Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Instagram-worthy spots in Edinburgh
25
items Edinburgh is such a beautiful and historic city. Whether you are after the perfect backdrop for photos, iconic sites or quirky places to scout out. I have you covered.
Map
Sections
3
Viewpoints
Foodie places
Independent shops
Viewpoints
The best views of Edinburgh, the castle and lesser known locations for the best photography experience.
The historic steps lead up from the Grassmarket. Trust me it is worth the climb up the steps to get an eye level view of Edinburgh Castle.
Fans of One Day from netflix might recognise this area too from filming.
The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle
Set down in Princes Street Gardens (West) you can see the striking Edinburgh Castle and volcanic rock.
You'll also find the recently renovated Ross Fountain. If you come on a cold winter's morning, the fountain could be frozen.
Ross Fountain, Edinburgh
The picturesque neighbourhood of Dean Village was once a hub of flour mills and factories. Now the area is quiet and the Water of Leith flows quietly through. The best view is at the bottom of Bells Brae and across the iron bridge. Just be mindful th...
Dean Village
Located along the Water of Leith walkway and a few minutes from Dean Village is the Georgian era well. The mineral waters were once thought to be a spa day for rich Georgians. However it was soon deemed unsanitary. The sculpture of Hygeia remains and...
St Bernard's Well
Perched up overlooking the entirety of Edinburgh. The climb up to Calton hill is worth it (takes around 10 minutes). The top is home to the National Monument that was designed to look like the Greek Acropolis, you'll also spot the Observatory and a l...
Calton Hill
Cockburn street, pronounced "co-burn" links Edinburgh's New Town and Royal Mile together. The steep curved street dates back to the 18th century and is home to lots of independent shops and coffee places.
The cobblestones and sand stone buildings ma...
Cockburn St
This institution in Edinburgh's Old town is such a gem. The museum is free and open seven days a week. There is permanent exhibitions, including my favourite “ The Kingdom of Scots” which showcases Scottish history from the Viking Era through to the ...
National Museum of Scotland
Located in Edinburgh's New Town (Queen Street ) is the large red sandstone portrait gallery. I love this gallery, the portraits of some well known Scottish figures are hung inside. This free gallery has over 3000 works inside and spread over three fl...
There are paintings from the Stewart Dynasty (1500/1600's) and there is a striking oil portrait of King Charles 1st execution. There is also some from the Jacobite era.
The gallery also has more modern portraits of Scottish scientists, sportsmen and politicians. The highlight for me is the enchanted ceiling in the entrance foyer, the nights sky is painted in gold detailing.
I would allow yourself two hours to fully explore.
On site there are luggage lockers, a gift shop and large cafe too.
There are paintings from the Stewart Dynasty (1500/1600's) and there is a striking oil portrait of King Charles 1st execution. There is also some from the Jacobite era.
The gallery also has more modern portraits of Scottish scientists, sportsmen and politicians. The highlight for me is the enchanted ceiling in the entrance foyer, the nights sky is painted in gold detailing.
I would allow yourself two hours to fully explore.
On site there are luggage lockers, a gift shop and large cafe too.
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Hidden away in the area called Duddingston, is the perfect Dr Neil's Garden. This area overshadowed by the slopes of Arthur’s Seat and next to the Duddingston Loch. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh the gardens are like an oasis. Fi...
The gardens are free to explore.
The gardens are free to explore.
Dr Neil's Garden
The magnificient Royal Military Tattoo happens every August in Edinburgh on the famous castle esplanade. The night is filled with Scottish music, dancing and theatre and is absolutley worth seeing. Every year, members of the Brititsh Royal family att...
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Tickets 2026
Where decadence meets debauchery. This hotel found on the Cowgate (literally a five minute walk to the Royal Mile) is a fun modern hotel. They have 22 rooms, each is tastefully decorated and come with oak panelling, fully stocked cocktail bar and off...
House of Gods, Cowgate (Old Town).
Foodie places
Beautiful interiors, but more importantly actually good food.. not just style over substance.
Set in Edinburgh's New Town Cafe Royale offer a greta place to indulge in locally caught Scottish seafood. Their oyster menu is the best in town and the well stocked bar will surely tempt you.
Café Royal Edinburgh | Oyster Bar & Historic Restaurant
Set in Georgian splendour, the Dome offer dining experiences from afternoon tea, to their Grill Room and more sophisticated Club Room dining. Their menus celebrate the finest local produce, thoughtfully crafted to reflect the best of each season.
