St Vincent’s Chapel, which becomes a perfect focal point when photographing this area.

This lane is an actual residential area, so it is best to be mindful of the neighbors when exploring the area.

13. Scottish National Gallery Of Modern Art (Modern One)

Modern One houses art from some of the most famous artists. The building that houses Modern One is a beautiful neoclassical building designed in 1825 by William Burn. Entrance to the gallery is free.

A unique photo spot here is actually outside the building. The lawn has a dramatic Landform sculpture by Charles Jenks, a perfect place for some creative photography.

14. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The gallery showcasing portraits of Scottish historical figures is located on Queen Street. The neo-gothic palace made from red sandstone is truly one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings. Visitors can enter here for free.

The best place to photograph the gallery is the Great Hall. The four sides of the Great Hall are decorated with Processional Frieze. The details of the art and the building architecture are stunning.

15. Makar’s Court and Writer’s Museum

Tucked away in Lady Stair’s Close is Makar’s Court. This courtyard outside the Writer’s Museum is a hidden gem for photo spots in Edinburgh.

Also known as Lady Stair’s house, the museum celebrates the history of literature in Edinburgh. Around the court, you can find quotes from Scottish writers inscribed on the pavements.

16. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

If the theme of your Instagram is nature, then the Royal Botanic Garden is definitely the place to visit. The garden provides 70 acres of lush green landscape and ten different glasshouses.

While roaming the garden is free, there is a fee to enter the glasshouse. The fee for adults is £7($8), and children go in for free. In the glasshouses, you can capture different plants in their dedicated climate.

17. The Meadows

If you visit Edinburgh during spring, the Meadows is a popular spot to photograph cherry blossoms. You can find the park South of the city center.

During spring, the tree arches in the Meadows become the go-to Instagram spot in Edinburgh. In full bloom, the arched trees create a beautiful puffy pink passageway.

18. Hermitage Of Braid And Blackford Hill

Another hidden gem of the city is Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill. Located on the South side of Edinburgh, this 150-acre land was once a private estate and is now a local nature reserve open to the public.

Here you can photograph the old estate house built in the 1780s. The house is like a scene from a Jane Austen Novel with its woodland surroundings and its classic gothic architecture.

Continuing your walk on the woodland path will take you to the top of Blackford hill. Here is another great vantage point where you can capture a stunning view of Edinburgh city and Arthur’s seat.

19. Armchair Books

Armchair Books is one of the city’s hidden gems. Located in West Port, it is a secondhand bookshop. Inside the shop, you will find yourself lost (in a good way) in a labyrinth of bookshelves.

This incredible bookshop surely gives one of the most unique photo ops for your Instagram.

20. Dean Village

Dean Village is a residential area just a few minutes away from the city center. The river in between the colorful cottages presents a fairytale-like place, making it a perfect spot to photograph.

The best place to photograph Dean Village is at the riverbank near a small bridge that crosses over the Water of Leith.

21. The Water of Leith Walkway

The Water of Leith Walkway is a 12-mile public walkway along the river from Balerno to Leith. This scenic route allows you to capture the nature of Edinburgh.

This walkway is perfect if you have more time to spend in Edinburgh, you can learn more about the Water of Leith and Edinburgh’s history by booking a tour here.

22. Dr. Neil’s Garden

Another Instagrammble spot in Edinburgh is Dr. Neil’s Garden in Duddingston. This secret garden was started by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil in 1960 and has become an oasis of greenery.

In the garden, you can take some picturesque scenes of Duddingston Loch.

23. Craigmillar Castle

If you want to photograph medieval castles in Edinburgh, head to Craigmillar Castle. Located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, this medieval castle is one of the most perfectly preserved in Scotland making it one of the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh.

The castle has fewer tourists compared to Edinburgh Castle, so you can take uninterrupted photos without worrying about any photo bombers.

If you are a fan of the drama series Outlander, you might find the castle familiar. The castle was used as the site for the fictional Ardsmuir Prison.

24. Lauriston Castle

Situated between Davidson’s Mains and Cramond, one of the most unique Instagrammable places in Edinburgh sits the beautiful Lauriston Castle. Here you will find elegant Edwardian interiors, an award-winning Japanese garden, and a breathtaking view of the Firth of Forth.

Lauriston Castle was turned into a museum in 1926. Roaming the grounds garden is free, but you can have a tour of the castle for £8 ($9) for adults and £6 ($7) for children.

25. Leith Shore

Next, the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh is The Leith Shore. This shore is a beautiful waterfront loved by the locals. It almost has a European vibe to it with its canals and cobble street. Here you can photograph the historic buildings of this fishing village by the shore.

26. Forth Bridge

The Forth Bridge was dubbed a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. This majestic man-made structure connects Edinburgh, South Queensferry, to Fife, North Queensferry.

The best spot to photograph the Forth Bridge is the waterfront area at Hawes Pier. You can also take to the waters and capture the structure from a boat deck. A cruise along the Firth of Forth can be booked here.

