Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Edinburgh audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type park
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Edinburgh Edinburgh guide
About Princes Street Gardens
A beautiful public park in the heart of Edinburgh, created in the valley of a former loch beneath the castle.
Princes Street Gardens are a major public park in the centre of Edinburgh, split into East and West sections by the Mound. The gardens were created in the 1820s on the site of the drained Nor' Loch, a lake that once served as Edinburgh's northern defence. Today they offer a green oasis with stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, and host major events including Edinburgh's famous Christmas Market and Hogmanay celebrations.
Did you know? The gardens were built on the site of the Nor' Loch, which was so polluted it was used as Edinburgh's open sewer, and for drowning suspected witches.
How long should you spend at Princes Street Gardens?
Plan about ~45 min at Princes Street Gardens. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Princes Street Gardens worth visiting?
Princes Street Gardens is one of the 26 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Edinburgh, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Edinburgh
Hear the story of Princes Street Gardens
Preview the Edinburgh tour free in the Gingerguide app.