Princes Street Gardens Tours and Activities

Princes Street Gardens featuring a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Princes Street Gardens showing a park, a square or plaza and a statue or sculpture
Princes Street Gardens featuring a garden
Princes Street Gardens which includes a statue or sculpture, a memorial and a monument
Princes Street Gardens featuring a park and heritage elements


A pleasant green space that separates Edinburgh's Old and New Town. The perfect place for a spot of relaxation.

Once submerged under water and known as the Nor Loch, the Princes Street Gardens that are on the site today were created in the 1820s after a long process to drain the area. Today, the gardens are a picturesque retreat where visitors go to enjoy the relaxed ambience, right in the heart of Edinburgh.

The gardens run all the way down Princes Street, Edinburgh's primary thoroughfare and a retail haven. The space is split into two by a man-made hill known as the Mound. East Princes Street Gardens are on the one side, whilst on the other, you’ll find West Princes Street Gardens.

On the west side, there’s a stunning floral clock, a display created from thousands of different plants. This spectacular sight makes a great backdrop for a photo. The clock is a fully functioning timepiece and the flowers were first planted back in 1903, leading many to claim this is the world's most historic floral clock. Look carefully and you'll see that even the hands and numbers on the clock are made from flowers.

There’s also the Ross Fountain. A golden cast-iron structure decorated with sculptures depicting mermaids and four female figures, which represent the arts, science, poetry and industry. Nearby, there’s a large play area, with slides, tunnels and climbing ropes perfect if you have children with you.

Throughout this beautiful, you’ll discover a wide array of monuments and memorials. Take a walk up the 287 steps of the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Garden, a tribute to the legendary Scottish author Sir Walter Scott -- though you'll have to pay for the privilege. The David Livingstone monument can also be found in this part of the gardens, a tribute honouring of the country's greatest explorers.

The gardens are open all year round. In December, this space truly comes alive when the gardens play host to the annual 'Winter Wonderland', which has plenty of attractions, including an ice rink, Ferris wheel and sleigh rides. Located in the heart of town, the Princes Street Gardens are easy to reach and open daily from dawn to dusk.

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Popular places to visit


Top Princes Street Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

Apex Grassmarket Hotel

4 out of 5
31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
YOTEL Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
CoDE Pod  – The CoURT - Edinburgh

CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh

2 out of 5
1 a Parliament Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
CoDE Pod – The CoURT - Edinburgh
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel

4 out of 5
61 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland
Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile

4 out of 5
231 Canongate, Edinburgh, Scotland
Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

5 out of 5
1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre

4 out of 5
80 High Street The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh City Centre
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket

Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket

4 out of 5
26 King's Stables Road, Edinburgh, Scotland
Wilde Aparthotels, Edinburgh, Grassmarket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens offers a vibrant mix of activities, from exploring local art and attending festivals to enjoying theatre performances. A delightful walk from Grassmarket provides stunning views, while bus tours offer a convenient way to soak in the surrounding sights. Don't miss the chance to experience the lively atmosphere and cultural richness of this iconic Edinburgh location!

Shopping

In Princes Street Gardens, you can visit The Hub (322m) and the Tartan Weaving Mill (161m) for unique gifts. Princes Mall (483m) offers a great mix of shopping and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, explore further options in the city centre.

Recreation

Murrayfield Stadium, two miles from Princes Street Gardens, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Blackford Hill, also two miles away, invites you to unwind amidst nature's beauty, while Gambado, located 1.4km away, provides a fun playground for families enjoying outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Midlothian Ski Centre, located 644m from Princes Street Gardens, perfect for snow sports enthusiasts. For an adrenaline rush, check out Bedlam Paintball, 966m away, offering an exciting adventure vibe. Climbing aficionados can visit the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena Ratho, 12.9km away, for outdoor challenges.

Nightlife

Experience Edinburgh's nightlife with a visit to Greyfriar's Bobby, a charming pub just 483m from Princes Street Gardens, perfect for a romantic evening. For family fun, explore Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, located 161m away, or catch a show at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, also 483m away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh offers a delightful blend of culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore nearby museums and galleries, immersing themselves in the city's rich heritage. The gardens themselves are perfect for a leisurely stroll, providing a picturesque setting against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. Don't miss the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

  • Edinburgh Castle: Perched atop Castle Rock, this historic fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history as you explore its ancient halls, crown jewels, and the Stone of Destiny, all while soaking up a romantic atmosphere.
  • Princes Street: A vibrant hub in Edinburgh, Princes Street is lined with shops, cafes, and stunning views of the castle. Experience the lively city vibes as you stroll along this bustling thoroughfare, perfect for shopping and people-watching.
  • Grassmarket: This charming, historic square is filled with pubs, restaurants, and shops, making it ideal for families. Enjoy outdoor dining and a friendly atmosphere while exploring the fascinating stories of this lively precinct.

Best time to go to Princes Street Gardens

The best time to visit Princes Street Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Princes Street Gardens falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Princes Street Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.4°F (4.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.1°F (7.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.6°F (4.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Princes Street Gardens

To save money during your trip to Princes Street Gardens, consider visiting between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday for the best deals, and check Expedia for last-minute offers. Use their search tools to filter by budget and explore eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings with package deals. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the gardens and utilise public transport, which is often affordable for getting around Edinburgh.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Princes Street Gardens are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Princes Street Gardens about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Princes Street Gardens is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Princes Street Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at Princes Street Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.