27. Cramond Beach

One of my favorite beaches for the best Instagram spot in Edinburgh would have to be Cramond Beach, mainly because when the tide is low, you can walk to Cramond Island over the causeway.

The causeway provides the most unique picture opportunity. You just need to be aware of the safe time to cross as you won’t want to get stranded on the island.

28. Portobello Beach

If you are looking for another seaside view to photograph, head to Portobello Beach. This coastal suburb overlooking the Firth of Forth is just 3 miles from the city center.

This Instagrammable spot is popular due to its long stretch of sandy beaches and Georgian and Victorian architecture buildings along the promenade.

The best time to photograph Portobello beach is during sunrise when you get the beach to yourself and the golden hue of the sun across the morning sky.

29. Pentland Hills

The Pentland Hills is a regional park southwest of Edinburgh. It is a range of hills about twenty miles in length. The park is perfect for outdoor and landscape photographers.

There are many trails in the park that you can take to photograph the beautiful landscape. The panoramic view of the hill range is well worth the hike. On some trails, you might even get to see highland cattle.

The hills are especially beautiful to photograph during the heather blooming season. The hills seem to be blanketed with these delicate purple flowers.

30. Threipmuir Reservoirs

Sitting at the bottom of Pentland Hills is the Threipmuir Reservoir. The reservoir is another Instagrammable location in Edinburgh for nature photographers.

Here you can capture a scenic view of the water against the Pentland Hills. The reservoir is also known as a spot to see purple heather.

31. Street and Close in Edinburgh City

Edinburgh city is full of narrow streets and hidden close. A close is a passageway from one street to another. Often these streets and close have their own history and unique charm and they offer most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh.

You might just spend a few minutes on these streets or close, so here are some of them you can stop by and a few other Edinburgh photo spots.

Belford Mews

Address: Sunbury Street & Belford Mews, Edinburgh EH4 3BT, UK

Advocates Close

Address: Edinburgh EH1 1ND, UK

White Horse Close

Address: 10, White Horse Close, Edinburgh EH8 8BU

Bakehouse Close

Historical alley with tunnel archway as seen in Outlander as home to Alexander Malcolm’s print shop.

Address: Bakehouse Cl Edinburgh, UK

Tweeddale Court

A hidden close with a 16th-century house, this spot was also used as a location in Outlander.

Address: Tweeddale Ct, Edinburgh UK

The Old Stockbridge Market Arch

Address: 1-21 St Stephen Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AJ, UK

Howe Street

Address: Howe St, Edinburgh, UK

Cockburn Street

Address: Cockburn St Edinburgh, UK

Ramsay Garden

Address: Ramsay Garden, Edinburgh EH1 2NA, UK

Instagrammable Cafes, Pubs, And Restaurants In Edinburgh

The city is genuinely #Instagrammable Edinburgh, but while you are here, take some time to dine in some of the most Instagrammable eating spots that the city has to offer.

Tolbooth Tavern

First on the list is a pub with a haunted history. This pub is located in a 1591 building that was part of Canongate Tolbooth, which back then was a prison. The pub itself serves traditional Scottish food like haggis and blood pudding.

Address: 167 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, UK

Opening times: Sun – Thu 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Fri – Sat 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM

The Devil’s Advocate

If you are looking for a chic bar in Edinburgh, then the Devil’s Advocate is the place to go. The building was actually a former Victorian pump station converted into a bar. Inside, you can order beautifully crafted cocktails to fit your lovely Instagram aesthetic.

Address: 9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, UK

Opening times: Sun – Thu 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Fri – Sat 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Cold Town House

This bar is one of the city’s hidden gems. The bar has a roof terrace where you can dine and enjoy the view of Edinburgh Castle.

Serving delicious food and paired with a lovely ambiance, the bar is very much an Instagrammable spot that you can’t miss.

Address: 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK

Opening times: Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 PM–11:00 PM Fri 12:00 PM–12:00 AM Sat 12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Grams

Grams Cafe has to be one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh. Grams is the perfect brunch place to take the ideal Instagram pictures, as the food presentation here is flawless.

At Grams, you can find vegan-friendly food in an airy pink atmosphere. Though the cafe is quite small, be prepared for a little wait, especially on weekends.

Address: 68 Hamilton Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AZ, UK

Opening times: Mon– Fri, 10.00 AM-4.00 PM, Sat-Sun 9.00 AM-4.00 PM

Cask Smugglers

Cask Smugglers is a trendy cocktail bar right in the center of the city. What makes this bar very Instagrammable is the Secret Domes. Visitors get to enjoy their private dome with Nordic interiors.

The dome is perfect for a big group of dinners as they are pretty spacious. In the domes, you get a view of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Not only can you capture beautiful pictures, but the domes itself is a wonderful experience.

