Edinburgh Old Town Icons Photography Small Group Walking Tour
Active
1h - 2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Step into Edinburgh’s Old Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site bursting with history, colour, and character. On this 2-hour guided photography walk, you’ll learn how to capture it all, whether you’re using a smartphone or a professional camera.
From Gothic spires to winding medieval closes, from the Castle Esplanade to colourful Victoria Street, we’ll guide you to the most photogenic spots and share simple tips that make a big difference. Expect iconic views, hidden corners, and plenty of chances to experiment with composition, light, and perspective.
Small groups (max 8) mean there’s time for individual guidance. You’ll leave with stronger photography skills — and a memory card full of Edinburgh’s best angles.
Start time: 11AM.
Available options
Edinburgh Old Town Icons Photography Small Group Walking Tour
What's included
Printed tour handout with route map and photography tips.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Explore this iconic Gothic cathedral, founded in the 12th century. Learn about the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, the medieval prison site, and the historic architecture. Capture scale and composition with the cathedral spire and cobbled streets as your foreground.
2
Stop 2
Step into this 17th-century merchant house located on the historic Lawnmarket, and peek down James Close. Observe the street and shopfronts while experimenting with light, shadow, and reflections. Capture the alleyway framing people and movement for dynamic street photography.
3
Enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Edinburgh from the Esplanade. Photograph the city skyline with the castle above, using aperture priority mode for sharp landscapes and wide depth of field. Look for foreground elements to add depth to your shots.
4
Wander along this curving, colorful street lined with historic shopfronts and cafés. Capture vibrant colors, street life, and reflections in windows. Practice framing, leading lines, and storytelling with passing pedestrians or street details.
5
Stop 5
Explore the lively Grassmarket square, rich in history as a former livestock market and site of public executions. Photograph the bustling square, street life, and use foreground elements like benches or cobbles. Keep an eye on the dramatic Castle view at the far end as a compositional anchor.
6
Step up to this iconic elevated viewpoint for a panoramic glimpse of the Old Town rooftops and narrow closes below. Capture city textures, rooftops, and layers of streets. Ideal for practicing perspective and wide-angle landscape shots.
7
Stop 7
Visit the famous Greyfriars Bobby statue and explore the historic Kirkyard. Photograph the graveyard’s atmospheric stones, the statue, and surrounding architecture. Focus on framing, detail, and composition to tell the story of Edinburgh’s past.
8
Stop 8
Conclude the walk back at St Giles’. Take a final opportunity to capture the cathedral from different angles, include street life, or practice wide and detail shots one last time. Reflect on the day’s compositions and storytelling techniques.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Partially wheelchair accessible. All stops with the exception of the Vennel Viewpoint are wheelchair accessible.
Meeting point
Meet outside St Gile's Cathedral main entrance. Look for the 'Shutter Scotland' sign.
About Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.
Top Attractions
Edinburgh Castle
A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Historical
2-3 hours
£18 (adult), £11 (child)
Royal Mile
A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Historical/Cultural
Several hours to explore fully
Free to walk, attractions vary
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
Nature/Adventure
1-2 hours (hike)
Free
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.
Historical
2 hours
£19 (adult), £10 (child)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Haggis
A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
Main Course
Not vegetarian or vegan.
Scotch Pie
A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.
Snack
Contains meat.
Cranachan
A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten.
Irn-Bru
Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.
Drink
Contains caffeine and sugar.
Popular Activities
Hiking Arthur's Seat
Kayaking on the Water of Leith
Cycling the National Cycle Network
Afternoon tea at The Dome
Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden
Strolling along Princes Street Gardens
Exploring the National Museum of Scotland
Visiting the Scottish National Gallery
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
59°F to 68°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
British Pound (GBP)
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of your surroundings at night
- • Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By train
Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket
By bus
Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
New Town
Leith
Day trips
Lothian
10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day
Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Fife
30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day
Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.
Stirling
60 km (37 miles) • Full day
Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.
Festivals
Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August
Edinburgh International Festival • August
Hogmanay • December 31
Pro tips
- Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
- Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
- Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
- Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
- Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
