Parks & gardens
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
These are two public parks located in the center of Edinburgh, situated directly below the castle rock. The gardens were created in the 1820s after the draining of the Nor Loch. Travelers visit this area to walk through the green space and view the castle from the valley floor.
Getting There
The gardens are located in the heart of the city center. Most visitors arrive on foot from Princes Street or the nearby Waverley Station. Depending on your starting point in the center, it takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes to reach the park entrances.
Time Requirement
Allow 1 to 2 hours to walk through both the East and West gardens. This provides enough time to navigate the paths and stop for photos of the skyline.
When to Visit
The parks are accessible throughout the year. During the summer months and during the August festivals, the area becomes very crowded with tourists and event-goers. Visiting in the early morning is the most effective way to avoid large crowds.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the gardens can be combined with several nearby sites within walking distance:
- Edinburgh Castle (0.2km)
- Castle Rock (0.2km)
- St Margaret's (0.2km)
- Usher Hall (0.3km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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