Best photography locations in Edinburgh: A local guide

Edinburgh is one of the world's most photogenic cities — it was made for photography. The medieval Old Town and Georgian New Town are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and almost every streetscape and viewpoint has been photographed millions of times. Here is a guide to the locations that consistently produce the most interesting portraits and wedding photographs.

Old Town: The Canongate and Royal Mile

The Royal Mile runs from the Castle to Holyrood Palace — a kilometre of medieval closes, wynds, and courtyards that provide some of the most visually layered portrait settings in Europe. The closes off the Royal Mile (Dunbar's Close Garden, Makars' Court, and the area around St Giles' Cathedral) provide more intimate settings away from the main tourist traffic. Best times: early morning before 8am in summer, or mid-afternoon in winter when the tourists thin and the light is low and directional.

Dean Village

Dean Village sits in the Water of Leith valley below the New Town — a surprisingly quiet cluster of old mill buildings and stone bridges just ten minutes from the city centre. The combination of stone, water, and near-complete absence of traffic makes it one of the best portrait locations in Scotland. A limited number of access points means it never gets overcrowded even during peak season.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill commands a panoramic view over the city from the east — the combination of Neo-Classical monuments (Dugald Stewart's Monument, Nelson's Monument, the National Monument) and the view across to the Castle creates one of Edinburgh's most distinctive portrait settings. Best used at sunrise, golden hour, or on overcast days when the light is even.

Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat

The volcanic landscape of Holyrood Park — 650 acres of wildland five minutes from the city centre — provides outdoor natural portraits an hour's drive from any other Scottish city would take. The views from the lower slopes of Arthur's Seat across the city and estuary are exceptional. Particularly strong on clear autumnal mornings.