15 Of The Best Instagram Spots In Edinburgh
This beautiful city has so many locations to create timeless photo moments to look back on…
In my opinion, there is nothing more fun than taking photos of you and your friends in beautiful locations and creating memories that last a lifetime. I personally have no shame about doing multiple photoshoots when I spot the perfect photo opportunity, and will go to any lengths to get the most Instagram worthy shot of my best friend! It’s such a fun, femme thing to do and makes me feel so creative!
See below 15 Of The Best Instagram Spots In Edinburgh, with the tagged maps location when you click the photo! I hope this helps!
1. Princess Street Gardens – North East Entrance Staircase
I’ve stood here for a photo in Edinburgh on many occasions, and with its view of the castle, elegant staircase and nature rich background, it is in my opinion the number 1 photo location. You may have to wait for the crowds to pass a little, but it’s well worth it. See a photo of me in June on the left, and my bestie in October in almost the exact same spot. Seasonality is so important for the perfect photo!
2. St Bernad’s Well, Dean Village
I got some advice from a local to walk along the Water of Leith in Dean Village for the most beautiful autumn photo spots, and this historic structure creates the perfect dark academia aesthetic.
3. The Ross Fountain, Princess Street Gardens
You will have seen this classic photo all over your Instagram feed when you search ‘Edinburgh’, and it really is so timeless. The Princess Street gardens are very spacious, so you can feel free in taking photos at your own pace, something I particularly love about this city in general.
4. Grassmarket, Cold Town House
The Grassmarket area has a rich and interesting history, but the general shops and restaurants here I don’t love. However, the view of the Cold Town House Restaurant in front of Edinburgh castle does make for a beautiful picture. I have also been to the restaurant which was ok, but the view on their outside terrace of the castle is stunning, definitely worth a booking for photo enthusiasts! Just a reminder – Edinburgh is very cold, so outdoor dining should be done at your own risk! Even in summer…
5. Dean Bridge (under)
As you walk along the Water of Leith, you will eventually come out underneath of Dean Bridge and be able to photograph these beautiful arches. My trip was in Autumn – which I highly recommend due to the beautiful foliage – and the spacious surroundings allowed us time for a lengthy photoshoot.
6. Dean Bridge (over)
Now the walk over the bridge may not have been as quiet and aesthetic, but the photo worthy view and quaint street signs make for a cool photo moment in my opinion! I bought a lovely vegan pastry from Sodaberg, and got very lucky with a blue sky in October.
7. Edinburgh Castle
It goes without saying the castle makes an amazing photo spot. But what I never realised is just how easy it is to walk up to the castle, and how central to the city it really is. Unusual for how we picture historical castles! But it has the most amazing views at the top, and if you don’t fancy paying to go inside, then just seeing the structure from the outside is well worth it for a photo.
8. Greyfriars Kirkyard
I came to the graveyard on a Harry Potter walking tour, looking for the elusive grave of Tom Riddle. The beautiful view of the city makes it a surprisingly peaceful place. Although I wouldn’t come for a photoshoot of myself per se, I certainly appreciated the beautiful grave stones and ancient structures. I even saw some families with children in Hogwarts uniforms wondering round, and it just gave the place such a magical vibe.
9. Bells Brae Bridge
I found this little photo spot at the end of my walk along the Water of Leith, and I thought it was the most stunning view over the village. So quaint and whimsical! Look at my friends beautiful coat in this photo – from Primark for anyone wondering…
10. Victoria Street (Diagon Alley)
This is definitely one of the most sought after photo spots in all of Edinburgh. And for Harry Potter fans – you will love walking up this street. Personally I feel it’s overhyped – it is so crowded and can be a bit messy due to the heavy tourism. My advice is go early in the morning, and if you have a weekday – go that morning in particular. There is a nice breakfast cafe called Hula at the bottom of Victoria Street which would make a beautiful coffee photo spot. If you can handle the chill in the air – sit outside on the street and people watch!
11. Starbucks – The Royal Mile
Trust me on this – anyone who wants a cute little coffee pic, the views upstairs in this Starbucks are very instagram worthy. You can see just a hint of the old architecture from this window, and I was so inspired I snapped a quick pic of the empty table.
12. Parish Church of St Cuthberts, Northern Entrance
This has to be my second favourite photo spot in all of Edinburgh. This is an entrance walkway into Princess Street Gardens. It has the views, the trees and the lampposts that just give that historic vibe. Even this red door is doing the work. Only in Edinburgh can you get cute photos like this! The foliage especially gives the dark academia aesthetic I was searching for.
13. Mowgli, Hanover St
I wouldn’t usually include a restaurant, but for anyone wanting a fun meal in a beautiful lit up setting – look no further. The building itself is gorgeous, with a glass dome ceiling inside and swings to sit on! The food is lovely too – but this place is more for the instagrammable vibe, and definitely worth a booking if you like Indian street food.
14. The Mound
This little spot is a staircase entrance to The Royal Mile. I walked along the river in the late evening with all the lights on, and it was so cozy and romantic. The lampposts give a lovely warm energy that makes a photo moment so perfect. The perfect couples pic. I only regret not having my digital camera with me for some better quality photos for night time pics.
15. Edinburgh Castle – left hand view over Arthur’s Seat.
Back up at the castle, each wall has a stunning view over the city. At the left hand side, you can see Arthur’s Seat in the distance, which makes for a beautiful photo. Now you’ll find on blogs that climbing Arthur’s seat is one of the most discussed activities in Edinburgh to do – I’m sure it’s great but I personally can not face heavy walking on a weekend away. So a distant view from the castle was enough for me. I think this photo is so cute and whimsical, definitely one of my favourites!