Address: Waverley Mall Rooftop, 3 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, UK

Opening times: Mon– Sun, 11.00 AM-1.00 AM

The Colonnades At The Signet Library

In Edinburgh’s Old Town at Parliament Square, you will find the historical Singnet Library. Here you can have tea in Edinburgh’s finest Georgian building.

When you enter the area, you will see the tall elaborate ceiling with beautiful columns surrounding it. The tables are set with fine porcelain creating a luxurious experience.

The location offers an elegant interior of a classic European tea salon. Outlander fans would also find this location familiar as it was featured in season 3 of the series.

Address: The Signet Library, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, UK

Opening times: Wed-Sun, 11.00 AM-4.30 PM, Closed Mon- Tue

Balmoral Palm Court

The Palm Court serves the most luxurious atmosphere for afternoon tea. The tea room of Balmoral hotel is decked with a Venetian chandelier under a glass dome and palm trees at each corner.

The natural light coming into the room against the beautifully decorated walls makes for a perfect shot. This lush setting makes Palm Court one of the most posh Instagram spots in Edinburgh.

Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ, UK

Opening times: Mon-Sun, 9.00 AM-11.00 AM, 12.00 PM-5.00 PM

FAQs on Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh

Useful Tips When Taking Photos In Edinburgh

1. Check The Weather Forecast

Edinburgh is known to have different weather throughout the day, and it’s even possible to start snowing and then have clear sunny skies moments later.

It’s good to plan by checking the hourly weather forecast for the day so you can dress appropriately and protect your camera gear from the elements.

2. Dress For The Occasion

This city can be pretty gloomy with its gray skies and dark stoned buildings. So to stand out in your picture, be sure to wear bright-colored clothes.

Comfortable waterproof shoes are also crucial as it does rain a lot here. In addition, you will find yourself walking on cobbled stone streets, so wear shoes that will give you good ankle support for uneven surfaces.

Wear a waterproof coat, as umbrellas might not work best for you here as strong winds can quickly turn it inside out.

3. Avoid The Crowds

Edinburgh can get crowded with tourists, especially at the best photo spots. So it’s best to arrive early in the morning to get a clean shot of your subject.

Try to avoid the festival season if you don’t intend to go to the festival. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August can draw in up to 400,00 visitors. So you can expect all the favorite tourist spots to be filled with tourists.

Nice Places To Live In Edinburgh

If you accidentally fall in love with the city (it’s hard not to) and decide to extend your stay. Here are some excellent areas where you can stay and live in Edinburgh.

1. Marchmont

Marchmont is a residential area close to The Medows. It is a wealthy district developed in the mid-19th Century. The buildings feature Scots Baronial architecture.

Residents here will find that Marchmont has an excellent public transport network and a good range of amenities. The area is also close to The Medows, where there is the annual free community festival.

Marchmont is one of the more expensive neighborhoods. However, you can still find housing options that will suit your budget.

2. New Town

New Town is right in the city center and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site. The houses here are a range of apartments, flats, and Georgian townhouses.

The area is home to the main shopping streets. Here you can find Edinburgh Waverley train station, making it accessible to go anywhere from this part of the city.

There are many shops, pubs, and cafes that you can find on Princess Street and George Street, so it is easy to have a fun night out or spend a sunny day in Princess Street Park.

3. Old Town

Home to the Royal Mile and the Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town is a unique area to call home. Its rich history and many narrow alleyways make it a great location to live and explore.

The area is best for short-term stays as it is pretty much a tourist destination. You can find many service apartments or service flats to rent when living here.

The area offers exciting nightlife where you can go pub crawling as there are many bars, pubs, and restaurants to choose from.

4. Leith

Leith is the trendier part of Edinburgh to live in, with plenty of indie stores and boutique cafes and bars. It’s north of the city center and right next to the shores of Firth and Forth.

The properties here are much more affordable compared to the city center and have great transport links with plenty of bus routes and an upcoming tram line coming in 2023.

5. Stockbridge

You will find Stockbridge north of the city center. The area is mainly residential but home to the Royal Botanical garden. In addition, you can find Dean Village close to the district.

This area is excellent for families with kids as there are many good schools, and it is one of the more low-cost areas to live in.

Every Sunday, you can also find the Stockbridge Market at the Jubilee Garden. Here you can get fresh produce and artisan goods from the locals.

Beautiful Places In Edinburgh

Calton Hill
Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat
Holyrood Park
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
The Meadows
Dean Village
Pentland Hills
Cramond Beach
Circus lane

Edinburgh is truly a wonderful city with lots to discover and even more to capture. Its many landscapes, from its ancient volcano to its medieval Old Town to its seaside town, offer amazing photo ops for every Instagrammer out there.

To get the most out of this Scottish capital and match the aesthetic feed of your Instagram, be sure to plan your visit according to which season works best for you.

Now that you know all the best photo spots in Edinburgh get your best outfits and camera gears packed and ready for an unforgettable stay in Edinburgh.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful city as much as I do.

Good Luck!

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