Princes Street, stretching along the southern edge of Princes Street Gardens in the heart of Edinburgh, is one of the city’s most famous thoroughfares. Known for its stunning views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town, its high-end shopping, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere, Princes Street has long been the focal point for both locals and visitors. It is a street that encapsulates Edinburgh’s unique blend of history, commerce, culture, and natural beauty.
Origins and Early History
The history of Princes Street dates back to the 18th century, when Edinburgh’s New Town was designed to alleviate overcrowding in the Old Town. The New Town was a monumental urban planning project, conceived to create spacious, elegant streets lined with Georgian architecture. The street was originally known as St. Giles Street, but it was renamed Princes Street in honor of Prince George, Duke of Rothesay, who later became King George IV.
Unlike many streets in the Old Town, Princes Street was intended to be commercial from the start. While residents occupied the north side, the south side was left open to provide uninterrupted views across what was then the newly landscaped Nor Loch valley, later transformed into Princes Street Gardens. This deliberate planning decision has made Princes Street renowned worldwide for its picturesque vistas of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline.
Architecture and Urban Design
Princes Street is a street of contrasts. Its north side is dominated by 19th- and 20th-century buildings, including hotels, department stores, and modern offices, while the south side remains open to the gardens, providing breathtaking, uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle perched atop Castle Rock.
Originally, the street featured Georgian townhouses, but most were demolished in the 19th century to make way for commercial buildings. Today, the street is characterized by a mixture of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, including grand hotels like the Princes Street Hotel, historic department stores such as Jenners (established in 1838), and contemporary glass-and-steel structures.
The careful urban planning that allowed the south side to remain open ensures that Princes Street retains a sense of elegance and grandeur. The street’s long, straight layout allows for sweeping vistas and a dramatic perspective of Edinburgh’s skyline, which has made it a favorite subject for photographers, painters, and tourists alike.
Shopping and Commerce
Princes Street is Edinburgh’s premier shopping street, attracting both locals and tourists. The street is lined with a mix of high street brands, luxury retailers, and flagship stores. While department stores such as Jenners have a long historical presence, modern retailers like Apple, H&M, and Zara now occupy key locations, reflecting the evolving retail landscape.
The street also features boutiques, souvenir shops, and Scottish craft stores, where visitors can purchase cashmere, whisky, tartan, and traditional Scottish souvenirs. Many shops take advantage of the street’s high foot traffic, and seasonal displays—especially during the Christmas Market—create a festive shopping experience.
Hotels, Cafés, and Dining
Beyond shopping, Princes Street is home to some of Edinburgh’s most iconic hotels and restaurants. Grand establishments like the Princes Street Hotel and The Balmoral nearby provide luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the castle.
Cafés, coffee houses, and restaurants line the street, offering everything from traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine. Many establishments feature terraces overlooking Princes Street Gardens, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy their meals while taking in sweeping views of the gardens and castle.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks
Princes Street is more than just a commercial hub; it is steeped in history and culture. Along the street, visitors can find a number of notable landmarks:
- Scott Monument: One of the most iconic features of Princes Street, the Scott Monument is a Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Standing 200 feet tall, it is the largest monument to a writer in the world. Visitors can climb 287 steps to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
- Waverley Station: Edinburgh’s main railway station sits at the eastern end of Princes Street, serving as a gateway for travelers arriving in the city. Its central location makes Princes Street easily accessible for visitors.
- Princes Street Gardens: Running parallel to the street, these gardens provide a green respite from the busy thoroughfare. They are home to monuments such as the Ross Fountain and host seasonal events like the Edinburgh Christmas Market and Hogmanay celebrations.
- Statues and Memorials: Scattered along the street are statues of historical figures, including Sir Walter Scott, contributing to the street’s cultural significance.
Seasonal Highlights
Princes Street is particularly vibrant during certain times of the year:
- Christmas and Hogmanay: During the festive season, the street comes alive with lights, decorations, and market stalls. The Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market attracts visitors from across the UK, offering rides, shopping, and seasonal treats.
- Edinburgh Festival: In August, the city hosts the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival, during which street performers, musicians, and entertainers fill the area. Princes Street serves as both a thoroughfare and a hub for festival-goers.
- Spring and Summer: The gardens and surrounding areas bloom with flowers, providing a picturesque backdrop for walks and photography. Seasonal events and open-air performances further enliven the street.
Transportation and Accessibility
Princes Street is a pedestrian-friendly street with dedicated bus lanes and tram access. It is a hub for Edinburgh’s public transport network, connecting the city center with suburbs and surrounding towns.
The street is accessible on foot from many of Edinburgh’s main attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Calton Hill. Its central location makes it ideal for tourists who wish to combine shopping, sightseeing, and dining in a single, convenient area.
Views and Photography
Perhaps one of the defining features of Princes Street is its uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town skyline. The vantage point provided by the street, particularly from the south side facing the gardens, allows photographers and visitors to capture Edinburgh in its most dramatic form.
Sunrise and sunset offer particularly stunning lighting, casting long shadows across the gardens and illuminating the castle in golden tones. Many guidebooks and travel photographers recommend Princes Street as the ideal spot to photograph the city, especially from the eastern and western ends.
Modern Developments and Future Plans
Princes Street has evolved significantly over the years, balancing its historic character with modern demands. Recent urban planning initiatives have sought to improve pedestrian access, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the street’s visual appeal. Discussions about redevelopment of key sites—including hotels and retail spaces—continue to ensure that Princes Street remains a vibrant and economically important part of the city.
Despite modernization, care has been taken to preserve views of the castle, the historic architecture, and the cultural significance of the street. Any new development is carefully considered in terms of its impact on Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
Princes Street as a Social Hub
Beyond shopping and sightseeing, Princes Street functions as a social and cultural artery of Edinburgh. Locals use the gardens for leisure and exercise, tourists stroll along the pavement taking in views and photographing monuments, and public events create shared experiences for communities.
Street performers, seasonal markets, and festivals all contribute to the vibrant atmosphere, making the street a living, breathing representation of Edinburgh’s civic life.
Symbolism and Significance
Princes Street embodies Edinburgh’s unique combination of history, commerce, and natural beauty. It connects the Old Town with the New Town, uniting centuries of architectural styles and urban planning. Its vistas of Edinburgh Castle symbolize Scotland’s heritage, while its commercial and cultural offerings reflect the city’s modern vibrancy.
For visitors, Princes Street is both practical and inspirational: a place to shop, dine, relax, and absorb the city’s energy. For locals, it is a familiar artery of civic life, a place for leisure, celebration, and community engagement.
Conclusion
Princes Street is far more than just a main thoroughfare—it is the beating heart of Edinburgh. From its origins in the 18th-century New Town planning to its present-day status as a hub of shopping, culture, and tourism, the street has maintained its unique character and significance. Its views of Edinburgh Castle, access to Princes Street Gardens, historic monuments, and vibrant social life make it a central feature of the city experience.
Whether strolling along the pavements on a sunny afternoon, climbing the Scott Monument, enjoying seasonal festivities, or simply admiring the architectural elegance, Princes Street offers something for everyone. It is a street where history meets modernity, commerce meets culture, and locals and visitors alike can experience the very essence of Edinburgh.
