Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!
  • How It Works
  • Get Inspired
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Login
Get InspiredBlogTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 TravelPal, Inc.

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Contact

Follow us

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026, TravelPal, Inc. All rights reserved.
0/200
Get InspiredEuropeUnited KingdomScotlandEdinburghEast Princes Street Gardens

East Princes Street Gardens

GB
Public Park·Scenic, Buzzy, Historic
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Hoài Anh Lê (plukvn) from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Ash K from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Alessandra Bettin from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by David Sherman from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Naeem from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Hoài Anh Lê (plukvn) from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Ash K from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Alessandra Bettin from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by David Sherman from Google Places
East Princes Street Gardens
Photo by Naeem from Google Places

East Princes Street Gardens serves as a lush green lung in the center of Edinburgh, separating the historic Old Town from the bustling New Town. Spanning approximately 8.5 acres, this public park is a favorite for both locals and tourists due to its manicured flowerbeds and winding walking paths. Visitors often flock here for the incredible photo opportunities of Edinburgh Castle, which looms majestically over the gardens. The park is also home to the famous Scott Monument and serves as a primary hub for the city's festive Christmas Market. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to sit on a bench or a scenic route to your next destination, these gardens provide a quintessential Edinburgh experience.

East Princes Street Gardens serves as a lush green lung in the center of Edinburgh, separating the historic Old Town from the bustling New Town. Spanning approximately 8.5 acres, this public park is a favorite for both locals and tourists due to its manicured flowerbeds and winding walking paths. Visitors often flock here for the incredible photo opportunities of Edinburgh Castle, which looms majestically over the gardens. The park is also home to the famous Scott Monument and serves as a primary hub for the city's festive Christmas Market. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to sit on a bench or a scenic route to your next destination, these gardens provide a quintessential Edinburgh experience.

You might want to ask

Address
Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 2DG, UK

Highlights

  • Unrivaled views of Edinburgh Castle from elevated paths.

  • Home to the towering Gothic Scott Monument.

  • Vibrant seasonal flowerbeds and well-kept green lawns.

  • Host to the popular annual Edinburgh Christmas Market.

  • Conveniently located steps away from Waverley Station.

Best For

Iconic castle views and central city strolls.

Occasion Tags

Tourists, Locals, Family, Solo

Reviews

4.7
Excellent371 reviews

East Princes Street Gardens is highly praised by visitors as a beautiful and essential green space in the heart of Edinburgh. Reviewers frequently mention its convenient location right next to Waverley Station, making it an easy first stop for travelers arriving in the city. The park is celebrated for offering some of the most spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the iconic Scott Monument. Many guests enjoy the abundance of benches and well-maintained grass, noting it as a perfect spot to relax amidst a busy sightseeing schedule. During the winter, the gardens are a major draw for the Christmas Market, where visitors specifically recommend the variety of international food stalls, including German sausages and mac n cheese. While the atmosphere is generally described as peaceful and scenic, some reviewers caution that it can become quite crowded with tourists due to its central location.

Add dates for experiences

Location

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Stays near East Princes Street Gardens

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

St Christopher's Inn Edinburgh - Old Town

3.9(396)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Social, Budget Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Castle Rock Hostel

4.7(3 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Social, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

a&o Hostel Edinburgh City

3.7(2,6 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Simple, Budget Friendly, Central
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Edinburgh Backpackers Hostel

3.8(683)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Social, Relaxed
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Princes Street Hostel

4.4(168)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Friendly, Central
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

High Street Hostel

4.3(1,1 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Social, Budget Friendly, Historic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

CODE The Loft

4.6(522)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Trendy, Social, Lively
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Kick Ass Greyfriars

4.2(1,5 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Lively, Youthful, Casual

Food & drink near East Princes Street Gardens

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Makars Mash Bar

4.8(9,3 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Unfussy, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Society Bar & Kitchen

4.8(5,9 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Vibrant, Casual, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Scotts Kitchen

4.5(1,5 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Casual, Stylish, Relaxed
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Piper's Rest

4.5(3,1 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Cozy, Stylish, Welcoming
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Greenwoods Edinburgh

4.7(1,3 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Bright, Stylish, Relaxed
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Edinburgh Street Food

4.6(2,4 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Vibrant, Casual, Diverse
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Howies Victoria Street

4.4(3,9 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Bright, Relaxed, Convivial
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Dome

4.6(9,9 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Elegant, Grand, Luxurious

Things to do near East Princes Street Gardens

Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Royal Mile

4.7(22,5 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Bustling, Tourist Friendly
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Scotch Whisky Experience

4.7(11 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Educational, Interactive, Cultural
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Edinburgh Dungeon

4.5(6,6 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Immersive, Thrilling, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

The Real Mary King's Close

4.6(16,8 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Mysterious, Educational, Engaging
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Edinburgh Castle

4.6(104,2 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Majestic, Educational
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Scott Monument

4.7(7 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Iconic, Majestic
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

St Giles' Cathedral

4.6(12,3 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Historic, Majestic, Spiritual
Place
Place
Place
Place
Place

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

4.6(15,5 K)
Edinburgh, Scotland
Interactive, Educational, Entertaining