Edinburgh Film & TV Locations: Complete Guide (2026)

Edinburgh has been an international film and television location for over 60 years — from the gentle sentiment of Greyfriars Bobby in 1961 to the breakneck action of Avengers: Infinity War in 2018. The Old Town’s gothic atmosphere, the New Town’s Georgian elegance, the dramatic Arthur’s Seat skyline, and the photogenic closes have made Edinburgh a favoured location for directors looking for something between Paris and Prague. This is the definitive guide to Edinburgh film locations — the famous scenes, the streets where they were filmed, the visitor tips, and the alternative perspective that watching a familiar film gives to a real Edinburgh visit.

Trainspotting (1996) and T2 Trainspotting (2017)

Danny Boyle’s adaptations of Irvine Welsh’s novels are the most-famous Edinburgh films globally. The 1996 original earned £48 million on a £1.5m budget and turned Princes Street, Leith and the Edinburgh skyline into permanent shorthand for British counter-culture cinema.

The Opening Chase Scene

Princes Street — Mark Renton and Spud’s chase from Burton’s department store down Princes Street is the most iconic Edinburgh film moment. Filmed early in the morning to keep Princes Street clear of traffic and shoppers.

The Calton Road Scene

The dialogue scene where Renton says “Choose Life” while walking down Calton Road — the eastern part of the New Town.

The Banana Flats (Cables Wynd House)

The distinctive curved-concrete tower block in Leith — Spud’s flat. The 1965 social-housing building has become an Edinburgh icon.

The Volcano Disco

The interior disco scenes were filmed at the Volcano disco at 24 Howe Street (now closed).

Café Royal Oyster Bar

The Victorian pub on West Register Street — used for various Trainspotting scenes including the “worst toilet in Scotland” exterior approach. The pub interior is much grander than the film suggests.

The Glasgow Stand-Ins

Many “Edinburgh” interior scenes in Trainspotting were actually filmed in Glasgow studios. The Princes Street chase and Calton Road were genuine Edinburgh locations.

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

Returned to all the original locations 20 years later — Princes Street, Leith, the Banana Flats, the New Town. Adds Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park to the location list. The sequel’s gentler tone reframes the original’s brutalism.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Marvel’s blockbuster turned Edinburgh into a battle ground in a now-famous sequence. The location filming took place over six days in March 2017.

Cockburn Street

The curving cobbled street between Waverley and the Royal Mile. Vision and Scarlet Witch run down Cockburn Street being chased by aliens. The Old Town buildings appear in many wide shots.

Waverley Station

The interior of Waverley Station and the exterior at Waverley Bridge feature in the chase sequence.

The Royal Mile

Several wide shots of the Royal Mile and the High Street.

The North Bridge

The bridge between Princes Street and the Royal Mile features in the action.

The Tron Kirk

The 17th-century kirk on the Royal Mile is destroyed by alien attack in the film (CGI; the real building is intact).

Why Edinburgh for Avengers?

Marvel chose Edinburgh for its gothic atmosphere and the contrast of medieval streets with futuristic alien threats. The production injected millions into Edinburgh’s economy during filming and brought the city to a global audience of 100+ million Avengers viewers.

One Day (2011)

The David Nicholls novel adaptation starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess used Edinburgh extensively. Most of the romantic Edinburgh scenes are set on graduation day at Edinburgh University.

Arthur’s Seat

The famous sunrise scene where Emma and Dexter watch the sun rise over Edinburgh from Arthur’s Seat — one of the film’s most-quoted images.

The Royal Mile

Various walking scenes through the Old Town.

Edinburgh University Old College

Graduation scenes filmed at the historic University Old Quad.

Calton Hill

Several romantic conversation scenes set against the National Monument.

The St Andrews Day Sequence

Filmed across various Edinburgh locations including the streets around the Royal Mile.

Sunshine on Leith (2013)

The Proclaimers musical adaptation directed by Dexter Fletcher. Set entirely in Edinburgh, primarily in Leith.

Leith Shore

The historic Leith waterfront features extensively. The Shore pub appears in multiple scenes.

The Royal Mile

The opening musical sequence runs through the Old Town.

The Pleasance Theatre

The University of Edinburgh’s Pleasance venue features in stage scenes.

The 500 Miles Climax

The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” climax features virtually every major Edinburgh landmark in a flash-cut sequence.

Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

Josie Rourke’s adaptation starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. The film blended Edinburgh locations with built sets and Scottish countryside filming.

Edinburgh Castle

Several Mary Queen of Scots scenes filmed at the Castle.

