Edinburgh is brimming with magnificent views, culture, and history. We just can’t help but fall in love with the Scottish capital’s magic and mystery. If you’re looking for the best Instagram spots Edinburgh has, you’ve landed in the right place!
1. Victoria Street
If you’re a Harry Potter fan like us, you’re in the right place! You can see several Harry Potter-themed shops here, probably because the street is believed to be the influence behind Diagon Alley. Victoria Street houses independent shops and colourful restaurants that curve down a hill, making it one of the best Instagram spots Edinburgh can offer.
2. Edinburgh Castle
The most iconic and historic site in the Scottish capital. Dominating the capital’s skyline, the castle is a wonderfully intimidating place and is a must-see when you visit Edinburgh for your hen weekend.
3. The Vennel
Looking for the best view of Edinburgh Castle? Head over to the Vennel! The Vennel is a stairway inside a narrow alleyway connecting Grassmarket with Heriot Place. Although you can get a great shot any time of the day, we suggest catching sunrise or sunset to get breathtaking views of the castle.
Photo by Connor Mollison, Edinburgh Castle From Vennel Steps, 2020, via https://mollison.co/
4. Ross Fountain
You can find Ross Fountain just inside the Princess Street Gardens. It offers one of the best angles of Edinburgh Castle. Made of aqua and gold, the fountain has an impressive design perfect for your Instagram photo. Depending on the month you visit, you’ll see beautiful flowers surrounding the fountain.
5. Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is also one of the most spectacular Instagram spots Edinburgh has. It’s the highest point in Holyrood Park and is 822 feet above sea level, so it gives you the best panoramic shot of all Edinburgh and Scotland.
6. Circus Lane
Circus Lane is another must-visit place in the city. Located in the busy neighbourhood of Stockbridge, Circus Lane gives you that carefree vibe with its cobbled roads, small houses covered in greenery, and beautiful street lamps.
7. Dean Village
Formerly known as the “Water of Leith Village,” Dean Village used to be the centre of grain milling. Tourists often miss this hidden gem because it’s off the city’s main thoroughfares. However, Dean Village is just a five-minute walk from Princess Street. Walk over the stone bridge and down beside the river to get the best view.
8. Royal Botanic Garden
One of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe and even the world, Royal Botanic Garden is definitely one of the best Instagram spots Edinburgh could offer. You’re free to visit most parts of the garden, but you need to pay an entrance fee for the Glasshouses.
With more than 13,000 plant species, this garden is worth your time and deserves a spot on your Instagram feed!
9. Makar’s Court
Located next to The Writers’ Museum, Makar’s Court is easy to spot — off the Lawnmarket, the top part of Royal Mile, in Lady’s Stair’s Close. One attention-grabbing element of this place is the beautiful lamp-post in the middle. What’s more interesting is that through the courtyard, you can see slabs of pavement inscribed with inspiring quotes from renowned Scottish writers. This just makes sense as makar is the Scots’ word for a skilled writer or poet. So, the courtyard also honours Edinburgh’s literary history. New pavement stones are constantly added, making your visit there always exciting.
10. Calton Hill
Part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city’s most iconic sites, like Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile climbing up toward the Castle. Calton Hill is also home to the National Monument, Nelson Monument, City Observatory, and spectacular Edinburgh festival shows.
Photo by Connor Mollison, Calton Hill, 2020, via https://mollison.co/https://mollison.co/
11. Royal Mile
At the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is the Royal Mile. At the top you have Edinburgh Castle, and down at the bottom is Holyrood Palace, which has been the Royal family's official residence in Scotland for centuries. For the last 500 years, the place was a processional route for kings and queens, hence its name. Add a bit of history in your Instagram feed with Royal Mile’s historic buildings, like Mary King’s Close, John Knox House, and the Museum of Edinburgh. Take a step back in time by exploring the closes and wynds — the narrow passageways lining the Royal Mile.
