Looking for the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh? While the Scottish town is known for its moody weather, it boasts lots of beautiful photo spots and colorful places that range from cute pink coffee shops like Elan Cafe to rich architecture like Circus Lane and the Royal Mile.
Some time ago, I told you about the most instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh, with some unforgettable, dreamy atmospheres, delicious drinks, and astonishing, fresh cakes.
I thought it would be nice to keep going with some of the most colorful places in Edinburgh.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, this is a must-visit city in the UK – one that will leave you with plenty of wonderful memories!
And if you’d like to discover other amazing instagrammable places around the world, check out the following guides:
- The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris
- The Most Colorful Cities in the World
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul
- The Most Colorful Cities in Europe
22 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh & Colorful Spots
Every year, Scotland is attracting more and more attention since it is the birthplace of sagas and series such as Outlander, and Harry Potter (at the Elephant House coffee shop, a staple of Edinburgh) among many others.
A lot of people are coming to get to know the charming capital of Edinburgh and discover why it is so famous, especially on social media.
So sit back, grab a wee cup of joe, relax, and allow me to introduce you to the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh!
Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Circus Lane
Let’s start with one of the famous and beautiful photo spots in Edinburgh: Circus Lane, a picturesque cobbled street in the city.
Every day, hundreds of people pose on this pretty flower-decorated road filled with terraced houses and a cute tower with a clock in the background.
Personally, I think this is one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh, and it can somewhat remind you of places like Notting Hill and its colorful houses, or some of the cutest mews in London.
It’s simply, actually, a residential street that draws the attention of many locals and tourists for its cute aesthetics and well-decorated doors.
You might find someone in there, but just wait a few minutes and you will have the street for yourself so it is not that hard to get that perfect Instagram-worthy shot!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in London
Most Instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh: Starbucks windows on Princes St
I wrote about the Starbucks coffee shop on Princes Street before, and clearly, it is one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh – its windows, particularly, are famous on Instagram and Pinterest.
Many fellow travelers at least remotely interested in finding things to do in Edinburgh have found snapshots of the Starbucks cafe, and it’s crazy beautiful to have that perfect Instagram picture.
The large windows are part of the Princes Street coffee shop and have the castle aligned right in the frame.
You might need to fight your way to get that perfect shot on the second floor, but you’re free to spend some time in there posing for your camera.
As long as you’re consuming and not disturbing anyone, the workers are more than used to people coming daily for those sweet framed shots of the Castle of Edinburgh.
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Most colorful places in Edinburgh: Victoria Street
Ah, Victoria Street. This famous source of inspiration for Harry Potter’s very own Diagon Alley is one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
Again, a great reminder of some of London’s most colorful places, like Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, and the colorful streets in Camden as well, with its multicolor row.
From newly-wed couples to young wizards and witches, Victoria Street is a top attraction on your list of ‘colorful places in Edinburgh’ to visit.
It’s an elegant curved cobbled street with tons of different shops, pubs, and restaurants, each boasting a different façade.
Victoria Street was established to improve access around the city between 1829 and 1834 and today, it continues to draw the attention of many people around the world.
A little tip: after crossing the street, do go up and explore the terrace viewpoint. The views are incredible and highly instagrammable, especially during sunset.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Manhattan
Most colorful places in Edinburgh: Dean Village
This one is not just colorful, it’s also really ancient and one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
Located just 5 minutes away from the city center, tourists and locals can be spotted from morning to twilight enjoying the cozy walks of Dean’s Path.
There, you can find the bucolic 19th-century village of Dean’s Village, still active and habitable today.
This green oasis is possibly the most beautiful street in Edinburgh due to its charming colors guarded by the most picturesque and atmospheric nature.
If you continue to walk by the Leith Waters, you will find this true hidden gem in Edinburgh.
Lakes, silence, birds chirping in the air, and dark beautiful streets make for one of the most beautiful photo spots in Edinburgh and perfect pictures.
Read: The Best Nontouristy Things to Do in London
Beautiful Photo spots in Edinburgh: Ross Fountain
Do you know that some places always look good in pictures, no matter the season? Ross Fountain is certainly one of those and a top pick for your list of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
Located in the heart of Princes St. Gardens, there is a lovely colorful fountain that gives you the perfect viewpoint photo, since it’s aligned with one of the most famous angles of the Castle of Edinburgh itself.
