The park was created by the drainage of the Nor Loch between 1760 and 1820.
The Nor Loch was previously used to dispose of sewage and was the site of witch trials by ducking.
The Floral Clock is a working timepiece that remains accurate despite being constructed from living plants.
The Ross Fountain was imported from France in 1872 and features four female figures representing Science, Arts, Poetry, and Industry.
The garden's lower levels contain the remains of the old railway tunnels that once connected the city.
The Scott Monument is the world's largest monument to a writer.
The park contains a memorial stone for the Polish soldiers who were stationed in the area during WWII.
Princes Street Gardens is a public park located in the valley created by the drainage of the Nor Loch, a medieval water body that previously served as the city's sewage dump. The park is divided into two sections, East and West, separated by The Mound, an artificial causeway. It sits directly at the base of Castle Rock, providing a significant vertical elevation change from the Old Town to the New Town. The gardens feature the Ross Fountain, a 19th-century cast-iron monument, and the Ross Bandstand, which hosts various outdoor performances. The park contains a floral clock, originally created in 1903, which is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. Monuments within the grounds include the Scott Monument, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, and the American Monument dedicated to the Royal Scots. The terrain slopes steeply, creating a natural amphitheater effect beneath Edinburgh Castle. The gardens occupy the area where the city's northern defenses once stood.
The path near the Ross Fountain provides an unobstructed upward view of Edinburgh Castle.
Enter from the Mound for the most central access point to both the East and West gardens.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the steep, winding paved paths connecting the city levels.
Check the local events calendar, as the West section frequently hosts festival-related structures that limit public access.
Do not attempt to climb the steep castle rock face from the gardens, as it is prohibited and dangerous.
The park is generally open year-round, though sections may close temporarily for large-scale event staging during the summer festival period.
Avoid walking on flower beds; keep noise levels low in the designated memorial sections.
