Princes Street

Princes Street is one of the notable streets in central Edinburgh. It features some elite-class boutiques and stores set on its northern side. Besides, pretty gardens and parklands are situated on its southern fringe.

It is an iconic shopping street in Edinburgh with a diverse mix of architecture, ranging from the Georgian period to the late 20th century. Princes Street is the southernmost street of the city's New Town, which runs around 1.2 km, from Leith Street in the east to Lothian Road in the west. There are few buildings on the south side of the street, and it overlooks the Princes Street Gardens. Notably, it offers spectacular views of the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle, and the valley.


Princes Street was constructed around 1770, during the reign of King George III. It is named Princes Street after the two sons of George III - Prince Frederick and Prince George. Today, most of the street is confined to trams, buses, and taxis, and only the east end is open to all traffic.