The blue-ish fountain with golden details is a top photo spot in the Scottish capital due to its vibrant colors all year round.
Beautiful trees can give you either cute pink colors in spring, or the most beautiful oranges during autumn. Even during the winter months, when there is no foliage, you have snow and stunning ice stalactites all over the fountain.
The Ross Fountain is genuinely one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh, and sometimes, during the warmer months, you can grab a picnic towel and have lunch in those gardens.
I’m not romanticizing the idea, it is truly something out of a movie. As for those picnics, you see a lot of locals rushing outside as soon as the weather allows it.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Beautiful photo spots in Edinburgh: The Vennel viewpoint
The Vennel Viewpoint mainly attracts photographers and locals looking for a postcard view of the Castle of Edinburgh, and it’s one of the top things to do when you’re in town.
For starters, it is one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
You might see some photographers, elopements, or even travelers such as you and I taking the perfect ‘romantic’ Edinburgh photo of the castle from the famous Vennel viewpoint.
The landmark sandstone stairway leads you to the most framed postcard picture of Edinburgh you will ever find, and of course, that means it is a must on your Instagram greed.
Just like Ross Fountain, this famous attraction offers one of the top sights of the Castle of Edinburgh.
For the perfect angle, location, and architecture, it gives you those mysterious moody vibes out of a romantic novel, so grab your camera and go make some magic.
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Best places to visit in Edinburgh: Arthur’s Seat
It is said that the meadows and specifically Arthur’s Seat could have been the location for the legendary kingdom of Camelot.
You know that I love history and fantasy combined, so when there is a little touch of Scotland mixed with both, it makes just the perfect story for me.
It is a known fact that most hills in Scotland were the result of volcanic eruptions thousands and thousands of years ago.
With that said, this romantic spot is in fact the ruins of Arthur’s Seat, ruins believed to belong to the throne of King Arthur Pendragon.
In reality, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano, the main peak of the group of hills in Edinburgh, that form most of Holyrood Park.
This is one of the most beautiful photo spots in Edinburgh: an atmospheric viewpoint with stunning sights of the entire Scottish capital.
The way up might be a bit of a hiking journey, however after a good English breakfast one could not deny the adventure for the perfect Instagram photo.
Read: The Best Pink Cafes in London
Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Edinburgh: The Dome
The Dome is a fine restaurant with Corinthian columns to welcome you to its big majestic entrance. This one is a festive favorite.
Between marble bars and palms in separate rooms for fine dining, light lunches, or afternoon teas, this boujee restaurant is one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh when it’s time to put on those Christmas decorations.
Thousands of people come daily during the winter months to get the perfect Christmassy picture for Instagram in front of the Dome’s big entrance.
Once inside, you will find an enormous tree worthy of a fairytale when the main character enters a castle in faraway lands.
The fancy vibes, wonderful meals & drinks, the highly decorated columns, the Christmas tree, and all the Christmas lights you see throughout the building make it a gem for those looking for the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Barcelona
Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Edinburgh: The Witchery by the Castle
Looking for easy likes on Instagram? Then save yourself for a wee fancier meal and visit The Witchery by the Castle restaurant, right in the heart of Edinburgh. This gothic restaurant is perfect for a romantic date as well!
Low candle lights, a gothic old dining room, heavy velvet curtains, rouge flowers, and the most high-end cloth and cutlery on the tables.
It speaks for itself, right?
The Witchery by the Castle is one of the most instagrammable restaurants in Edinburgh and it’s really no wonder why. It is rustic, cozy, picturesque, and mysterious just like the vibe this Scottish capital boasts!
Just like The Dome, this restaurant also has very pretty and detailed decorations for Christmas, and lots of travelers and locals adore taking pictures in front of its corridor for the restaurant’s entrance doors.
And if the dining experience was not enough to ease your thirst for more cute pictures and vibes, then why not stay at their luxury hotel? It is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the Hotel world by Cosmopolitan magazine.
Read: The Best Brunch in King’s Cross
Best places to visit in Edinburgh: Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden is a scientific center for the study of plants and how they behave and their diversity. This is a popular tourist attraction and another one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
There is so much to see and photograph you will never get bored wandering around the beautiful works of mother Nature.
