Location:

Princes Street Gardens is a beautiful public park in the heart of Edinburgh, separating the Old Town from the New Town along Princes Street. Set in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, the gardens are one of the city’s most iconic green spaces, offering landscaped lawns, floral displays, and historic monuments. Once part of the drained Nor Loch, the area was transformed in the 19th century into the gardens we see today.

Top 3 things to do in Princes Street Gardens:

• Relax and walk through the gardens – Enjoy peaceful pathways, seasonal flower beds, and open green spaces right in the city centre.

• Castle views & photography – Capture stunning views of Edinburgh Castle towering above the gardens, especially dramatic from West Princes Street Gardens.

• Visit monuments & the Ross Fountain – Explore historic memorials throughout the park and admire the ornate Ross Fountain, one of the garden’s most photographed features.

Dogs allowed:

Yes — Princes Street Gardens are dog-friendly, but dogs should be kept on a lead, particularly during busy times and events.

Entry Fees:

Free — The gardens are open to the public year-round with no entry fee.

More information:

Princes Street Gardens sit on the site of the former Nor Loch, which was drained in the 18th century to allow the construction of Edinburgh’s New Town. The gardens were later designed in the 1820s and became a key public green space for the city. Today, they are home to seasonal events, historic monuments, and some of the most famous views of Edinburgh Castle, making them one of the most visited spots in Scotland’s capital.