Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh
A vibrant green oasis in Edinburgh's heart, offering stunning castle views, historic monuments, and seasonal floral displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the blooms and fewer crowds.
Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh
Best Time
Enjoy the blooms and fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant green oasis in Edinburgh's heart, offering stunning castle views, historic monuments, and seasonal floral displays.
"The gardens ended up being my favourite part of our day trip to Edinburgh."
🎯 Castle Views Galore
Cafes along Princes Street offer prime Edinburgh Castle views.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spots
Find a bench or grassy spot for a relaxing picnic with a view.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ross Fountain
West Princes Street Gardens
A stunning Victorian fountain offering breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. A must-see!
Scott Monument
East Princes Street Gardens
Gothic monument offering panoramic city views. Climb to the top for an unforgettable perspective.
The Gardeners Cottage
West Princes Street Gardens
A picturesque cottage with a beautiful garden, offering a charming glimpse into Edinburgh's past.
Floral Clock
East Princes Street Gardens
A vibrant, seasonal display of flowers arranged in the shape of a clock. A delightful sight!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Garden Access
Best Views & Picnics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Castle Views Galore
Cafes along Princes Street offer prime Edinburgh Castle views.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spots
Find a bench or grassy spot for a relaxing picnic with a view.
🕰️ Check Garden Access
Some areas near the castle are closed due to rockfall.
☕ Afternoon Tea Delight
Enjoy afternoon tea at The Scottish Cafe within the National Gallery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Castle Views Galore
Cafes along Princes Street offer prime Edinburgh Castle views.
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spots
Find a bench or grassy spot for a relaxing picnic with a view.
🕰️ Check Garden Access
Some areas near the castle are closed due to rockfall.
☕ Afternoon Tea Delight
Enjoy afternoon tea at The Scottish Cafe within the National Gallery.
🚂 Train Spotting Fun
Watch trains from the west end of the gardens near Castle Rock.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Princes Street Gardens for its stunning beauty, well-maintained grounds, and breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. It's a beloved spot for relaxation, picnics, and soaking in the city's atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape right in the heart of Edinburgh. Some minor access issues near the castle are noted, but overall, it's a highlight for most visitors.
"This garden has lovely scenery, under the Edinburgh castle. Come here for an escape from the city.
It is well maintained and perfect for walks, and picnics. Lots of benches to sit and relax. There is a very good playground for the kids and a beautiful fountain"
cdakingtamudo
"A stunning, well maintained garden with the most amazing fountain. The whole thing just took my breath away, and the gardens ended up being my favourite part of our day trip to Edinburgh. I was in awe of the fountain, and the view of the castle is the cherry on top of the whole experience. I would definitely recommend a walk through the park if you're in Edinburgh. It's great whether you're just passing through and having a fifteen minute stroll, or spending hours in the sun with a good book!"
Myla Nichols
"Its the jewel of Edinburgh for everyone. Filled with flowers, green fields, shady trees and historic monuments. Its to enjoy for residents and tourists of all types, be it nature lovers, flower fanatics or history lovers. To add onto everything else there is a small children's playground as well along with a small outdoor theatre/ concert arena. Always booming with life, princess street gardens is without fail an attraction for every individual."
Ehtesham Khan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Princes Street Gardens are centrally located in Edinburgh, easily accessible on foot from the city center. Numerous bus routes stop along Princes Street, and Waverley Train Station is a short walk away.
On-street parking is limited and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in city center car parks like the one at Waverley Station.
Currently, the section of the gardens closest to the castle, leading up to the esplanade, is closed due to rockfall risks. +1
For the best views of Edinburgh Castle, head to the cafes along Princes Street or find a spot in the gardens that offers a clear line of sight.
While some gates may appear accessible, the area near the castle is currently closed to the public due to safety concerns. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Princes Street Gardens are a public park and are free to enter.
The gardens are generally open from early morning until dusk. Specific opening and closing times can vary seasonally.
The Ross Fountain is a public feature within the gardens and does not require a separate ticket or fee to view.
Yes, the Floral Clock is a seasonal display and is free to view during the times it is planted and maintained.
Yes, the gardens often host events, including the Christmas markets and performances at the Ross Bandstand. Check local listings for current events.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy leisurely walks, have picnics, admire monuments like the Scott Monument and Ross Fountain, and visit the Floral Clock. There's also a playground for children.
Yes, there is a well-maintained playground for children located within the gardens.
You can watch trains from the west end of the gardens, near Castle Rock. The bridge you might be thinking of near the Ross Bandstand is currently closed.
The gardens were once the site of the Nor' Loch, where witch trials were held. They are now a beautiful public space filled with monuments and botanical interest.
Dogs are generally welcome in Princes Street Gardens but must be kept on a lead, especially in areas with children or sensitive plantings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant, located within the National Gallery of Scotland, offers afternoon tea and other dining options with garden views.
Absolutely! The gardens are a perfect spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food or grab something from nearby shops.
The Scottish Cafe offers a delightful afternoon tea experience, featuring a selection of sweet and savory treats, as well as other cafe-style dishes.
Several cafes along Princes Street offer excellent views of Edinburgh Castle, making them ideal spots for a coffee or light meal.
During the festive season, the Christmas markets in Princes Street Gardens offer a wide variety of food and drink stalls.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ross Fountain with Edinburgh Castle in the background, the Scott Monument, and the charming Gardeners Cottage are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photographing Edinburgh Castle from Princes Street Gardens. The golden hour can create magical shots.
Yes, the Floral Clock is a popular subject for photos, especially when it's in full bloom.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive gardens and castle views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the monuments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a bit of fun, consider train spotting from the west end of the gardens near Castle Rock.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save money on food, pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the greenery.
Alternatively, grab affordable snacks from local bakeries or supermarkets. The gardens offer a rich experience through their history, scenery, and atmosphere, making them a top free attraction in Edinburgh. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The Scott Monument offers dramatic architectural details and provides a unique vantage point for cityscapes if you choose to climb it. Don't miss the charming Gardeners Cottage for a more intimate, picturesque scene.
The Floral Clock is a vibrant subject, changing with the seasons. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
Scattered throughout the gardens are numerous monuments and memorials, each telling a part of Scotland's story. The most prominent is the Scott Monument, a towering Gothic structure dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Visitors can climb its narrow spiral staircase for unparalleled views of the city.
The Gardeners Cottage in West Princes Street Gardens offers a charming glimpse into the past, once serving as the Head Gardener's home.
While some areas of the gardens, particularly those closest to the castle, are currently inaccessible due to rockfall stabilization efforts, the remaining sections continue to be a beloved public space for relaxation and reflection. Experiencing the Gardens Year-Round
Autumn paints the gardens in warm hues of gold and red, with crisp air making it perfect for photography and enjoying the changing foliage.
During the winter months, the East Princes Street Gardens transform into a magical Christmas market, filled with festive lights, food stalls, and a lively atmosphere. Navigating Access and Safety
While most of the gardens remain open and accessible, visitors planning to explore areas near the castle should check local advisories or signage.
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