Especially here, in a green oasis filled with beautiful plants and magnificent glasshouses, and the coolest cafes on the perimeter.
The glasshouses are the home to some of the world’s rarest and most threatened plants. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Edinburgh, a visit to the enormous gardens and cafes of the Royal Botanic Garden is something you can’t miss.
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Most beautiful street in Edinburgh: Royal Mile
This one is arguable, since for me there are lots of beautiful streets in Edinburgh, both in the new and old town.
However, this is definitely an important one, and due to its famous mysteries and location, the Royal Mile has become one most instagrammable places in Edinburgh.
A wee bit of a quick history lesson for you: the Royal Mile is probably Edinburgh’s oldest street dividing the city into two sides, both New and Old town.
When you walk down the street, you arrive at what was an extinct volcano, and when you continue down to a slope, you’ll see marks of the ice age.
This road that leads to castle hill used to be called the High Street, which used to showcase the medieval market that attracted traders from England and the entire continent. Even today, some locals still refer to it by its former name.
Royal mile is also one of the most colorful places in Edinburgh, due to its vibrant shops and restaurants from Castle Hill (which is also a top photo spot that must be on your trip plans), all the way down to the Canon Gates.
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Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of the most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh, located in the heart of the Scottish capital, and is one of Edinburgh’s main hills.
At the top of this beautiful landmark, you will find an Athenian acropolis where you can take your perfect shots for Instagram.
Calton Hill is part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sights, offers incredible views over the entire city, and is definitely the place to take a good walk and relax from the hustle in the city.
The hill itself with its panoramic views is the home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the National Monument. Whether you’re looking for nature or culture, Calton Hill is unmissable, since it is one of the best places to visit in Edinburgh.
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Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle
The Castle is located in the most beautiful street in Edinburgh, and it is a combo of the best photo spots in town.
Not just because of its location and views, but truly because on the inside, this castle has different rooms with a history that breathes color and cinematic vibes.
Situated on Castlehill, the main gates are one of the most photographed places in all of the city.
The fortress sits on an extinct volcano called Castle Rock.
Among the different sights and shops, you can even spot one of the largest cannons in the world. This gun is fired every day at 1 pm, except on Sundays, and bank holidays such as Good Friday and Christmas Day.
There are usually a lot of crowds gathering around the canon for the spectacle. The entrance fee is 21£ at the gates – online is a wee bit cheaper, but it is definitely worth it.
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Most instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Holyrood Park
Part of the same hill where you can find the famous Arthur’s seat is Holyrood Park, one of the very best places to visit in Edinburgh.
Holyrood Park is a royal Park in Central Edinburgh. Situated in this Park is also located the Holyrood Palace of Holyroodhouse, which is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.
It has an array of lochs, hills, glens, basalt cliffs, and ridges: a central city green landscape that gives a little taste in the lowlands of what the Scottish Highlands will have to offer you!
Alongside this regal set, you will find Holyrood Abbey, a place that must be included on your trips to visit the city. It is a ruined abbey of the Canon Regular in Edinburgh.
The abbey was founded in 1128 by David I of Scotland, and this magnificent place is an attraction to many.
You may even spot some weddings on the hills, people enjoying their picnics with friends and family, and lots of photographers here and there, so grab yer camera and go shoot those perfect Instagrammable pictures of the Scottish capital!
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Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Ramsay Garden
Much closer to nature, you also have the Ramsey Garden. Ramsay Garden has close to sixteen private apartment buildings in Castlehill, Edinburgh. It usually stands out for its colorful exteriors and obviously perfect location.
This road takes you to Princes Street & Waverley St. and it has one of the most envied views over the city.
Those beautiful and very known red ashlars and white exteriors were first built by Alan Ramsay the Poet himself in 1733.
The entire Ramsay Garden was actually his historic home, and if you walk around a bit, you can still spot his statue on the corner of West Princes Street Gardens.
Read: The Best Free Views in London & Romantic Spots
Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: New College University of Edinburgh
If you started to look for the most instagrammable places to visit in Edinburgh online, I am positive you came across the famous cute medieval stairs at least once. Everyone takes a phone to pose with them in the background.
