13 EPIC Edinburgh Photography Spots You NEED to See

National Museum of Scotland Rooftop Terrace

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise or sunset on a weekday
Cost: Free
Address: Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

Like many museums in Scotland, the National Museum of Scotland is free to visit, but one thing that many visitors miss is the incredible rooftop terrace offering views of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat, and the Pentlands. Be sure to ask the friendly staff for directions, and don’t forget to explore the rest of this Edinburgh museum on the way down.

Edinburgh Botanical Gardens

Best Time to Visit: Middle of the week
Cost: Free but book your slot ahead of time
Address: Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ

The Edinburgh Botanical Gardens are not only one of the best photography spots in Edinburgh, but it’s also a fantastic free activity in Edinburgh – just make sure you book your tickets online in advance.

It’s easy to spend hours wandering around the beautiful grounds. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, but during Christmas you can pay a fee to visit when all of the lights are up.

National Portrait Gallery

Best Time to Visit: When they open
Cost: Free but book in advance
Address: 1 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JD

Often overlooked is Edinburgh’s magnificent National Portrait Gallery. The museum is free to enter but you do need to book ahead. The photo to the left is a composite (we each took a photo of the other while standing in the same spot and merged the photos) as tripods often aren’t allowed in museums.

Be sure to book on an off day (early in the week) and get there early to have the space to yourself.

Read More: 7 Fantastic FREE Museums in Edinburgh

Calton Hill

Best Time to Visit: Morning
Cost: Free
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA

Calton Hill is loved among photographers, and for good reason! With views over all of Edinburgh and of Arthur’s Seat, it’s hard to beat this location. The hill is relatively easy to access and quite large with different interesting buildings and landscapes, allowing for a wide variety of interesting shots. If you come at sunset, be aware that you may need to fight for the shot (it does get crowded!) but if you can catch golden hour in the morning, you may just have the place all to yourself.

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The Vennel

Best Time to Visit: Any time
Cost: Free
Address: Vennel (It’s a street)

With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and located just off of Grassmarket, this spot provides an iconic view of Edinburgh. It is a residential street with a school located along side, but it’s rarely very busy as locals use it to pass through and tourists stop for a quick photo.

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@voyagingherbivore Doing wedding shots in #DeanVillage with a couple later this week! How romantic! 👰‍♀️😍 #edinburghscotland #edinburghphotographer #visitedinburgh ♬ original sound – Alysa

Water of Leith Walkway

Best Time to Visit: Sunset
Cost: Free
Address: Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY

The Water of Leith Walkway is accessible through Dean Village, simply head down towards the river via one of the many paths. This is a gorgeous spot that’s very accessible and is easy to shoot.

To continue with your Edinburgh photography walk, follow the stream up to loop back around into Dean Village.

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Circus Lane

Best Time to Visit: Mid morning
Cost: Free
Address: Circus Lane, Edinburgh

Circus Lane is a gorgeous photo spot in Edinburgh but it is very well known. You can see in the photo that we shot the typical direction, but if you turn around it’s just as gorgeous and looks a bit different.

Circus Lane is a residential street so don’t be noisy and be quick or you may get some looks.

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Edinburgh Castle

Best Time to Visit: Be there for the 1pm gun firings (except Sundays)
Cost: £17.50 standard adult ticket
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG

Edinburgh Castle is likely one of the first stops on your Scotland itinerary. Although it boasts a pricey entrance fee, the castle is an absolutely iconic site of Edinburgh and is worth the visit if you enjoy history. However, if that’s not your thing and you’re just looking to take a few photos you’re probably better off exploring other amazing parts of Edinburgh. If you want to try whisky at the castle, you’ll need to bring your passport if you’re not a British resident.

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Arthur’s Seat From Below

Best Time to Visit: Morning
Cost: Free
Address: Arthur’s Seat (It’s hard to miss)

With the main goal being the summit of Arthur’s Seat, most people don’t bother stopping at the small ruins off the left of the main path a short way up. However, especially when the flowers are in bloom, it’s absolutely worth a look. Not only do you still get a great view over the city, but you’ve got a pretty cool shot of Arthur’s Seat as well.

Want to be a photographer? You need to check this out.

View From Arthur’s Seat

Best Time to Visit: Morning
Cost: Free
Address: Arthur’s Seat (It’s hard to miss)

Of course, if you’ve made it a little ways up Arthur’s seat already to grab some shots, you may as well finish the trek. The view from the top is pretty spectacular, although it does get incredibly windy (don’t even think about a drone). Arthur’s Seat can get busy on warm and clear days so head up relatively early to avoid the crowds.

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Victoria Street

Best Time to Visit: Mid morning
Cost: Free
Address: Victoria Street

Another classic Edinburgh photography spot is Victoria Street. Located just a few minutes from the Vennel and just off of Grassmarket, this colorful street is a must visit. Make sure you don’t stop there though! You’ll want to head up the stairs (found right next to this blue building in the photo) to get a view over the street as well. Be careful as Victoria Street is not pedestrians only.

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Camera Obscura Rooftop View

Best Time to Visit: Sunset on a weekday (not a bank holiday)
Cost: £15/person
Address: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND

Yes, Camera Obscura is a fantastic place for a sunset photoshoot in Edinburgh, but it’s also an amazing activity in Edinburgh that you absolutely need to do!

The rooftop at sunset is almost guaranteed to be busy on a beautiful weekend, so book your tickets for a Monday (not a bank holiday) and get ready for some incredible views (also featured in the first image in this post!).

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