Edinburgh › New Town
Princes Street Gardens
A green valley between the Old and New Towns, with the castle looking down from above.
Photo: Suicasmo / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Where a loch once stood, the gardens now lie between Princes Street and the castle rock, with flower beds, the Ross Fountain, the Floral Clock and wide lawns. West Princes Street Gardens has a bandstand and the Ross Theatre used for festival events.
The Scott Monument stands at the east end. It is a pleasant place to rest and picnic between sights.
Tickets / priceFree. Concerts and events in the Ross Theatre are ticketed.
Opening hoursOpen daily from the morning until dusk. West Princes Street Gardens is closed at night.
Time needed30–90 minutes
Best timeAfternoon on a dry day
Getting therePrinces Street tram stops (Princes Street, West End); Waverley station, 5 min walk
AddressPrinces Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Booking advice
No booking needed.
Insider tips
- Sit on the grass near the Ross Fountain for the best view of the castle.
- The Floral Clock near the Scott Monument is planted fresh every spring.
- During Christmas and Hogmanay the gardens host the Christmas market and funfair.
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