The Vennel Steps, Edinburgh: A Hidden Gem with Incredible Castle Views
Images speak louder than words—and The Vennel is proof of that. When it comes to jaw-dropping Edinburgh Castle views, this quiet little alleyway might just have the best in the city.
I’ve lived in and explored Edinburgh all my life, but it wasn’t until a visiting tourist booked a photoshoot with me five years ago and asked to visit The Vennel that I discovered it myself. It had popped up on her Instagram feed—and to this day, I’m amazed how few Edinburgh locals know it exists!
How to get to the Vennel Steps
Where Are the Vennel Steps?
The Vennel connects the Grassmarket to Keir Street and Lauriston Place. If you're heading from the Meadows or Marchmont towards the West End or Princes Street, it's a surprisingly handy (and photogenic) shortcut.
The easiest way to find it?
Head to the Grassmarket and look for Mary’s Milk Bar (a firm Instagram favourite thanks to it’s tasty ice cream). Just a few steps along from there, you’ll spot a narrow passage climbing steeply between two buildings. That’s The Vennel.
Go up the steps—and make sure you turn around as you climb. That’s when the magic happens.
The Gentler Route
If you’d prefer a gentler approach, you can come in from the top via Keir Street, which leads down into the Vennel without the workout.
Why The Vennel View Is So Special
You get a very different perspective of Edinburgh Castle from here. Rather than the classic Princes Street Gardens angle, The Vennel gives you a side view showing off the Great Hall, Half Moon Battery, and its iconic cannons peeking out.
The setting is a dream for photos: cobbled steps, old stone walls, iron railings, and traditional street lamps—especially magical when they’re lit at golden hour.
I’d love to do a shoot there when the street lamps come on and the city glows.
Food & Drink Near The Vennel
The Grassmarket is always buzzing with atmosphere—especially in the summer when the big pedestrianised area fills with people soaking up the sun.
Some of my favourite spots nearby:
Mary’s Milk Bar – Iconic ice cream and the perfect photo prop!
The Last Drop – A classic Edinburgh pub named after the last hanging (yep… grim but memorable).
Maison de Moggy – Edinburgh’s original cat café. It’s a quirky stop if you fancy a purrfect cuppa (sorry, couldn’t help myself).
Oink or Castle Rock Fish & Chips – Both great if you fancy a quick bite on nearby Victoria Street.
A Little Vennel Fame
The Vennel might be a hidden gem, but it’s starting to get the spotlight.
It featured in the recent TV adaptation of Ian Rankin’s Rebus, with Rebus’s fictional home being one of the doors along the wall at the top of the Vennel. If you're a fan of Edinburgh-based crime fiction, Rebus is a must-read.
Fun fact: I once spotted Ian Rankin himself walking through the Vennel mid-shoot, congratulating one of my couples and snapping a pic of me at work!
You’ll also find a bit of real history here—the Flodden Wall, Edinburgh’s old city wall built after the 1513 Battle of Flodden. Halfway up the Vennel, look out for the tower, wall, and plaque explaining its story.
Why Choose The Vennel for a Photoshoot?
The Vennel ticks all the boxes:
✨ Castle views with limited crowds
✨ Beautiful light, dramatic angles, and romantic textures
✨ Tucked-away charm perfect for couples or family shoots
✨ Just minutes from other top locations like Victoria Street and the Grassmarket
Whether you're visiting the city or just fancy capturing some everyday magic, The Vennel is one of those rare spots where Edinburgh feels timeless.
If you’re keen to include it in your shoot—or go full treasure-hunt mode exploring Edinburgh’s secret corners—let’s plan something relaxed and fun. You bring the smiles, I’ll bring the camera.
📍 Want more location inspiration? Check out my other guides to Calton Hill, the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh’s best photo spots.