The Most Instagrammable Spots in Edinburgh

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About the author: Hello! My name is Madelaine Lee but I usually go by Maddie. I am currently a 2nd year Fine Art student at the University of Edinburgh. I love doing things that are hands on – whether it's art and crafts, gardening, painting, pottery, you name it! I am also very much a nature girl and love going on walks and hikes. My art studio is where I spend most of my time, but if not you will probably see me dancing or ice skating too. I can't wait to share the ins and outs of university life with all of you!

Edinburgh feels like a city that was built for Instagram. Everywhere you turn, there are colourful streets, cosy cafés, impressive skylines and historic buildings that look like they’re straight from a movie set.

Whether you’re a student living in Edinburgh or are a tourist, there are so many spots that deserve a place on your social media post. Here's a list of the ten most aesthetic and Instagrammable places in Edinburgh that are worth the hype.

1. Dean Village 🏠

This almost feels like it's straight out of a fairytale. Dean Village, tucked away just outside the city centre and New Town, feels somehow completely separate from the busy streets nearby.

With the Water of Leith running between the stone houses, tiny bridges and greenery, it is impossible to take a bad photo here, and the red-bricked Well Court building is one of the most photographed spots.

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2. Arthur’s Seat ⛰️

Although the hike can feel painful, especially on a windy day, the view at the top makes it completely worth it.

Arthur’s Seat gives you a panoramic view over the entire city, and the sunset is honestly unreal. It's one of those places where every photo somehow turns out cinematic.

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3. The Meadows 🌳

The Meadows has a completely different vibe depending on the season. When spring starts turning into summer, the cherry blossoms make it look like it's straight out of Pinterest. And when the weather is sunny, it becomes the unofficial student hangout spot.

Expect picnic photos, barbecues, matcha and coffees under the sun. It's one of the most relaxing places in the city and a place where everyone bonds together.

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4. Victoria Street 🛍️

You’ve probably already seen pictures of this street online without even realising it. Victoria Street in Edinburgh's Old Town is famous for its colourful buildings, curved roads and cute independent shops.

Many say it inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, which actually makes sense when you see it in person. It is especially aesthetic at night when all the lights are on and the streets are quieter.

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5. Calton Hill 🌇

Calton Hill is the place to get the classic Edinburgh skyline photo. It is much easier to climb than Arthur’s Seat, and you still get amazing views over the city.

The monuments give the area a slightly European feel, and it is especially incredible at golden hour. It's one of the best places for sunset photos.

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6. Circus Lane 🎪

Circus Lane is a small, quiet street filled with flower-covered houses and cobbled roads. Every season here looks different and beautiful in its own way – autumn leaves, spring flowers, winter decorations. Tourists tend to go back for photos all year round.

It's also right beside Stockbridge, which means there are loads of cute cafés nearby to have a snack afterwards (If snacks caught your attention, check out my blog post on the best cheap places to eat in Edinburgh).

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7. Leith 📸

Leith has a completely different aesthetic to the Old Town; it's more modern, artsy, and less touristy. The Shore area is especially popular for aesthetic riverside photos, brunch spots, and café hopping.

It feels calmer than central Edinburgh, but still has loads of personality.

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8. The Vennel Viewpoint 🌟

This is where you will find one of the most iconic Edinburgh photo opportunities: the staircase leading up to a perfect view of Edinburgh Castle.

Vennel Viewpoint is extremely popular on TikTok and Instagram, so if you want the photos without crowds, it's worth going early in the morning during its non-peak hours; the dramatic castle backdrop makes every picture look professionally planned.

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9. Edinburgh Castle 🏰

You cannot come to Edinburgh without visiting Edinburgh Castle. Whether you photograph it from Princes Street Gardens, Grassmarket, or right outside the entrance itself, it dominates the skyline in the best way possible.

The historic architecture mixed with the dramatic hilltop setting makes it one of the most photogenic landmarks in the UK.

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10. Royal Mile 🏛️

This is one of the busiest places in Edinburgh, but it's incredibly aesthetic. The Royal Mile's old buildings, hidden closes, street performers and historic atmosphere make it feel like walking through a film set.

Even just wandering around with no destination usually leads to a photo-worthy spot.

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In Edinburgh, you don’t need to search hard for aesthetic places – the whole city feels like one gigantic photo opportunity on its own. Even random side streets can end up looking cinematic, especially when the weather is beautiful.

Whether you're after cosy café pictures, dramatic skyline shots, or fairytale looking streets, Edinburgh delivers.

For more things to do in Edinburgh (Instagrammable or not), give my A to Z guide to Edinburgh a read.

Find Instagram-worthy student accommodation in Edinburgh

Whether you're after an aesthetic 2-bed student apartment in Edinburgh's Marchmont or a big and practical 5-bedroom house out in Newington, UniHomes can help you find the Edinburgh student property that's right for you (and with bills included, too!).

Already found next year's home-away-from-home? Sort your bills with UniHomes' student utilities package – click here to get a quote today.

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Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.