Location: Princes Street and Gardens
Top Things to do in Princes Street and Gardens
Top 10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Princes Street and Gardens, Scotland
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Scott Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,739 reviews
A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet.
Reviewed By Andrew081 - St. Albans, United Kingdom
One cannot fail to be impressed by the 61m high Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scot (his books included Rob Roy and Ivanhoe) Completed in 1846 the monument, on Princes Street, is blackish in colour giving it an eerie beauty. The spire is decorated with 64 figures representing various characters from the writer’s novels. In contrast to the blackened construction, the white marble statue of Sir Walter Scott, with his dog Maida, that shines. The monument is split into four levels, but there ere are 287 steps up to the top (cost £8).
2. St John's Episcopal Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By ian_dempster - Wigan, United Kingdom
As an avid Church visitor this is a most strikingly beautiful church inside. The decor is stunning with magnificent ceiling and beautiful stained glass windows. A very serene church.
3. Ross Fountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The Ross Fountain is a fountain in Princes Street Gardens gifted to Edinburgh city by gunmaker Daniel Ross in 1862. It's last restoration was in 2018 and now the fountain is predominantly painted in turquoise, brown and gold. Around the base of the fountain, there are mermaids, walrus, lion heads and cherubs. At the top are featured four semi-nude female figures alluding to the Scottish Enlightenment, representing science, arts, poetry and industry. A wonderful statue, no matter the weather in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Castle to the south of the fountain provides a stunning backdrop for the fountain for those postcard picture perfect photos.
4. Edinburgh Robot Lawnmower
5. Princes Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,735 reviews
A busy street lined with shops, historic monuments and restaurants.
Reviewed By AngelaA761 - March, United Kingdom
A great view of the gardens castle etc while shopping Good selection of all the main shops Primark , Boots etc and so close to Rose Street with bars and restaurants when you are shopped out There is an abundance of buses too
6. Royal Scottish Academy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Formed in 1826, The Royal Scottish Academy of Art & Architecture has a proud tradition of promoting excellence in contemporary art in Scotland. Led by eminent artists and architects the Academy has re-established itself as a leading organisation for the visual arts in Scotland, and has successfully garnered a reputation for the strength of its engaging and diverse exhibitions and the fantastic opportunities it offers both established and emerging artists.
Reviewed By 227ianc - London, United Kingdom
The building, built by the architect William Henry Playfair in 1822-6 and extended in 1831-6 for the Board of Manufactures and Fisheries, is one of those classical buildings which contributed to the reputation of Edinburgh as the 'Athens of the North'. The Academy supports contemporary arts in Scotland and today the buiding is connected into the National Galleries of Scotland Building at the rear which gives it flexibilty in the way that it shows exhibitions I visited in late February when the Academy was housing the 2020 edition of 'New Contemporaries' - showing a selection of the best new talent in Scotland from the 2019 degree shows at universities and art schools in a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, film-making, photography, printmaking, installation, performance and architecture. The art was varied - reflecting the world outside - with some comfortable, some challenging. For me, the architectural projects - rooted in reality - were the best.
7. Floral Clock
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingmanUk
This working clock is the oldest in the world. It was first created in 1903, and up until 1972 it was mechanically operated and had to be wound up daily. From 1973 it was electrically driven. The clock flowers from July until October. It is located in West Princes Street Gardens next to The Mound entrance. Very busy when I visited with people standing on the steps and photographs being taken galore! TIP - Try and visit as the time is approaching the hour (or every quarter of an hour I believe) and that way you will also see the cuckoo coming out of the house and hear it calling.
8. Allan Ramsey Monument
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Standing opposite the National Art Gallery on the mound this delightful statue stands beside the floral clock . Unveiled on the 25th March 1865. The sculptor was J.Steell R.S.A., SCULPTOR.....The architect was David Bryce It stands on a square pillar with the heads of notables on each side
9. The Genius of Architecture
10. David Livingstone Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By stevetV9366XH - Preston, United Kingdom
..... to be found in this wonderfully historic city of Edinburgh. As seems to be the way memorials have been dedicated to a range of individuals representing markedly different walks of life, from philanthropists to poets and statesmen to soldiers and now an explorer. Livingstone featured on my PG Tips explorers set of cards maybe 50 years ago but I still recall Stanley's words on finding him 'Dr Livingstone I presume' - I don't know how true this is but it's certainly memorable. This is an impressive statue which would only be improved by a good clean. I do like the fact that the statue just says 'LIVINGSTONE' so enticing the observer to dig a bit deeper - all the easier nowadays with the internet.
