Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh | A Local’s Guide to Castle Views & Hidden Corners
If you’re planning a day in Edinburgh and wondering whether Princes Street Gardens is worth visiting — my answer is absolutely yes.
Princes Street is where Edinburgh’s higgledy-piggledy Old Town meets the contrasting grid design of the New Town, and the gardens sit just below the Castle with amazing views and green spaces.
Many people know it for the postcard-perfect Edinburgh Castle views, but after years of photographing couples, families and visitors in the city, I think Princes Street Gardens is one of Edinburgh’s most underrated places to slow down and explore.
Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find dramatic castle backdrops, hidden kirkyards, historic monuments, playgrounds, flowers, seasonal events, and plenty of spots to simply sit with an ice cream and soak up the atmosphere. I love taking some lunch and sitting on the grass on a sunny day, watching the bustle of the city pass me by.
Princes Street Gardens is also a great choice if you fancy including some greenery and iconic Edinburgh views in your photoshoot.
Whether you’re visiting Scotland, planning a family day out, considering wedding portraits in the city, or simply looking for beautiful places to walk in Edinburgh — here’s my insider guide.
Why Visit Princes Street Gardens?
Princes Street Gardens sits in the valley beneath Edinburgh Castle and separates Edinburgh’s Old Town from the Georgian New Town.
What I love about it is that it feels like two completely different experiences depending on where you explore.
East Princes Street Gardens feels more formal and lively, while West Princes Street Gardens feels quieter and greener.
In one short walk you can enjoy:
• Edinburgh Castle viewpoints
• Historic monuments
• Hidden kirkyards and stories
• Family-friendly play spaces
• Seasonal events
• Beautiful photography spots
• Easy city access
What Are Princes Street Gardens Opening Times, Toilets & Accessibility?
One of the nicest things about Princes Street Gardens is how easy it is to visit.
The East Gardens are generally open 24 hours, while West Princes Street Gardens usually opens during daylight hours and closes between approximately 5pm and 10pm depending on the season.
📍 Location: Princes Street, Edinburgh
🚻 Toilets:
Public toilets can be found in the gardens and nearby at St Cuthbert’s Church, near the Ross Bandstand, the National Gallery of Scotland and Waverley Station.
♿ Accessibility:
Specific accessible routes make this a great option if you’re planning a photoshoot with someone who needs easier access.
🚆 Getting there:
East Gardens sits right beside Waverley Station, and buses and trams run along Princes Street, making this one of Edinburgh’s easiest places to reach.
🚗 Parking:
I’d recommend public transport for central Edinburgh, but Parkopedia is useful if you’re driving.
💡 Photographer’s Tip:
This area becomes particularly magical in autumn and spring when the light sits lower behind the Castle and the trees start changing colour.
East vs West Princes Street Gardens – Which Side Should You Explore?
East Princes Street Gardens
East Gardens feels more open, lively and acts as a natural route between The Mound and Waverley Station.
Highlights:
• Scott Monument
• Family-friendly open space
• National Gallery of Scotland (and café)
• Great Old Town skyline views
Although busy, I know a few quieter spots nearby that work beautifully for photographs 😊
West Princes Street Gardens
West Gardens feels calmer and greener.
Highlights:
• Ross Fountain
• Woodland feel
• Better for quieter moments
• Views up to Castle Rock
• Relaxed photography spots
• Princes Street playpark
• Café and ice cream
• St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard
This is my favourite side for families — especially if you want to finish a shoot with a play in the park and an ice cream.
Where Are the Best Edinburgh Castle Views in Princes Street Gardens?
If you’re hoping for iconic castle photographs, these are my favourite spots:
📸 Ross Fountain — the classic Edinburgh postcard.
📸 East Gardens Steps — lovely layered views.
📸 West Gardens Lawns — wider skyline and Castle views.
📸 Near St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard — a hidden angle many visitors miss.
If you love viewpoints, you might also enjoy my guides to Calton Hill and Holyrood Park.
Is Princes Street Gardens Good for Families?
Absolutely.
One thing I love about this area is how easy it is to turn it into a proper day out — especially in West Princes Street Gardens.
✔ Playpark
✔ Open green space
✔ Easy walking routes
✔ Shops nearby
✔ Ice cream and cafés
✔ Elephant and bear statues to discover
It also works beautifully for family photos because children naturally want to explore.
Wedding Venues Near Princes Street Gardens
If you’re planning a wedding in Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens sits surprisingly close to some fantastic venues and I love heading out for a wee wander during weddings. Gardens like this create space to breathe, enjoy a moment being together and capture natural portraits while taking in the city.
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Discover the Stories Around Princes Street Gardens
It’s not just gardens, it’s an area steeped in history and like most of Edinburgh it has it’s dark past1
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It’s hard to imagine now, but Princes Street Gardens was once Nor Loch — a manmade loch beneath Edinburgh Castle originally created as a defensive feature.
Life around the loch was far less idyllic than today, and over time it became heavily polluted.
In the 18th century it was drained and eventually transformed into the beautiful Victorian gardens we know today.