The Royal Mile

16th-century Edinburgh exteriors using carefully dressed Old Town streets.

Holyrood Palace

The official residence of the monarch in Scotland features extensively — Mary’s actual residence.

Linlithgow Palace

Where Mary Queen of Scots was born; used for early-life scenes.

Filth (2013)

Jon S. Baird’s adaptation of the Irvine Welsh novel starring James McAvoy. Modern Edinburgh setting.

The Old Town and Leith

Bruce Robertson’s beat covers the New Town, Old Town and Leith. Distinctive Edinburgh skyline shots throughout.

The Heriot-Watt University

Some scenes at Heriot-Watt’s campus.

The Calton Road

The street between the New Town and Holyrood features in multiple scenes.

Cloud Atlas (2012)

The Wachowski sisters’ ambitious adaptation uses Edinburgh for several segments. The Old Town buildings stood in for various historical periods.

The University of Edinburgh

The Old College and Old Quad feature in academic scenes.

The Royal Mile

Several period-dressed scenes use the Mile’s older buildings.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Ron Howard’s film adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel filmed at Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh. The 15th-century chapel features in the film’s climactic final act. Today, the chapel is open to visitors (£11 adult) and hosts The Da Vinci Code-themed events.

Greyfriars Bobby (1961)

The Walt Disney film that turned the loyal Skye Terrier Bobby into a global icon. Filmed in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Royal Mile. The film’s portrayal of Edinburgh’s narrow lanes shaped how generations of American visitors imagine the city.

Greyfriars Kirkyard

The film’s central location. Bobby’s actual grave is here. Free entry.

The Royal Mile

The cobbled streets feature extensively.

The Greyfriars Bobby Statue

The bronze statue at the entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard, just outside the Bobby pub. The most-touched dog in the world (visitors rub his nose for luck; the nose is now permanently polished bronze).

Belle (2013)

Amma Asante’s period drama starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw filmed at several Edinburgh locations including the University of Edinburgh Old College. The 18th-century period dressing made Edinburgh’s New Town squares ideal for the setting.

The Wicker Man (1973)

The cult horror classic filmed primarily on the West Coast of Scotland but used Edinburgh for several urban sequences. Police inspector scenes feature Edinburgh Police Station exteriors.

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

The Kate McKinnon and Mila Kunis spy comedy filmed at Edinburgh locations including Calton Hill, Princes Street, and the Royal Mile. Most “Berlin” scenes in the film were actually Edinburgh.

Outlaw King (2018)

David Mackenzie’s Netflix film about Robert the Bruce filmed at multiple Edinburgh-area locations including Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle and Aberdour Castle. Edinburgh Castle features in establishing shots.

Stardust (2007)

The Neil Gaiman fantasy adaptation used Edinburgh for several town scenes. The Royal Mile dressed as the village of Wall.

Macbeth (2015)

The Justin Kurzel adaptation starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard used various Scottish locations. Edinburgh Castle features in establishing shots and several scenes.

Recent TV Series Filmed in Edinburgh

Outlander (2014-present)

The Starz historical drama uses Edinburgh extensively for Season 3 scenes set in 18th-century Edinburgh. See our Outlander Edinburgh locations deep-dive.

The Crown (Netflix)

The British royal drama has occasionally used Edinburgh for Scottish royal scenes — Holyrood Palace appearances and Castle exteriors.

Shetland (BBC)

The crime drama set in Shetland is filmed primarily in Glasgow but uses Edinburgh for some scenes.

Annika (BBC)

The 2021-23 crime drama is set in Glasgow but uses Edinburgh for several scenes.

Limmy’s Show (BBC)

The Scottish sketch comedy occasionally features Edinburgh.

Two Doors Down (BBC)

The Scottish sitcom set in fictional Latimer Crescent is filmed primarily in Glasgow but features Edinburgh in some establishing shots.

The Field of Blood (BBC)

The Denise Mina adaptation filmed crime scenes in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

Self-Guided Edinburgh Film Tour

Half-Day Film Locations Walk

• 09:30 — Start at Calton Hill (One Day, T2 Trainspotting).
• 10:30 — Walk to Princes Street (Trainspotting opening chase).
• 11:00 — North Bridge (Avengers: Infinity War).
• 11:30 — Cockburn Street (Avengers: Infinity War).
• 12:00 — Tron Kirk and the Royal Mile (Avengers; many others).
• 12:30 — Lunch on the Royal Mile.
• 14:00 — Greyfriars Kirkyard (Greyfriars Bobby).
• 15:00 — Edinburgh University Old College (Belle, One Day).
• 16:00 — Arthur’s Seat for the One Day vantage point.
• 17:30 — finish.