The Dome, George Street.
The best hotel in Edinburgh, The Balmoral offer a luxury afternoon tea that's not to be missed. £67.50 per person.
Award-Winning Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh | Palm Court
The Georgian era library offer a luxury afternoon tea (£65 per person) . They cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
The Colonnades at The Signet Library
The sister hotel to the famous Gleneagles in the Scottish countryside, the townhouse is stylish and oozes old money charm. The rooms are elegant and the hotel has spa facilities, a sauna, fitness centre, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. I ado...
Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh (New Town).
This is one of my favourite independent coffee shops in all of Edinburgh. Located a stones throw from the Royal Mile, this cute wee cafe is covered in retro tape cassettes and they always have good music on in the background. Their coffee is great, s...
Hideout Cafe, Upperbow
This boutique hotel is one of my favourites in all of the city. The historic building dates back to the 1500's and is such a romantic, whimsical and unique place to stay. You are literally on Castlehill with a 2 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle. The r...
The Witchery by the Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh
Perfectly located on Victoria Street the new Virgin Hotel is a great base. The rooms are artistically decorated, cosy and offer comfortable beds. The dining options here also highly reviewed, especially their breakfasts. If you want a cocktail in the...
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
This modern and unique hotel is on top of the latest edition to Edinburgh's Skyline. The unique rooms and suites of this 5 star hotel in Edinburgh are anything but expected. Breathtaking dining and specialty bars bring inspired new flavours to the ci...
W Hotel, Edinburgh
Found under the imposing shadow of Edinburgh Castle on the Grassmarket is arguably one of Edinburgh’s most popular ice cream place.
As seen on “Somebody Feed Phil” well known TV show, Mary hand makes the gelato and chocolate every day.
Therefore, each day the flavours are different and in season. I would check their social media to see the daily offerings.
I remember trying their tea and biscuit flavour and thought it worked well. You can also try some ice cream spaghetti - A scoop of your choice ice cream, a mound of milk ice cream ‘spaghetti’, amarena cherry ‘meatballs’, toasted honey breadcrumbs, gr...
Note that they do have limited seats, and talking about their seating and bar area stools are made from 100% recycled milk bottles and their colourful tops. If you are visiting on a sunny day, you may have to wait in line but trust me it is worth the...
As seen on “Somebody Feed Phil” well known TV show, Mary hand makes the gelato and chocolate every day.
Therefore, each day the flavours are different and in season. I would check their social media to see the daily offerings.
I remember trying their tea and biscuit flavour and thought it worked well. You can also try some ice cream spaghetti - A scoop of your choice ice cream, a mound of milk ice cream ‘spaghetti’, amarena cherry ‘meatballs’, toasted honey breadcrumbs, gr...
Note that they do have limited seats, and talking about their seating and bar area stools are made from 100% recycled milk bottles and their colourful tops. If you are visiting on a sunny day, you may have to wait in line but trust me it is worth the...
Mary's Milk Bar
Set in an old Opticians shop, this coffee shop is cosy and offers great hot chocolates and mochas. They are all made from real hot chocolate and I also love to pair it with a piece of their rich Guinness cake. Take a book with you and spend a leisure...
THOMAS J WALLS COFFEE, Edinburgh - 2026 Reviews & Information
Located on the corner of the Meadows Park is food truck, Uplands Roast.
Their hot chocolate is warming, topped with mini marshmallows, and one large flame roasted marshmallow, chocolate curls and a sprinkling of autumnal cinnamon.
They are open 8-8 and serve direct trade Vietnamese coffee and the best hot chocolate in town.
Their hot chocolate is warming, topped with mini marshmallows, and one large flame roasted marshmallow, chocolate curls and a sprinkling of autumnal cinnamon.
They are open 8-8 and serve direct trade Vietnamese coffee and the best hot chocolate in town.
Uplands Roast
Independent shops
Great Harry Potter merchandise shop that used to be an old Broomstick store. Very popular in the summer time. Get there at opening time (10am).
Museum Context, Edinburgh
This great independent shop on Candlemaker Row in the Old Town has a plethora of wicthy goods. Handmade candles, spell kits, books and crystals. Beautifully curated and worth a visit.
Witchcraft Shop: Purveyor of Magickal & Esoteric Goods.