When it comes to the most picturesque streets around, Scotland's capital has both the bustling and the beautiful - from the famous pathway that birthed Harry Potter's Diagon Alley to the filming location of Avengers: Infinity War. Our gorgeous city really has it all and, lucky for you, we've found six pretty streets in Edinburgh that are ideal for a scenic stroll.
Circus Lane
This beautifully curved locale is often thought of as the city's prettiest street. Devised as an extension to the New Town by the 18th-century architect James Craig, Circus Lane in Edinburgh went against the grain and became one of the first non-straight roads in the capital. You can even pop around the corner to Hector's for a hearty post-jaunt Sunday roast - a dream day out if you ask us.
This clocktower is reputed to have the longest pendulum in Europe... cheeky.
Belford Mews
At just under 200 metres long, this cobbled street leads right into Dean Village. Although it may have a more equestrian-themed history, the quiet road is now home to several Edinburgh residents. Not far from The Water of Leith, Belford Mews makes for a pretty chilled and scenic meander. If you want to cut your walk short and grab some sophisticated drinks under decadent chandeliers, Angels Share is serving up the goods nearby.
There's something about cobbled streets that just makes us so... happy.
The Shore
The Shore sits proudly in Leith, the city's buzzing port district. Officially having merged into the capital back in 1920, the area now plays host to a variety of bars, restaurants and independent bookshops; it's honestly one of the best streets to walk in Edinburgh. Whether you want to stroll along the waterfront or visit the Royal Yacht Britannia to see inside the former floating royal residence, the area is a guaranteed beaut.
The biggest problem you'll have here is thinking of captions for all your Instagram pics.
Victoria Street
Instagrammable places to visit? Expect independent shops, colourful buildings and facades filled with history at Victoria Street in Edinburgh. Originally named Bow Street when constructed in 1829, it gained its regal name in 1837 following Queen Victoria's ascension. And would you believe us if we told you this street was the inspiration for the beloved Diagon Alley? Ya got that right.
We just hope there's time to visit every little shop here on one of Edinburgh's prettiest streets.
Cockburn Street
Built in 1856, Cockburn
Street's original purpose was to link the high street
with Waverly Station. And now? It's one of the most famous streets
in Edinburgh. It was even used for filming in Avengers: Infinity
War back in 2017. Nowadays, it's filled with independent
shops and the City Chambers, the 12-storey building that dominates
the skyline. It's also just a stone's throw away
from Belushi's Edinburgh, which is a top
spot if you've got a real hankering for craft beer and
burgers.
The street featured in a scene from Scarlet Witch and Vision, filmed back in 2017.
Melville Street
Melville Street is just a quick stroll from the historic Edinburgh Castle. It's thought to have been built around 1825 and was originally meant to be the principal development of the West End. And you know what? These Georgian houses are still sitting pretty. One quick scan online shows that the apartments are positively beautiful on the inside... we'll just go ahead and add one of these to our wish list.
A three-bed apartment here could set you back £1.2 million.
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