An enchanted guide to cobblestone streets, gothic architecture and secret closes...



Edinburgh’s Old Town feels as though it was built for stories. Winding cobbled streets disappear beneath towering gothic buildings. Hidden closes lead to unexpected little courtyards. Ancient kirkyards sit quietly beneath the shadow of the castle, while colourful crooked buildings seem to belong in the pages of a fairytale.


If you’re dreaming of photographs that feel a little magical, romantic, moody and cinematic, Old Town is one of my favourite places in Scotland to create them. Whether you’re imagining yourself as the heroine of a gothic novel, a romantic love story or simply wanting photographs that feel unmistakably Edinburgh, there are endless little corners to discover. Here are some of my favourite Old Town locations for an Edinburgh photoshoot, including a few hidden gems you might otherwise walk straight past.

 

Location 1:


St Giles Cathedral


Standing proudly on the Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral is one of those places that instantly makes a photograph feel grand and timeless. Its intricate stonework, dramatic architecture and towering spires create the perfect backdrop for something romantic and moody. There’s something wonderfully old-world about standing beneath the cathedral walls. 

 

Woman in floral corset and black skirt walks through stone archway corridor holding a vintage lantern.
Two people dance in a historic stone courtyard with gothic architecture.
A flowing burgundy dress twirls dramatically in front of ornate Gothic cathedral doors.
Woman in black velvet outfit standing on stone steps before a Gothic cathedral's ornate arched wooden door.

 

Location 2:


Writers' Museum / Makars' Court


Tucked away just off the Royal Mile, the Writers’ Museum and Makars’ Court feel like a little secret. The beautiful old stone buildings and narrow passages create a wonderfully atmospheric setting, particularly if you love photographs with an old-world, literary or dark-academia feel.

 

A romantic moment captured against a historic stone building backdrop.
Couple walking through an old Edinburgh courtyard with historic stone architecture.
Romantic couple embracing against a stone wall, woman in cream coat gazing up at man in brown sweater.
Couple dancing under a stone archway in Edinburgh's Old Town, with historic buildings and a vintage lamp post in the background.

 

Location 3:


Upper Bow / Victoria Street


Few places in Edinburgh feel quite as whimsical as Victoria Street, often nicknamed Diagon Alley because it looks so much like something from Harry Potter. With its curved buildings, colourful shopfronts, winding staircase and layers of architecture, this is one of those locations where you can turn a corner and discover an entirely new backdrop. The Upper Bow overlooking Victoria Street adds even more drama, with its old stone arches and cinematic views! 

 

Woman gazing at historic Edinburgh stone buildings and castle from a balcony railing on a cloudy day.
Couple sharing a romantic kiss on colorful Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, bride in lace dress.
Romantic couple standing on a dimly lit balcony overlooking historic stone buildings at dusk.
Woman in blue sweater leaning on iron railing of stone building balcony, gazing down colorful urban street.

 

Location 4:


Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery


For something a little darker and more mysterious, Greyfriars Kirkyard is the best haunting place in town! Ancient gravestones, weathered stonework and crooked pathways give this historic cemetery a wonderfully gothic atmosphere. There’s something hauntingly beautiful about wandering amongst the old stones, making it perfect for moody, magical and slightly otherworldly photographs.

 

Red-haired woman in black coat standing beside ancient stone monument in historic cemetery with church spire in background.
A romantic couple in dark gothic attire share an intimate moment against ancient stone ruins.
Woman in ornate jacket stands before ancient stone mausoleum with carved details and weathered wooden door.
Black and white portrait of a woman in dark veil and gothic attire, posing dramatically outdoors.

 

Location 5:


Vennel Viewpoint


Hidden amongst the winding streets of Edinburgh, The Vennel offers one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. The old-timey stone steps and dramatic castle backdrop make photographs here feel wonderfully cinematic and almost fairytale-like.

 

Woman in red gown with tartan shawl on Edinburgh Old Town steps, Edinburgh Castle visible in background.
Two women holding hands walking toward Edinburgh Castle on a cobblestone street, one smiling back at the camera.
Couple dancing romantically on historic Edinburgh street with castle backdrop and stone buildings.
Blurred bride with flower hair accessory in foreground, Edinburgh Castle on misty hilltop behind stone buildings.

 

Location 6:


Princes Street Gardens / Ross Fountain


Nestled beneath Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens brings a softer, more whimsical feeling to your photographs. The beautiful greenery, old trees and ornate Ross Fountain create a romantic backdrop that feels straight out of a storybook. Especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when the gardens are full of colour.

 

Woman in vintage white gown poses gracefully by ornate fountain in sunlit park.
Person standing before the ornate Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens with Edinburgh Castle on volcanic rock behind.
Couple in traditional South Asian attire sharing a romantic moment near a fountain statue outdoors.
Woman in red beret and black jacket standing among purple wildflowers in golden sunlight.

 

Location 7:


Scott Monument


Rising dramatically above Princes Street, the Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most striking gothic landmarks. Its intricate dark stonework and and dramatic staircase, create a stunning gothic backdrop for photographs. There’s something almost enchanted about standing beneath its spires, as though you’ve wandered into an old Victorian fairytale.

 

Black and white photo of a couple kissing in front of a Gothic monument surrounded by trees.
Woman in red cap and leather jacket sits at outdoor cafe table with coffee, green park and Gothic tower behind her.
Couple in elegant attire on stone steps before Gothic monument, woman in flowing red gown holds man's hand.
Couple walking arm in arm on a rainy park path, woman in beige coat and man in brown sweater, historic tower behind.

 

Location 8:


New College University Courtyard


With its towering gothic architecture and dramatic staircase, New College feels like it belongs in a magical old university from another world. There’s a wonderful dark-academia atmosphere here, with a touch of moody romance. It’s perfect for photographs that feel dark academia, cinematic and moody.



The courtyard is only accessible during university semester hours, so availability can be limited depending on when your photoshoot is planned.

 

A lone figure in a black gown walks through a grand historic stone castle courtyard with arched gate.
A young woman sits in a wooden chair reading a book outside a historic stone building with ornate architecture.
Couple holding hands running through a grand stone cathedral courtyard with Gothic architecture and clock tower backdrop.
Couple holding hands in front of a grand wooden arched door at a historic stone building.

 

Location 9:


Bakehouse Close / Jamie's Print Shop


Tucked away just off the Royal Mile, Bakehouse Close is a must for any Outlander fan, as it was used as the filming location for Jamie’s print shop in the series. It feels like stepping straight into Claire and Jamie’s world. It’s a beautiful setting for photographs with a little historical romance and Outlander magic.

 

Woman in red dress standing on stone steps beside historic medieval stone building with warm wall lighting.
Woman walking through historic stone alleyway in Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland, wearing plaid coat and red trousers.
A couple shares a romantic moment on stone steps of an old building, woman in floral dress touching mans face.
Woman in red skirt and plaid scarf standing in historic stone archway courtyard.

Ready for an adventure?



Edinburgh is one of those cities that rewards curiosity. The prettiest photographs aren't always found at the biggest landmarks. Sometimes they're hiding down a tiny staircase, secret close or around a corner you nearly walked past. That's why I love photographing here without rushing.


We'll wander. We'll explore. We'll stop when the light catches the stone just right. And if we happen upon somewhere that wasn't part of the plan? Even better. Some of my favourite photographs have come from the moments in between locations.  The goal isn't to spend an hour standing in front of famous landmarks. It's to make your photographs feel like you've stepped inside a story.


Ready to book a photoshoot in Old Town, Edinburgh? Let's chat and plan your adventure!

I'm Ready!