Beautiful Views in Edinburgh You Won’t Want to Miss

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Edinburgh is an incredible city full of history and charm. There are also some absolutely beautiful views in Edinburgh you’re going to want to add to your itinerary. From iconic spots to see Edinburgh Castle to panoramic cityscapes and picturesque streets, there are plenty of places to capture the Scottish capital at its best.

In this guide, I’ll be sharing the best viewpoints and photo spots in Edinburgh to help you discover some of the city’s most beautiful locations.

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The Best Views in Edinburgh

Below, you’ll find the best viewpoints and photo spots in Edinburgh, from iconic landmarks to beautiful panoramic views. I’ve included photos of each location, along with a handy Google Map marking all the spots to help you plan your route around the city.

The Vennel Viewpoint

The Vennel Viewpoint offers one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle, with the beautiful scene framed by the historic stone steps. This iconic photo spot is tucked away down a small street, so it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where to look.

I’d spotted this viewpoint on Instagram before our visit and knew I wanted to see it for myself. It’s worth seeking out, particularly if you’re looking for that classic Edinburgh Castle photo spot. Even better, it’s completely free to visit!

The View from Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of the city’s most famous attractions, and it’s well worth visiting for both its fascinating history and the incredible views across Edinburgh. From the castle grounds, you can look out over the city rooftops and surrounding landscape, making it a lovely spot for photographs.

If you’d like to explore inside, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance through the official Edinburgh Castle website.

Tip: If you don’t want to pay to enter the castle, you can still enjoy views from the area around the top of Castlehill, just outside the entrance.

If you’re currently planning your trip to Edinburgh, take a look at my complete Edinburgh travel guide for more ideas on things to see and do during your visit.

The View from the Top of Calton Hill

While it’s a short climb to the top of Calton Hill, the view you will get from the top is simply stunning! This is another completely free viewpoint in Edinburgh where you can see panoramic views over the city.

Getting to the top only takes about 10 minutes.

For even more panoramic views, you could also try hiking to Arthur’s Seat. This is meant to be one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh; however, with a toddler, we didn’t fancy that hike.

The Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful spot to enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle, and one of my favourite places to stop for photos was the Ross Fountain. With the ornate fountain in the foreground and the castle high upon the hill behind it, it’s a lovely spot to capture a classic Edinburgh view.

This location is well worth adding to your route if you’re looking for beautiful photo spots in Edinburgh!

Victoria Street

Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets, with its colourful shopfronts and distinctive curved layout making it a lovely spot for photographs. The colourful buildings look particularly charming as the street curves downhill.

If you’re looking for photo spots in Edinburgh, it’s well worth stopping here to capture the character of the Old Town. You can also combine it with a wander around the Old Town, which has plenty of historic charm of its own.

Map of the Best Views in Edinburgh

All the viewpoints and photo spots I have mentioned above are shown on the map below. This is an interactive map, simply click on the top right-hand corner to open it in Google Maps.

Final Thoughts on the Best Views in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is full of beautiful viewpoints and photo spots, from the iconic views of Edinburgh Castle to the colourful streets of the Old Town. Whether you’re looking for the perfect photograph or simply want to enjoy the city’s incredible scenery, there are plenty of places to discover.

If you’re planning a visit, I hope this guide has helped you find some of the best views in Edinburgh. Don’t forget to save the map above to help you plan your route and make the most of your time exploring this beautiful city!

Thanks for reading my guide to the best views in Edinburgh. I hope it has helped you plan your trip!

Happy Exploring,