A PHOTO GUIDE TO EDINBURGH

Admittedly, this post was going to be an Instagram guide to Edinburgh but with myself and many others moving away from Instagram (including cosmetics giant Lush) I’ve decided to switch up the post a little and give you the most photogenic places in Edinburgh instead!

Edinburgh is easily one of my most favourite places that I have ever visited. The combination of the old buildings, atmosphere, food and the people not to mention the history, really makes this place worth a visit if you’ve never been! (It’s also a bonus if you like Harry Potter too)

Having done no previous research of good looking streets (I know, BAD travel blogger..) I stumbled across these places by chance. I always like to walk every where and Edinburgh was no exception.

First stop:

West Princes Street Gardens

If you want a perfect view of Edinburgh Castle and enjoy flowers, this place is ideal for you. You can rest here on the grass, pose next to the flowers and even watch people practising for theatre. Located on Princes Street (the big shopping hub) it is a beautiful park that you can escape from the crowds and is perfectly photogenic too.

Vistoria Street

Named as Edinburgh’s prettiest street and very own Diagon Alley, Vistoria Street is the most colourful, eccentric street I’ve come across. With shops of all descriptions (including a Harry Potter shop) and a colourful facade, not only makes it picture perfect but also ideal if quirky, independent businesses are your thing. The street is all cobblestone so, leave your heels at home for this one. Make sure you see it though, even if you don’t want to take any photos!

Calton Hill
Staircase up: Regent Road (South Side) or Royal Terrace (North Side)

Would a guide to the most photogenic places in Edinburgh be complete without a Calton Hill demand? I didn’t think so either! Right in the city centre and up a 5 minute stair climb, you come to view the prettiest panoramic scenes of the city. If Arthur’s seat is too far of a hike for you, this is a really great substitute. Every time I have been up to the top it is fairly quiet and there is a lot of grassy space too if you want to picnic at the very top!

Camera Obscura
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh,
Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND

Not your traditional photogenic suggestion but one I really must put on the list! This treasure trove of illusions is bound to get you snap happy. From a room which makes you feel like you’re amongst the stars, to exploring a mirror maze and even a spinning tunnel, Camera Obsecura is the perfect place to go for a couple of hours. There is also a lot of history behind this place and a traditional telescope but I’ll let them do the history talks! Also on your way out down the stairs is a beautiful glass viewing box of being amongst the houses. I personally fell down the stairs here (read about it here) so don’t get too caught up in the view or your photos!

Water of Leith Walkway
24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ

A place I stumbled upon by chance through a hidden door in the middle of a wall and somewhere I am so grateful to see! With a waterfall and a bridge that makes you feel like you’re in some sort of fairy tale, this destination needs no words really!

The Writers Museum
Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 2PA

Now, I am just talking about the outside of the museum with all the old houses and sometimes independent stalls, but if the Writers Museum is your thing, then by all means go in! It’s free and closes at 5pm. We hung around this quiet little street for a while just taking photos.

Last but not least:

The Vennel

Unfortunately not somewhere I managed to stumble across on my travels (a google image will have to do!) but a place everyone talks about.  With a perfect view of the castle and a staircase in the front, this passageway makes for a perfect postcard picture. This may be a case of wishing that I did my research before hand… oops
Picture credit: click here. 

Shop fronts/Pub worth posing in front of:

Ballantrae Cashmere
46 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB

Rose Street, Edinburgh

Brewhemia
1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

Deacon Brodies Tavern
435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT

That’s all for my postcard worthy places in Edinburgh. Have you been to any of these? Did I miss any out? Let me know!