Full Day Including Leith

Add: Café Royal Oyster Bar (Trainspotting), The Banana Flats in Leith (Trainspotting/T2), Leith Shore (Sunshine on Leith), and Rosslyn Chapel by bus or taxi for the Da Vinci Code finale.

Organised Film Tours of Edinburgh

• Mercat Tours’ Movie Locations Tour — covers major filming sites.
• Cinema City Walks — themed walking tours, year-round.
• Trainspotting Tour — specifically focused, Leith-Princes Street route.
• Avengers Tour — covers the 2017 Marvel filming locations.
• Outlander Tour — see dedicated guide.
• Sandemans Free Edinburgh Movies Walking Tour — tip-based.

Edinburgh Filmhouse

The independent cinema at 88 Lothian Road has historically been Edinburgh’s flagship art-house screen. It hosts the Edinburgh International Film Festival each summer and runs a year-round programme of independent, foreign-language and classic films. Reopened in 2024 after a 2022 closure.

The Cameo Cinema

The independent cinema at 38 Home Street, Tollcross. Edinburgh’s longest-operating cinema (since 1914). Strong programming of independent and classic films. Café-bar attached.

Edinburgh International Film Festival

The world’s oldest continuously-running film festival, founded in 1947. Held each August (recently moved to coincide with the Festival Fringe). Premieres new films, hosts directors and critics, runs masterclasses. The Filmhouse is the main venue; smaller venues include the Cameo and various Edinburgh University spaces.

Edinburgh as a Production Hub

Beyond hosting visiting productions, Edinburgh has its own film and TV production infrastructure:

• Edinburgh Filmhouse — independent cinema and event venue.
• Screen Scotland — Scotland’s screen-industries development body.
• Edinburgh’s TV production companies — Bowood TV, Tern TV, and others.
• The Edinburgh International Film Festival — annual industry hub.
• Edinburgh’s drama schools and university film programmes — producing local talent.

Best Photo Spots for Film Fans

• Princes Street eastward — the Trainspotting chase view.
• Calton Hill at sunrise — the One Day shot.
• Cockburn Street at street level — Avengers’ Edinburgh.
• The Banana Flats from Leith Walk — Trainspotting iconography.
• Greyfriars Bobby statue — the world’s most-photographed dog.
• The Tron Kirk — Avengers destruction (still intact).
• Rosslyn Chapel exterior — Da Vinci Code.
• Arthur’s Seat summit — One Day’s sunrise.
• Leith Shore at golden hour — Sunshine on Leith atmosphere.

Why Edinburgh Attracts Filmmakers

Several factors make Edinburgh attractive to international productions:

• Architectural variety — medieval Old Town to Georgian New Town in 500 metres.
• Cinematic atmosphere — fog, light, narrow lanes, gothic skylines.
• Production infrastructure — local crews, equipment, post-production.
• UK and Scottish film tax credits — significant incentives for international productions.
• Compact geography — many locations within walking distance, minimising travel.
• English-speaking with Scottish character.
• Visual recognisability — instant Edinburgh identification.

Films and TV You Wouldn’t Realise Were Edinburgh

• Sense and Sensibility (1995) — some scenes used Edinburgh New Town buildings for Regency period.
• Mary Reilly (1996) — Stephen Frears’ Jekyll and Hyde adaptation.
• The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018) — “Berlin” was actually Edinburgh.
• Snowpiercer Network Pilot (2020) — Edinburgh fragments in the world-establishing scenes.
• Various BBC period dramas — Edinburgh frequently stands in for London or other cities.

Edinburgh Cinema Tradition

Beyond filming locations, Edinburgh has a strong cinema-going culture. Independent cinemas (Filmhouse, Cameo), arthouse programming, the August Film Festival, and the various university film societies sustain a thoughtful film audience. Edinburgh’s cinema audience is one of the most film-literate in the UK outside London — partly due to the strong student population, partly due to the Festival heritage.

Where to Watch Films in Edinburgh

Independent Cinemas

• Edinburgh Filmhouse (88 Lothian Road).
• Cameo Cinema (38 Home Street).
• Dominion Cinema (Newbattle Terrace) — boutique independent.

Mainstream Cinemas

• Vue Edinburgh Omni Centre (Greenside Place).
• Cineworld Fountain Park (Fountain Park Leisure Complex).
• Vue Edinburgh Ocean Terminal (Leith).

