Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
4.5
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Princes Street and Gardens
Glaswegians tease Edinburghers that their High Street is only half one, since buildings only line one side. But what they don’t say is how extraordinary the views are from Princes Street as a result. From here you look onto expansive and decorative public gardens beneath the mighty basalt cliffs on which Edinburgh’s Castle stands proud above the rest of the dramatic old town skyline. Yet many of those on Princes Street look the other way, as they’re concerned with chain store shopping or catching the tram or a train at main train station Waverley. But it’s not all utility here; the Scottish National Gallery rewards purposeless wandering, and December’s huge winter market in the gardens begins a season of revelry which ends with Hogmanay, Britain’s largest New Year’s street party.
See what travelers are saying
  • Karin@
    Portofino, Italy325 contributions
    The line between the Old Town and the New Town
    Princes Street Gardens are the most important urban park in the center of Edinburgh, these Gardens were created in 1820 following the drainage of the North Loch, separate the Old Town from the New Town. They are divided into two parts by The Mound, an artificial hill that connects both areas of the city and where the National Gallery of Scotland is located. In the past, the garden area was occupied by Edinburgh's most important lake: Nor Loch (North Loch or North Lake). The North Lake was used as the natural defense of the city, to complete the defensive function of the castle. Walk through and think that from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, Nor Loch was used to make witchcraft experiments, to hide corpses. So, after such a particular dark moments, the Princes Street Gardens were inaugurated in 1820 after the lake drained. Beautiful during all the year's seasons, the Princes Street Gardens, throughout the whole year, are one of the most important meeting places in Edinburgh. The Ross fountain, the most important monument in the area, was installed in 1872. Come to visit the gardens in Christmas time, when Winter Wonderland takes place, the gardens welcome a Christmas market, and the ice skating ring and some attractions such as the 33-meter Ferris Wheel, known by many as "The Edinburgh Eye".
    Visited February 2020
    Written March 10, 2020
  • ItTastesLikeFeet
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom498 contributions
    Gardens in the heart of the city
    Open area in the middle of the city to relax in. Located just off Princes Street it is easily accessible and the perfect spot to take a rest from shopping. Gates are locked in the evenings and opened up again in the morning. Trees and plants are tended to by friendly gardeners, and the flower beds changed throughout the year. A rail line runs along the bottom as the train station is nearby, and there are excellent views of Edinburgh Castle. Clear paths lined with benches, and grassy areas are great for summer months. Often visited by tourists but locals also frequent here to avoid the bustle of Princes Street.
    Visited November 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written November 21, 2020
  • johnhouston2
    Knaresborough, United Kingdom4,892 contributions
    A unique setting.
    I’ve always considered Edinburgh city centre to be unique in that the main street (Princes Street) is completely open along one side, with great views of the imposing castle. The gardens lie in between and are very nicely landscaped. Depending on the time of year and whether there are any festivals or events being held, the atmosphere of the garden can range from wildly vibrant to pleasantly calm, and on this pleasant October visit we experienced the latter. So, although you are in the centre of this busy tourist city, to be able to sit on a park bench, with the noise of the people and traffic muted, was an absolute pleasure. And clearly others felt the same as there were lots of other people sitting chatting, or sharing picnics in this wonderful spot.
    Visited October 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 3, 2020
  • Laura D
    England, United Kingdom100 contributions
    Beautiful park
    Right in the middle of the busy city centre, however you can feel miles away when you’re there. The peaceful gardens is a lovely escape from the shops. It’s a clean park with seating areas perfect for a spot of lunch. Get views of the castle as well!
    Visited March 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 8, 2020
  • travellingduo
    Sydney, Australia1 contribution
    Park ranger needs to be fired - horrible!
    Beautiful garden BUT the most horrible man that works there. He ran around to everybody sitting near the fountain yelling at them to get out as it was closing time at 6:25pm. We got up and started walking to the exit and then he ran up to us again and screamed “I’m not going to tell you again, get out” he was so rude that he made my wife cry. First person in Scotland to shout in our face. He was dressed in all black and came in a park ute I believe.
    Visited April 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 22, 2022
  • GrandesRocques
    Sunderland, United Kingdom130 contributions
    Very well kept and deservedly popular
    Edinburgh is every inch the big city in a grand setting, replete with imposing buildings, landmarks and plenty of opportunities for even the most avid of shoppers. This can be a little overpowering but a good place to take five is the Princes Street Gardens. When we visited the sun was out and everyone was taking advantage of the fine weather.The gardens are overlooked by the castle but don't pass the gardens by, as they are an oasis of calm just a stone's throw from the centre of the action.
    Visited August 2020
    Written September 5, 2020
  • greattripsrw
    291 contributions
    Beautiful park area with Scott Monument
    Beautiful park area can be visited on way to or from Edinburgh Castle. It is across the street from Waverly train station and goes a long way along Princes Street. The Scott Monument is the main centerpiece of architecture here and it is very impressive with its detailed carving. Worth visiting.
    Visited September 2019
    Written January 20, 2020
  • Gl0balCitizen2013
    United Kingdom2,837 contributions
    Diwali Celebrations in Princes Street Gardens
    Princes Street Gardens are located in the heart of Edinburgh. We visited the Gardens during the evening for the Diwali celebrations and fireworks display.We had chosen to visit Edinburgh, only because of its Diwali Parade and Fireworks and we enjoyed them both. The best thing was the fireworks display and lighting the free "fuljharis" and dancing to Desi songs in the cold evening! It filled our hearts with joy!