This background is none other than the stairs on the New College University of Edinburgh, close to the Assembly Hall. It gives strong Harry Potter vibes, and clearly, for a beautiful picture, you can hardly do better.
You might find someone that had the same idea as you, but wait a bit and you might just get the spot to get some of the best pictures in this very Hogwarts-like city.
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Most Instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh: The Milkman
I have written about the Milkman before in my guide to the most instagrammable coffee shops in Edinburgh, but this one is truly a must.
It is located in the Old Town, and it is an independent specialty coffee shop that allows you to hide away from the hustle outside in the city center while enjoying a good refreshing beverage and scrumptious cakes.
The Milkman is the most photographed cafe in the area, and it is easy to see why.
This place is beautiful both on the outside and inside. Really well decorated, and the baristas make the place super cozy and affordable for everyone to enjoy. A cozy place to chill and grab a bite!
Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
Colorful places in Edinburgh: Stockbridge Market
Lots of travelers and locals love wandering around the Stockbridge market on Sundays. It is a lovely attraction for those sweet colorful pictures on Instagram, especially when there is autumn foliage.
This food market features artisanal goods from local producers and global street fare, so if you’re the kind of person who loves finding food markets in Rome, Paris, London, or Edinburgh, you’ve got the perfect spot here.
A personal tip:
Visit the Dean’s Village and keep walking alongside Leith Waters until you reach the Stockbridge gates. It is a long nice walk wandering in nature, but you can bathe in that colorful scenery and take some great pictures of it!
Read: The Best Breakfast in Rome
Best places to visit in Edinburgh: Tolbooth Tavern
Next up, you’ve got the Tolbooth Tavern, which offers historical architecture and the perfect background for pictures.
The famous medieval looks are apparently an Instagram melter. And there, people simply adore the grand clock and the dark, mysterious Hogwarts vibes!
Tolboth Tavern is a traditional Scottish pub with colorful interiors and a relaxing vibe.
So if you wish to try the famous haggis and drink a pint, this might just be the rewarding treat after a day out exploring the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh!
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in East Village NYC
Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Closes of Edinburgh & the Writers Museum
As you walk down the Royal Mile in the direction of the Canon Gate, you will spot a narrow street to the left leading to a sort of wee private “plazas” – those are the famous Closes of Edinburgh. They are very old and pretty to take pictures of.
Some of them were even used in shows like Outlander. But between those closes, you will eventually see one opening up to the Writers’ Museum.
You can spot the outside of this museum in a lot of pictures due to its magical vibes. It is the famous tower that makes the Writers’ museum one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh – and you must visit it!
If you look for the Lady stairs, close by, you will find yourself in a silent area away from the crowds and bustling sounds of the city center – even if you’re literally standing in the middle of the city.
If you feel like it, enjoy the free entrance to the museum which is dedicated to the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and many others!
Read: The Best Places to Write in London
Most Instagrammable places in Edinburgh: Camera Obscura
Looking for cool vibrant colored pictures for your Instagram feed?
The Camera Obscura is one of the coolest places in Edinburgh, and one that everyone loves to visit.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a tourist attraction located on the outskirts of the Castle of Edinburgh in the nearest tower of the Castlehill section.
The original attraction was founded by the entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835. This fun-for-all-ages experience has a rooftop with beautiful panoramic views all over the city.
The entrance costs close to 21£ but it is said to be one of the coolest places in town, a vibrant experience with lights and effects of all kinds.
Indeed one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh if you’re looking for something different, and a more immersive kind of experience.
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Colorful places in Edinburgh: Portobello Beach
Portobello Beach. A beach in the city. I am from Portugal and this still amazes me. A real beach so close to the city center? It’s nothing, if not fascinating.
Portobello Beach is part of the Leith neighborhood, and it is also one of the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh thanks to its scenery and spots to watch the golden Scottish sunset.
If you wish for a welcoming way to end your days in the Scottish capital, this one might be one of the most romantic views of the Scottish horizon.
Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Lower Manhattan
22 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh & Colorful Spots
Thus ends our guide to the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh – places you should definitely include on your next trip to Scotland!
In this dark magical cobblestoned capital, you can find all sorts of beautiful places to explore filled with color and culture, so grab yer camera, pack your tartan blankie, and let’s do this!
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