Specialist and Pop-Up

• Edinburgh Outdoor Cinema (summer events in Princes Street Gardens).
• Various Edinburgh Festival film events.

Edinburgh’s Drama and Film Education

• The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Glasgow but Edinburgh-affiliated).
• Edinburgh Napier University — strong film programme.
• Queen Margaret University — performing arts and film.
• Edinburgh University Film Society — extensive student programming.
• Edinburgh College — film and television courses.

The Edinburgh International Film Festival in Detail

Founded 1947, the world’s oldest continually running film festival. Each August, hundreds of films are screened across the city. New British and international cinema, restorations of classics, masterclasses with filmmakers, panels and parties. Past EIFF premieres have included Blade Runner (1982 restored print), the Watchman, and dozens of breakthrough indies.

Edinburgh as Edinburgh: Films That Showcase the City

For visitors who want to watch Edinburgh on screen before or after visiting, recommended films:

• Trainspotting (1996) — modern Edinburgh, particularly Leith.
• T2 Trainspotting (2017) — 20 years later.
• One Day (2011) — romantic Edinburgh.
• Sunshine on Leith (2013) — musical Edinburgh.
• Filth (2013) — dark Edinburgh.
• Greyfriars Bobby (1961) — historical Edinburgh.
• Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story (2005) — modern remake.
• The Eclipse (2009) — Edinburgh art-house.
• Restless Natives (1985) — Edinburgh hijacking comedy.
• The Edge of Love (2008) — Welsh setting but partly Edinburgh-filmed.

Edinburgh on TV Worth Watching

• Outlander (Starz, 2014-present).
• Mary Queen of Scots TV series (Hulu).
• Karen Pirie (ITV/STV, 2022) — Edinburgh-set crime drama.
• The Field of Blood (BBC, 2011) — Denise Mina adaptation.
• The Crown — periodic Edinburgh appearances.
• Restless Natives (1985 cult comedy).

Frequently Asked Questions

What films were filmed in Edinburgh?

Trainspotting, T2 Trainspotting, One Day, Sunshine on Leith, Mary Queen of Scots, Filth, Avengers: Infinity War, The Da Vinci Code (Rosslyn Chapel), Cloud Atlas, Belle, Outlaw King, and many others.

What is the most famous Edinburgh filming location?

Princes Street (Trainspotting opening chase), Cockburn Street (Avengers: Infinity War), and Arthur’s Seat (One Day) are the most-recognised.

Was Avengers: Infinity War filmed in Edinburgh?

Yes — six days of filming in March 2017 covered Cockburn Street, Waverley Station, the North Bridge and the Royal Mile.

Where was Trainspotting filmed?

Princes Street (the opening chase), Cables Wynd House (the Banana Flats in Leith), Café Royal, Calton Road, and various Old Town and Leith locations.

Was Outlander filmed in Edinburgh?

Yes — Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close (Old Town) for Season 3 Carfax Close scenes; also Edinburgh Castle and Signet Library.

Can I take a tour of Edinburgh film locations?

Yes — Mercat Tours’ Movie Locations Tour, Trainspotting-specific tours, Outlander tours, and Sandemans free movie walks all run regularly.

Where can I watch films in Edinburgh?

Independent cinemas: Filmhouse, Cameo, Dominion. Mainstream: Vue Omni, Cineworld Fountain Park. Plus the Edinburgh International Film Festival each August.

Where was The Da Vinci Code filmed?

The climactic chapel scenes were filmed at Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh, accessible by bus from the city centre.

What was filmed at Edinburgh Castle?

Establishing shots in many films; Mary Queen of Scots used the Castle for several scenes; Outlander Season 5 had Castle exterior scenes.

Is the Edinburgh Filmhouse open?

Yes — reopened in 2024 after a 2022 closure. Programme of independent and foreign films, year-round.

Final Word: Edinburgh on Screen

Edinburgh is one of the most-filmed UK cities outside London, and the visual language of Edinburgh on screen — the chase down Princes Street, the romantic dawn on Arthur’s Seat, the gothic alien attack on Cockburn Street — has shaped how millions of viewers imagine the city before they visit. Walking the Edinburgh film locations adds a layer of recognition to any visit. Watch a few of the recommended films before you travel and your first walk through the Old Town will feel both new and quietly familiar.

For specific themed pilgrimages, see our Outlander Edinburgh locations guide and our Harry Potter Edinburgh locations piece. For the wider literary and cultural context, see our Edinburgh literary history overview.