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One of my favourite places nearby is St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard.
Tucked beneath Castle Rock, this historic kirkyard dates back centuries and has stories of battles, grave robbers and old Edinburgh woven through it.
Historic gravestones, crypts, old trees and dramatic views create a completely different atmosphere from the gardens.
(Perfect if you loved the day of the dead art of of my Edinburgh Quinceañera photoshoot.)
Visiting Edinburgh Christmas Market?
Princes Street Gardens transforms completely during the Christmas Market season.
Personally, I preferred the earlier years when it felt more like a cosy German market with beautiful independent stalls. These days it’s become much bigger and busier.
If you enjoy festive atmosphere and don’t mind crowds, you’ll probably love it — but if you prefer quieter exploring, I’d admire the lights and head elsewhere.
Expect:
• Big crowds
• Christmas lights
• Crepes and mulled wine
• A big wheel and rides
Love Green Spaces? Explore More Beautiful Places in Edinburgh
As one of the greenest cities in the UK, almost half of Edinburgh is made up of green space — and that’s one of the reasons I love photographing here. Whether you want dramatic hill views, woodland walks, hidden ruins or formal gardens, there’s so much to explore beyond Princes Street Gardens.
Here are some of my favourites:
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Located at the bottom of the Royal Mile and dominated by the extinct volcano Arthur’s Seat, this huge green space feels surprisingly wild considering you’re still in the middle of the city. Great if you love dramatic landscapes and a proper adventure.
→ Read my Holyrood Park guide -
Probably the busiest of Edinburgh’s green spaces thanks to the incredible views over the city. It’s a climb to the top but completely worth it — especially at sunrise or sunset if you love a viewpoint.
→ Read my Calton Hill guide -
The Meadows is a student favourite thanks to its location beside the main Edinburgh University area. It’s especially beautiful in April and May when the cherry blossom appears and everyone spills out onto the grass at the first sign of sunshine.
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62 acres of green space surrounding one of Edinburgh’s most underrated castles. A lovely mix of open space, history and quieter walking routes.
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Not to be confused with Perthshire’s famous Hermitage — this nature reserve around Blackford Hill has Green Flag status recognising it as a quality greenspace. Expect woodlands, wildlife and lovely walking routes.
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Running 20 miles from the Pentland Hills to Leith, there’s a 12.8-mile walkway that follows the river from Balerno to Leith. You’ll pass wildlife havens, woodland, old tunnels and the beautiful historic hamlet of Dean Village before finishing near the brilliant Fingal Hotel in Leith Docks.
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A 20-mile stretch of hills great for walking, running, horse riding and even skiing at Hillend dry ski slope. You can also ride the alpine coaster if that’s more your style.
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One of my favourite quieter green spaces to explore. Woodlands, ruined buildings and a river eventually lead down to Cramond where, at low tide, you can walk out to Cramond Island.
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A beautiful coastal estate with beaches, woodland and castles sitting between Cramond and South Queensferry (and accessible by train to Dalmeny). Barnbougle Castle — one of my favourite intimate wedding venues — sits within the estate and is perfect if you love history and the sea.
→ Explore my Castle Wedding Guide -
If you love plants, the Botanics is one of Edinburgh’s loveliest places to wander (and even get married). The glasshouses are beautiful and my favourite hidden spot is the Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden. Best of all — entry to the gardens is completely free.
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If you love woodland walks and waterfalls, have a car and want to explore further afield, you might also enjoy my guide to The Hermitage in Perthshire — one of my favourite places in Scotland for a peaceful photoshoot adventure.
Why Princes Street Gardens Is One of My Favourite Edinburgh Photoshoot Locations
What I love most is that it doesn’t feel like a formal attraction.
You can wander, stop for coffee, climb steps, discover hidden corners and accidentally create lovely memories.
That’s exactly why I enjoy photographing people here.
Photos feel relaxed and connected rather than posed.
If you’re visiting Edinburgh and fancy turning your day out into something memorable, I’d love to help.
Related Guides
→ Top 10 Photoshoot Locations in Edinburgh
→ Small & Intimate Castle Weddings in Scotland
→ Best Photoshoot Locations in Fife
Frequently Asked Questions About Princes Street Gardens
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Yes — Princes Street Gardens is completely free to visit and open year-round. It’s one of Edinburgh’s best free attractions and a lovely place to break up a busy day of sightseeing.
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Both sides have great views, but they feel quite different.
West Princes Street Gardens gives you the classic postcard angle with Ross Fountain in the foreground, while East Gardens gives wider views across the Old Town skyline.
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Absolutely. West Princes Street Gardens is particularly family friendly with open green space, a playpark, cafés nearby and little details children love spotting.
It’s also a brilliant location for relaxed family photos because there’s space to move and explore naturally.
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You could wander through in 20 minutes, but I’d recommend allowing at least 1–2 hours if you want time to explore both East and West Gardens, visit nearby spots like St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard or the National Gallery, and stop for coffee or ice cream.
Discover more Scotland guides, wedding venue inspiration and real weddings from Edinburgh wedding photographer Ali Jay.