Princes Street Edinburgh - Image 1
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Princes Street Edinburgh

Dunedin, New Zealand

Edinburgh's premier shopping street, offering iconic castle views and access to the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming gardens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Princes Street Edinburgh - Image 1

Princes Street Edinburgh

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming gardens, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Edinburgh's premier shopping street, offering iconic castle views and access to the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.

"The views of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street are simply unforgettable."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Castle

Get your best Edinburgh Castle shots from Princes Street. Early morning light is magical!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the street and gardens.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Edinburgh Castle Views

Edinburgh Castle Views

Princes Street

Iconic castle views dominate the streetscape, offering a dramatic backdrop to your stroll.

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens

Adjacent to Princes Street

A lush oasis perfect for a peaceful break, featuring fountains and floral displays.

Ross Fountain

Ross Fountain

Princes Street Gardens

A magnificent Victorian fountain, a picturesque spot for photos and relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Views, Plan Your Pace

Princes Street is Edinburgh's vibrant heart, offering stunning castle vistas. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. Consider visiting early or late to avoid the busiest times and truly soak in the atmosphere.

Beyond the Shops: Gardens & History

While known for its shopping, Princes Street's true magic lies in its adjacent gardens and historical context. Don't miss the chance to explore the green spaces and learn about the area's rich past.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming gardens, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, crisp air
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter atmosphere, city lights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hands down THEE best Pizza ive ever had! 🤌🏽 Seriously though, can we get the pepperonis in a snack bag? 👀 @Prince Street Pizza Drizzle of @Mike’s Hot Honey for extra razzle dazzle🤤 #mukbang #mukbangeatingshow #pizzamukbang #nycpizza #princestreetpizza #nyceats #fyp #fypシ #crunchyasmr #creatorsearchinsights
@taniayums
69.3K likes • 924.7K views

📸 Capture the Castle

Get your best Edinburgh Castle shots from Princes Street. Early morning light is magical! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the street and gardens. Reddit

Prince Street Pizza has opened a Chicago location and somehow isn’t packed
@stoolpresidente
48.1K likes • 715.8K views
From the famous pastries at Lannan to the perfect date-night spot at 100 Princes Street, here is our guide of where to eat & drink in Edinburgh – don’t forget to save for your next trip…
sheerluxe
3.7K likes • 154.3K views

🌳 Relax in the Gardens

Don't just walk past; take time to enjoy the beauty of Princes Street Gardens. Instagram

💡 Look for Hidden Gems

Beyond the main shops, discover unique spots and historical markers. Instagram

Some my favourite views of Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street, St Cuthbert’s Church and Edinburgh Castle views from St Cuthbert’s churchyard. Happy October everyone!🍁🍂 #edinburgh #scotland #city #reels #travel #insta #photo #photography #reel #autumn #october #instagood
scotland.in.my.heart
5.3K likes • 56.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Castle

Get your best Edinburgh Castle shots from Princes Street. Early morning light is magical! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the street and gardens. Reddit

🌳 Relax in the Gardens

Don't just walk past; take time to enjoy the beauty of Princes Street Gardens. Instagram

💡 Look for Hidden Gems

Beyond the main shops, discover unique spots and historical markers. Instagram

☕️ Grab a Coffee Break

Plenty of cafes along Princes Street for a warm drink and people-watching. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Princes Street is celebrated for its breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle and the vibrant atmosphere of its adjacent gardens. Visitors appreciate the convenience for shopping and its central location. However, some find the street overly commercialized and can be disappointed by the lack of historic architecture compared to other parts of the city.

What People Like

Stunning castle views
Beautiful gardens
Central shopping hub

What People Dislike

Overly commercial
Modern architecture

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Princes Street is easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop directly along the street, and Edinburgh Waverley train station is located at the east end, making it a convenient arrival point. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Reddit

Parking in the immediate vicinity of Princes Street can be challenging and expensive. Several multi-story car parks are available nearby, such as the St James Quarter car park or the NCP car park on Castle Terrace. It's often recommended to use public transport if possible. Reddit

Yes, Princes Street is very walkable from many of Edinburgh's key attractions. It's a short stroll from the Royal Mile and the Old Town, and within easy reach of the National Museum of Scotland. Instagram

The best way to explore Princes Street is on foot. This allows you to fully appreciate the views, browse the shops at your leisure, and easily access Princes Street Gardens. Instagram

Many guided walking tours of Edinburgh include Princes Street and its gardens as part of their itinerary, often highlighting the historical significance and offering great photo opportunities of the castle. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Princes Street itself is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entry ticket. You can freely walk along the street and explore the shops. TikTok

Princes Street Gardens are free to enter and explore. You can wander through the various sections, enjoy the floral displays, and relax by the Ross Fountain without any charge. Instagram

Princes Street is a public street, so it is accessible 24/7. However, individual shop opening hours will vary, typically from around 9 or 10 AM to 5 or 6 PM, with some staying open later. TikTok

Princes Street and its gardens often host events, especially during festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe or Hogmanay. Check local listings for any upcoming events during your visit. TikTok

The Ross Fountain in Princes Street Gardens is a public feature and can be admired free of charge. It's a popular spot for photos, especially when illuminated. Instagram

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Princes Street is Edinburgh's primary shopping destination, featuring a wide range of high street brands, department stores, and popular retailers. You'll find everything from fashion and electronics to souvenirs. Instagram

While Princes Street is more known for shopping, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries along the street and in the adjacent St James Quarter, offering diverse dining options. Instagram

Yes, you can find traditional Scottish pubs and restaurants just a short walk from Princes Street, particularly in the Old Town and Grassmarket areas, offering classic dishes like haggis and Cullen skink. Instagram

Several cafes offer a welcome respite. Look for popular chains or independent coffee shops dotted along the street for a coffee and a pastry. Instagram

Yes, Princes Street has many shops selling souvenirs, from tartan goods and whisky to novelty items, making it a convenient spot to pick up gifts. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spot is capturing Edinburgh Castle from the street. Princes Street Gardens, especially with the Ross Fountain, also offers beautiful compositions. Instagram+1

Early morning offers softer light and fewer crowds for capturing the castle. Golden hour in the late afternoon provides a warm glow over the city. Instagram+1

Generally, photography is permitted on Princes Street and in the gardens for personal use. Be mindful of private businesses and any specific signage. Instagram

A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide streetscapes and closer details of the castle. A tripod can be useful for low-light shots, but be mindful of crowds. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas like Edinburgh due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check with local authorities before attempting to fly a drone. TikTok

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