Princes Street Gardens

Don’t leave Edinburgh without visiting Princes Street Gardens. Nestled between the Old Town and the New Town, they form a huge green space right in the heart of the city. They are also a stop on our guided walk through the Georgian New Town.

A place to relax and enjoy

Princes Street Gardens are the favourite park of Edinburgh’s residents, and you’ll soon see why: as well as being a great place to relax in the city centre, they host many events throughout the year.

The views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle are truly spectacular. If you need a break, sit on one of the benches and enjoy one of the best views of the city. And being right next to Princes Street, you have shops and facilities just steps away.

Events all year round

The biggest event in the Gardens is Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, with a huge party with concerts and fireworks to welcome the new year.

The celebration takes place in the park and some of the surrounding streets, and you need a ticket to attend. Get yours as early as possible, as they sell out!

The Gardens come alive in December, when they host much of the Edinburgh Christmas Market, a must if you are in the city then, with stalls selling food and crafts, an ice rink and lots of fairground rides.

The highlight is a Big Wheel over forty metres high, nicknamed the Edinburgh Eye, with sweeping views over the city. In summer, the Gardens also host performances during the August festivals.

A little history: from the Nor’ Loch to Edinburgh’s main garden

This area looked very different a few centuries ago. The valley between the Old Town and the New Town was once filled by the Nor’ Loch, an artificial loch created in the Middle Ages as part of the city’s defences.

Over time, the loch became filthy and unhealthy, and it was drained during the building of the New Town, which began in the 18th century.

The gardens were laid out on the reclaimed land and formally opened in 1821, although at first they were reserved for local residents who paid an annual fee. In 1876, the city council made them public gardens, open to everyone.

Today they are one of Edinburgh’s most iconic public spaces, much loved by locals, and part of the historic landscape that separates the Old Town from the New Town.

More things to see in Princes Street Gardens

The park is split into East and West by The Mound, an artificial hill linking the New Town and the Old Town. Here you will find the Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh’s largest art gallery, and the Royal Scottish Academy, a must for art lovers.

You can’t miss the huge Gothic spire at the east end of the park: the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s best-loved writers. You can climb the stairs to the top for more views of the city.

The Ross Fountain is one of the most recognisable monuments in the Gardens. It stands in the West Gardens, near St Cuthbert’s Church. It was made in France in the 19th century, bought by Daniel Ross, an Edinburgh gunmaker, who gave it to the city, and installed in the Gardens in 1872.

The floral clock is near the entrance by The Mound, in the West Gardens. First planted in 1903, it is said to be the oldest floral clock in the world.

Every year, thousands of plants are used to create a new design, usually celebrating an anniversary, an institution or an important event, with a mechanism that works like a real clock.

If you are lucky enough to enjoy Edinburgh on a sunny day, spend some time in Princes Street Gardens to admire one of the best views of the Old Town, enjoy an ice cream or simply relax.

Facilities

In and around the Gardens you will find benches, lawns, places to rest and food and drink kiosks, some of them seasonal.

There are accessible public toilets near the Ross Bandstand, in the West Gardens.

Being right in the centre and on Edinburgh’s main shopping street, there are also plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops nearby.