The curved, cobbled street of colourful shop fronts leading down to the Grassmarket is Edinburgh's most photographed street; the viewpoint is the stairs and the top-of-Victoria Terrace walkway.
Victoria Street and West Bow form a curved, cobbled terrace in Edinburgh's Old Town, descending from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket in Scotland. Its tiered design, with shops at street level and a pedestrian walkway, Victoria Terrace, running above, makes it one of the most photographed streets in the city. The painted shop fronts in strong reds, blues, greens and purples are the main subject, and the gentle curve of the street leads the eye towards the Grassmarket below. Two main frames work well. From the top of the street near George IV Bridge, a telephoto lens compresses the curve and the colours; from the Victoria Terrace walkway and the stairs, a wider lens captures the street falling away below with the roofline and church spires behind. Light is the deciding factor. Overcast days suit the saturated colours, avoiding reflections on shop windows, while early morning before 9am delivers empty cobbles and soft, even light. Late afternoon sun can warm the facades but throws harsh shadows across the narrow street. The street is a public thoroughfare, free and open at all hours, though shopfronts open from about 10am and crowds build quickly from mid-morning, especially in August during the festival season. Photographers who want a clean frame should arrive early, as a tripod on the cobbles quickly becomes an obstruction once pedestrians arrive. A tripod is legal in public but should be kept clear of doorways and the walkway, and respect for shop entrances matters, since the businesses depend on access. Drones are not appropriate in this dense historic area. A 35 mm or 50 mm prime handles most compositions, and a polarising filter can reduce glare from windows and wet cobbles. Cafes in the Grassmarket and along the street offer places to wait for the light, and public toilets are a short walk away in the surrounding Old Town.
| Best time | Early morning (before 9am) for empty streets; late afternoon for warm light on the colourful facades |
|---|---|
| Best season | All year; overcast days suit the saturated colours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2HE |
Shooting notes
- Equipment
- 35 mm or 50 mm prime, polarising filter optional
Location
Victoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2HE
55.9487, -3.1938 View on map
Highlights
- Curved cobbled street lined with brightly painted shop fronts
- Victoria Terrace walkway for elevated views down the street
- Grassmarket at the foot as a natural leading line
- Quiet empty-street shots possible before 9am
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9am to photograph the street without crowds.
- A 35 mm or 50 mm prime suits most frames; a 70-200 mm compresses the curve from the top.
- Use a polarising filter to cut glare from shop windows and wet cobbles.
- Keep tripods clear of doorways and shop entrances.
- Overcast days reduce harsh shadows and keep colours even.
When to visit
Before 9am for empty streets, or late afternoon for warm light on the facades; crowds are heavy from mid-morning, especially in August.
Accessibility
The street is cobbled and steeply curved, with stairs linking it to Victoria Terrace above; wheelchair users may find the cobbles and gradient demanding.
Frequently asked questions
When is Victoria Street least crowded?
Early morning before 9am is quietest. Shops open from about 10am and crowds grow through the day, especially in August.
Where is the best viewpoint?
The stairs and the Victoria Terrace walkway above the street give the best elevated view of the curve and the colourful facades.
Is there a charge to photograph here?
No. It is a public street, free and open at all hours.
Does weather matter for this location?
Overcast days suit the saturated shop colours, while bright sun creates window glare and harsh shadows.