Princes Street Gardens, Public park in central Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Princes Street Gardens is a park in central Edinburgh that lies between the Old Town on the hill and the New Town on the flat side. Paths run through planted beds, lawns, and under tall trees, with benches placed at many points along the route.
The park took shape from 1820 onward, after the body of water that once protected the city wall was drained. In the later 19th century, monuments, fountains, and paths were laid out that remain visible today.
The name comes from the adjacent street, named after the princes of the royal family. Visitors often sit on the grass areas facing the castle, which rises on the rock above the trees.
The park opens early in the morning and closes at sunset, with times varying by season. Access is available from several sides, including directly from the main street and from the gallery on the hill.
A floral clock on the eastern slope tells the time using living plants that are replanted each season. The mechanism inside keeps the hands moving while the blooms form the clock face.
Location: City of Edinburgh
Opening Hours: 07:00-dusk
GPS coordinates: 55.95005,-3.20299
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:27
Edinburgh sits on volcanic rock, with its castle overlooking a medieval street that runs down to a royal palace. The Old Town preserves buildings from centuries past, while the New Town displays Georgian architecture in wide streets and elegant squares. Museums hold collections from Scottish history, art galleries show works by local and international painters, and parks offer views across the city and the Firth of Forth. Visitors can climb an extinct volcano, walk through botanical gardens, or explore underground passages where people once lived. Historic churches stand near modern government buildings, and converted warehouses along the waterfront now host markets and restaurants. From distilleries to science centers, the city presents both its heritage and its present day without pushing either aside. You can spend mornings in galleries and afternoons in parks, or reverse the order depending on the weather.
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Edinburgh Castle, Half Moon Battery
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