photo journal for Edinburgh

Edinburgh
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Edinburgh, a city of sweeping views, UNESCO approved architecture, cultural festivals and the scent of toasty malts coming from the city’s breweries - if the views don’t take your breath away then the frosty bite in the air just might.

The Scottish Capital is synonymous with comedy and high-arts, but a more sinister history also plays out here, with the likes of Burke and Hare, and the underground culture portrayed in Irvine Welsh’s ‘Trainspotting’. In Edinburgh you cannot have one without the other: buildings, streets and landscapes have inspired city-dwellers for centuries, breeding the famous and infamous alike.

Arthur’s Seat, the ancient volcano towering over the town, offers the most generous viewpoint which stretches all the way to the sea. Standing here, above the city, one can see that this is a place where the clichéd “something for everyone” truly applies.

Edinburgh city seen from Calton Hill with Edinburgh castle on the left hand side and the traffic of Princes Street on the right

Calton Hill is a quick five minute hike, close to Edinburgh Waverley, with 360 degree panoramic views of the city.

the National Monument of Scotland is rising out of the long grass at Calton Hill

The National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill - Scotland’s national memorial to soldiers & sailors who died fighting in the Naapoleonic Wars. Due to lack of funds it was never finished which has caused it to be known by some unfavourable nicknames, such as ‘Scotland’s Folly’, ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’, ‘The Pride and Poverty of Scotland’ and ‘Edinburgh’s Folly’.

sun sets turning the city to shadow at Calton Hill

Calton Hill

the National Monument of Scotland seen from Calton Hill

The National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill

Calton Hill Observatory sitting atop Calton Hill

Calton Hill Observatory now known as as Collective

a clock tower and spires in Edinburgh city can be seen from Calton Hill

The Dugland Stewart Monument on Calton Hill, a memorial to the Scottish philosopher.

Arthur's Seat from below

Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano described by Robert Louis Stevenson as “a hill for magnitude, a mountain in virtue of its bold design'“.

Arthur's Seat and views of Edinburgh from afar

At a height of 250m Arthur’s Seat is a great location for panoramic views.

Portobello sea front can be seen from Arthur's Seat

Portobello from Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat looks out over Portobello sea front

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat can be seen with a view of Edinburgh city and the castle

Edinburgh Castle, just one mile east from Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat with view of Edinburgh Castle

Arthur’s Seat

stone houses in the Grassmarket with Edinburgh Castle in the background

The Grassmarket runs parallel to The Royal Mile with a local market held every Saturday.

colourful buildings line a curved Victoria Street

Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh’s most photographed streets. Some believe it was the inspiration for Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’.

Looking for restaurants, bars or hotels in Edinburgh? Maybe our map can help.

Check out Muriel Spark’s ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’ from our book club selects for some literary Edinburgh inspiration.

For more UK destinations check out our photo journal for Rye & Hastings and our photo journal for Newcastle upon Tyne. For more city breaks in Europe check out our photo journal for Amsterdam and photo journal for Lisbon.