Edinburgh Festival Fringe is one of the city's biggest annual attractions, and a mass celebration of the beautiful, the weird, and the eclectic. However, while visitors are looking for their perfect show, they may just find the best view in Edinburgh.
A Google search will tell you that the hills and vantage points dotted around the city offer pretty fantastic views. However, going off the beaten track and down a few historic alleys may turn up the most Instagram-able moments.
READ MORE - Kind Edinburgh stranger hands out £1,000 to locals at petrol station
New to the city reporter Danyel VanReenen has rounded up a few of Edinburgh’s best views ahead of the festival.
National Museum rooftop terrace
The National Museum’s rooftop terrace is a personal favourite as it is free, and it offers nearly 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.
The northwest view reveals a stunning look at the Edinburgh Castle façade sitting above the historic skyline of the Royal Mile. From the south, various gothic buildings and towers jut out of suburbia as a tribute to Edinburgh’s rich history.
It is more difficult to catch a glimpse of views to the East, but Holyrood can be seen from the stairs as viewers climb up to the roof.
The view is made all the more satisfying after meandering through the National Museum exhibits. The building itself is a massive maze of history and knowledge. Featuring exhibits for visitors of all ages, abilities and interests, it’s well worth some time on the way to the roof.
The roof terrace is accessible by stairs as well as a lift.
Craigmillar Castle
Views from Craigmillar Castle battlements are a close runner up. The historic complex sits within Edinburgh city, but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile.
The oldest part of the castle was built during the late medieval period, and Mary Queen of Scots famously used the castle as a safe haven in 1566.
Aside from the palpable history and authenticity of the castle, the views from the battlements reveal the beauty of the Edinburgh City Centre from a distance as well as views of the sea near Leith and Portobello, and the famous country side beauty of Scotland.
Lush green hills roll away from the castle hill, and slowly fade into housing estates. On a clear day, the blue/black sea can be seen. Holyrood and Edinburgh Castle can be spotted in the distance, and visitors can nearly picture the old royal gardens that used to grow on site.
Entry costs £7, and the castle walls are not accessible for those with mobility issues due to the age and design of the structure.
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
Greyfriar’s Kirkyard is better known for its church and cemetery rather than for its views. However, the alternative, more somber view of the city through headstones and over the ancient Flodden Wall hold a certain appeal.
While gravestones and mausoleums create an atmosphere that usually matches the grey skies above Scotland, the best views are from the properties south-east corner near the main street entrance. Visitors can wander between gravestones while keeping an eye on the skyline above. Most notably, the spires of Tolbooth Kirk stand front and center.
The Kirkyard is free to the public, and it has a paved pathway from the entrance at the top of Candlemaker Row near the George IV Bridge junction.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street may not offer sweeping vistas of Edinburgh; however, it is certainly a picture-perfect location.
On particularly grey and rainy days, the colour of the restaurant and store fronts contrast sharply with the weather. Visitors may feel like they’ve stepped onto Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter Universe.
The buildings lining the road are multi-story constructs typical of the city. The city’s classic sandstone architecture is prominent on the highest half of the buildings, but the lower floors feature brightly painted facades. Most buildings feature store fronts, cafes and restaurants that offer shelter on a rainy day. Cobble stone streets complete the picture of historic idealism.
Pedestrians should be cautious of oncoming cars and traffic while snapping the perfect picture.
Other views from around the city include Calton Hill, King Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park, the cobble stone forecourt at Edinburgh Castle, and the Prince’s Street Gardens on the North side of the train station.
READ MORE - East Lothian mum shares horror of Harry Styles fan landing on her after 35ft drop
READ MORE - Drivers urged to use 'hidden' button in car to save money on fuel costs
READ MORE - Video captures moment Edinburgh residents forced to abandon their home during fire