    Visited October 2019
    Written May 3, 2020
  • bdon257
    Morpeth, United Kingdom4,987 contributions
    Return visit to the gardens
    We had a walk along the full length of the gardens enjoying a sunny day. The fountain and various statues are focal points in different parts of the gardens. Great views of the castle and the old town can be enjoyed as well as Princes Street.
    Visited August 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written August 5, 2020
  • QPixels
    Southampton, United Kingdom364 contributions
    Beautiful scenery
    We had a lovely, long, relaxing stroll through the gardens. The scenery is beautiful with the castle rock in the background and lots of greenery around. The most important monument in the gardens is the Ross fountain, which I believe is cast from iron. Another interesting element is the floral clock that actually tells the correct time. Well worth the visit.
    Visited September 2021
    Written November 6, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Laura D
England, UK100 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Right in the middle of the busy city centre, however you can feel miles away when you’re there. The peaceful gardens is a lovely escape from the shops. It’s a clean park with seating areas perfect for a spot of lunch. Get views of the castle as well!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travellingduo
Sydney, Australia1 contribution
Apr 2022 • Couples
Beautiful garden BUT the most horrible man that works there. He ran around to everybody sitting near the fountain yelling at them to get out as it was closing time at 6:25pm. We got up and started walking to the exit and then he ran up to us again and screamed “I’m not going to tell you again, get out” he was so rude that he made my wife cry. First person in Scotland to shout in our face. He was dressed in all black and came in a park ute I believe.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GrandesRocques
Sunderland, UK130 contributions
Aug 2020
Edinburgh is every inch the big city in a grand setting, replete with imposing buildings, landmarks and plenty of opportunities for even the most avid of shoppers. This can be a little overpowering but a good place to take five is the Princes Street Gardens. When we visited the sun was out and everyone was taking advantage of the fine weather.The gardens are overlooked by the castle but don't pass the gardens by, as they are an oasis of calm just a stone's throw from the centre of the action.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

greattripsrw
291 contributions
Sep 2019
Beautiful park area can be visited on way to or from Edinburgh Castle. It is across the street from Waverly train station and goes a long way along Princes Street. The Scott Monument is the main centerpiece of architecture here and it is very impressive with its detailed carving.
Worth visiting.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gl0balCitizen2013
United Kingdom2,837 contributions
Oct 2019
Princes Street Gardens are located in the heart of Edinburgh. We visited the Gardens during the evening for the Diwali celebrations and fireworks display.We had chosen to visit Edinburgh, only because of its Diwali Parade and Fireworks and we enjoyed them both. The best thing was the fireworks display and lighting the free "fuljharis" and dancing to Desi songs in the cold evening! It filled our hearts with joy!
Written May 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bdon257
Morpeth, UK4,987 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We had a walk along the full length of the gardens enjoying a sunny day. The fountain and various statues are focal points in different parts of the gardens. Great views of the castle and the old town can be enjoyed as well as Princes Street.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

QPixels
Southampton, UK364 contributions
Sep 2021
We had a lovely, long, relaxing stroll through the gardens. The scenery is beautiful with the castle rock in the background and lots of greenery around. The most important monument in the gardens is the Ross fountain, which I believe is cast from iron. Another interesting element is the floral clock that actually tells the correct time. Well worth the visit.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WonderfulWorld
Billings, MT34 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
Princes Street sidewalk was interesting for people like us from a rural state in the States. Such a variety people and shops (don’t miss looking around Jenner’s Store). But when you want a break from the hustle and bustle, walk across the street and go down a few steps and be transported into a colorful, peaceful bit of heaven. There are expanses of manicured lawns and flower beds, whimsical and historic statues, and an amazing fountain. There are numerous benches and a few food vendors. Don’t miss the flower clock at one end of the park and a peaceful church and cemetery at the other. (I think the church was St. Giles.). There are so many churches that it is hard to remember which is which. This is one that doesn’t have an admission fee.
The park is extensive but surprisingly easy to miss because it is below grade. Oh, one of my favorite places in Edinburgh was the tea cottage in Princes Street Gardens. It is the set for a popular children’s tv show in the U.K. I wish we could have seen the inside but seeing the outside was enchanting.,We first saw it from the Castle and wondered what it was. We almost missed it because we didn’t walk through the gardens until the last day we were in Edinburgh.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dennis Smalley
Glasgow, UK2,966 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
Because of the Covid curse i had not been here for over 2 years. I was very disappointed to find that the huge section between the border at Lothian Rd.and the National Art Gallery was closed. A sign read closed cos of weather conditions. If we used that rule of thumb then most of Scotland wood be closed permanently. The gardens are always in good order the jewel in the crown being the magnificent Roses running unbroken along the expanse of the Prince's St. first terrace. The park is much lower than street level so stairs have to be negotiated. Its a beautiful place to escape to, avoiding the buzz of tbe busy city above Adjacent to Waverly rail station and a short walk from St Andrews Sq,bus station, the gardens are a joy........When Open.😳
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK1,249 contributions
Jul 2021
The Princes Street Gardens are well laid out and easy to stroll around without getting lost. The central fountain is beautiful and with benches nearby you can sit and take a breathe between site seeing and watch the world go by for a while.
The gardens and grass areas are well kept and everywhere it is clean, free from rubbish and vagrants.A great place to eat a picnic lunch and there is a central cafe if you've not bought your food in advance.
We enjoyed this inner city park so much we returned on a second day.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Princes Street Gardens (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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