Edinburgh Old Town Icons Photography Small Group Walking Tour

Show all photos
1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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.

What's Included

Printed tour handout with route map and photography tips.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet outside St Gile's Cathedral main entrance. Look for the 'Shutter Scotland' sign.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    St Giles' Cathedral

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Gladstone's Land

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Castlehill

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 4
    Victoria Street

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Grassmarket

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    The Vennel Viewpoint Edinburgh Castle

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Greyfriars Kirk

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    St Giles' Cathedral

    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.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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.
Supplied by Shutter Scotland

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Show more

from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}
Check availability