6 photogenic spots in Edinburgh: a scenic walking route

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Narrow cobblestone streets, old medieval buildings and a castle overlooking the city can make it hard NOT to find a beautiful spot to take a photo in Edinburgh. I mean seriously, around every corner there is something beautiful to see. During my visit to Scotland, I spent 2 days in Edinburgh. On one day, I did a scenic walk and here are 6 photogenic spots in Edinburgh (perfect for Instagram too, I suppose 😛 ) – complete with a Google Map walking route below!

Where to start your scenic walk: Edinburgh Castle

It’s easiest to begin your walk near Edinburgh Castle (at the top of the Royal Mile). The Google Map walking routes are at the bottom of this post so that you can have an idea of where they are located in Edinburgh!

Tip: Download an offline Google map of Edinburgh, and save these locations on your map. You will be able to find them easily as you are walking around.

Stop 1: Flodden Wall (for a photo of Edinburgh Castle)

Address: 1 Vennel, Edinburgh EH1 2HU, United Kingdom

When you arrive at Edinburgh Castle, turn left and head towards Grassmarket. There is an alleyway with lots of steps going up. Take these steps and look behind you for a unique view of Edinburgh Castle, one of the many photogenic spots in Edinburgh! It isn’t very busy here either which makes it easy to take a photo.

Stop 2: Dean Village

Address: Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AY, United Kingdom

Dean Village is a short 15-20 minute walk away from Edinburgh Castle, and it feels like you have gone back in time. There’s a river flowing through the middle and small cobblestone streets. Wander around the small village. To leave, take the pathway along the Water of Leith back towards Edinburgh.

Stop 3: Circus Lane, Edinburgh

Address: Circus Lane, Edinburgh, UK

Once you leave Dean Village using the Water of Leith pathway, you will naturally end up only a few blocks away from Castle Lane. This is a short, but gorgeous street, with little houses and a cathedral overlooking it.

Circus Late.  One of the photogenic spots in Edinburgh Scotland

Stop 4: lunch at Eteaket (another photogenic spot in Edinburgh)!

Address: 41 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP, United Kingdom

After all of this walking, it’s time for a lunch break! Along this walking route is Eteaket. An eclectic tea house with so many teas to choose from and classic afternoon tea. It’s adorable – and so filling! They are very knowledgeable in tea, so if you are having trouble narrowing it down they will definitely help you!

Stop 5: Princes Street Gardens

Address: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG, United Kingdom

If you keep walking up the street from Eteaket, you will then end up at Princes Gardens. Spend some time walking around the gardens. It’s a peaceful getaway, and a nice spot to walk around.

After Princes Street Gardens, all you need to do is walk up and you are back on the Royal Mile! This is back where you started the walking route, so you can either spend the day exploring Edinburgh at your leisure, or go on to the final stop!

Stop 6: Arthurs Seat or Calton Hill

If you are up for more walking, head down to the bottom of the Royal Mile so that you can hike up Arthur’s Seat! It’s about a 2 hour climb, but worth it for the scenery along the way. I did this walking route and climbed Arthur’s Seat on the same day, so it is definitely do-able. You will put in A LOT of steps, so it is up to you if you have the energy!

If hiking Arthur’s Seat sounds like too much to do in one day, another option is to hike up Calton Hill. It is a shorter and less strenuous hike up to the top. The views of Edinburgh and Arthur’s Seat in the distance are beautiful. There are lots of statues and monuments, and even a restaurant at the top.

I hiked up Calton Hill on my first day in Edinburgh, and then hiked Arthur’s Seat on my second day during this scenic hike. If you have more than one day in Edinburgh I would highly recommend doing both!

Photogenic Spots in Edinburgh Scotland - Arthur's Seat
Arthur’s Seat

Photogenic Spots in Edinburgh: Google Map Walking Routes

Option 1: Calton Hill

Option 2: Arthur’s Seat (instead of Calton Hill)


Do you have any photogenic spots in Edinburgh to take photos? The list could be endless, I know! 🙂 Let me know what your favourite place is in the comments below.


Photogenic spots in Edinburgh Scotland

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7 thoughts on “6 photogenic spots in Edinburgh: a scenic walking route”

  1. Ah this makes me miss Edinburgh so much! I visited a few years ago and it was beautiful, I’d love to go back! I want to visit Arthur’s Seat again. We made it most of the way up but we were visiting in December so we decided to turn back as it was getting dark! I’d love to visit some more of these spots you’ve recommended too. Thanks for the great guide!

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  2. What a great list! Lunch at Eteaket looks incredible… such a gorgeous spot. All of these are stunning. Thank you for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour

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