Edinburgh Castle is a defining feature of Scotland's capital city. I always recommend touring the castle on your first visit to Edinburgh. You can hire a local host, or buy a ticket that comes with an audio guide to take your time and meander about the different areas within the castle walls.
While touring the castle can be fun, I also like to keep an eye out for it when I'm walking just about anywhere in Edinburgh. It sits up on a hill called Castle Rock, and it's elevated enough that you can see it from so many different locations in the city!
Here are my favorite viewpoints to catch a glimpse of Edinburgh Castle:
The Vennel Viewpoint
The Vennel Viewpoint is a very popular spot to see a unique view of Edinburgh Castle. You can take a taxi to the top of the viewpoint, or walk up the long staircase. At the top, you'll have a nearly eye-level view of the castle with the staircase at the bottom.
The staircase is lined with gorgeous brick buildings and old style lamp posts, making this an iconic photo that you'll often see photographers take in Edinburgh. Luckily, when I visited, there weren't many people here and I had this spot to myself most of the time.
Princes Street
Princes Street is one of the main streets in Edinburgh. This is where you'll find a lot of chain stores and restaurants, along with the famous Scott Monument, a huge, gothic monument to honor one of Scotland's most well-known writers.
I'd recommend walking west on the south side of the street. Every once in a while, just look up and to the left, and you'll see Edinburgh Castle perched up on Castle Rock for most of your walk. This is a great place to see the sprawling castle as you're looking at it from its side.
Grassmarket
There is a square at the bottom of Victoria Street, near the Vennel Viewpoint, called Grassmarket. It's a square that is lined with restaurants and some specialty shops. While you're walking around, keep an eye out for the castle peeking between buildings. Like I mentioned, it's elevated so much that you can often see it, even if there are buildings all around!
Ross Fountain
Ross Fountain is a beautiful teal and gold fountain in Princes Street Gardens. You'll have to walk into the gardens along Princes Street to find it, but when you do, you'll know why this spot is special! From a certain angle, you'll see that Edinburgh Castle fits right in as a lovely backdrop to your photos. These are some of my favorite pictures I took during my stay in Edinburgh.
Waterstones Bookstore
There are a few cafes along the north side of Princes Street that have windows facing south. These will usually give you an excellent view of the castle! My favorite so far has been the cafe inside Waterstones Bookstore. There's nothing like sipping an oat milk latte with a gorgeous view!
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