Tours & Travel

From the Edinburgh World / Places

Princes Street

Princes Street combines a central shopping walk with an unusually open view of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Its southern edge overlooks gardens rather than a continuous building frontage.

Princes Street

Why go

The street’s strongest visitor appeal is the city panorama across the former Nor Loch valley. You can follow the Castle and Old Town skyline while moving along the New Town’s southern edge. The gardens, Scott Monument and galleries on the Mound give the walk distinct places to pause.

What to look for

  • The largely unbuilt southern side opens views towards the Castle and Old Town.
  • The street runs along the southern edge of the First New Town.

Useful to know

  • Combine the street with Princes Street Gardens rather than treating it solely as a shopping destination.
  • Use the Mound to turn this walk into a connection with the Old Town.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.

Outdoor visit · 20–45 min

World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.

Original World content and translations, shown as supplied. Practical information may need updating.

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