I live in Edinburgh — tourists always make one big mistake when visiting

Edinburgh Live

11-05-2025

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Edinburgh, often hailed as one of the UK's most beautiful cities due to its striking medieval architecture, is a must-visit. However, many tourists make a common error when photographing the city's most iconic landmark, Edinburgh Castle.
As a lifelong resident of Edinburgh, I frequently observe visitors snapping pictures of the castle. Yet, there's a simple way to capture a superior photo and enjoy an impressive city view without contending with crowds.
Many tourists flock to the Waterstones bookshop on Princes Street, drawn by the cafe's renowned window view of the castle. A quick social media search for Edinburgh Castle will reveal numerous photos taken from Waterstones, making it so popular that some locals steer clear of the cafe.
While I'm a fan of Waterstones, I wouldn't choose it as a spot to photograph the castle or unwind, given its popularity. The limited space at the window - just three tables - can make it challenging to secure a good shot, especially when it's bustling and noisy.
For a fantastic photograph of Edinburgh Castle, I'd instead suggest heading to the Willow Tea Rooms, conveniently located just a few shops down from Waterstones.
(Image: Katherine McPhillips)
Many visitors to Edinburgh often overlook the Willow Tea Room, primarily because its doors are frequently closed and you have to ascend a flight of stairs to reach the dining area.
However, it's one of my top spots. The Willow Tea Room boasts enormous windows that, in my view, offer a superior vista of Edinburgh Castle compared to Waterstones.
These expansive windows ensure a stunning castle view from any seat, so you won't be disturbing anyone while snapping photos.
I'm a big fan of the Willow Tea Rooms as it's typically peaceful despite its location on Edinburgh's main street, and the staff have consistently been delightful during my visits.
The highlight of the Willow Tea Rooms is their afternoon tea service and an impressive array of cakes for those feeling a bit peckish.
(Image: Katherine McPhillips)
It's perfect for a simple cuppa, but with an extensive menu, it's also a fantastic choice if you're seeking a dinner spot or wanting to sample a Scottish breakfast.
One of my favourite self-indulgences is to pop into Waterstones for a book, then spend an hour at the Willow Tea Room, one of the city centre's cosiest and most comfortable spots.
If you're after a quieter place to enjoy the view of Edinburgh Castle and capture some breathtaking photos, I'd highly recommend the Willow Tea Room over the more frequented Waterstones.