Princes Street Gardens

Overview

Princes Street Gardens are a lush, sunken public park running through the heart of Edinburgh, occupying the valley between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. This was once an artificial loch — the Nor Loch — drained in the early 19th century.

Highlights

• Castle Views: Uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle towering above on its volcanic crag, especially dramatic at sunset.
• The Ross Bandstand: The open-air performance venue hosting concerts and the Hogmanay celebrations, currently being replaced by a striking new pavilion.
• The Floral Clock: A working clock made entirely of living plants, replanted annually since 1903 — the oldest floral clock in the world.

History

The Nor Loch was created in the 15th century as a defensive moat for the castle but became a notorious open sewer. It was drained between 1759 and 1820, and the resulting valley was landscaped into the gardens we see today.

Visitor Tips

• Lunchtime Spot: Locals come here on their lunch break — grab a sandwich and sit on the grass for prime castle views.
• Winter Market: During November and December, the gardens host Edinburgh's Christmas market with an ice rink and fairground rides.
• Duration: 45–60 minutes.