Location: Princes Street and Gardens
Top Things to do in Princes Street and Gardens
Countries
The 10 Best Sights & 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. Forsyth Sphere
2. 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).
3. Church of St John the Evangelist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By jeanniedDover_Kent - Barfrestone, United Kingdom
This beautiful old church is situated on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road. The stained glass windows are breathtaking in their beauty. They are as awe inspiring as they are beautiful - they are the best ones I have ever seen. As you enter the main building and look up the ceiling is something not to be missed. Although the main body of the church covers a large area there is a small chapel available for private prayer. In fact there is a lovely feeling of peace throughout the building - it is just over 100 years old and yet seems timeless. Downstairs there is a little cafeteria - I was there at lunchtime and was very surprised that it wasn't busier especially as it opens on to a peaceful little garden just by the road and is open to the public. The menu was quite adequate for the snack I needed and the coffee was good - it was reasonably priced too! If you like visiting churches and have a few hours to kill in the west end of Edinburgh this would be a good place to while away the time.
4. St Cuthbert's Parish Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
St Cuthbert's is a Church of Scotland Presbyterian Church. Believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh, and originally founded by St Cuthbert around 1100 years ago. The current spire is dated 1775, and is all that remains of the previous building. The current building was completed in 1894. Regular Sunday services are : 9:30am Holy Communion. 11am Morning Worship and 6pm Evening Worship, include the ministry of prayer for healing. Full service details and what's taking place in the church, can be found on the website. Find us on the corner of Lothian Road and Kings' Stables Road in Edinburgh, Scotland. St Cuthbert's core vision is to : Live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as God's people, at the heart of our city. Nurture hearts for God. Offer a home to friend and stranger. Provide a hub to equip the people of God for the mission of God.
Reviewed By SeaWorshipper - Denver, United States
Unfortunately, the Church was closed because we arrived at night. We wandered around the outside grounds and took some magnificent photos of the outside. You can see the Edinburgh Castle up high through the trees. Mom & I ran into a tour group that was just entering the Cemetery. The young man who was leading the group said we were brave to go by ourselves through the "kirkyard" and asked if we were visited by any spirits. I am sure it would have been great to tag along to hear his tales from long ago. It is absolutely beautiful, especially with a full moon. When I go back, I will make sure I see the inside too. I would recommend a hour to three if you are going to check out the cemetery as well.
5. Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" Statue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Statue of Wojtek "the Soldier Bear" and his keeper unveiled on the 7th November 2015 by the Wojtek Memorial Trust to commemorate remarkable story of Wojtek and as a tribute to all brave men, women and children who fought in the World War II.
Reviewed By johnhp702 - Derby, United Kingdom
What a fabulous and moving story from when the world was in great danger and the heroic sacrifices of people and of course Wojtek who fought so that we could have our freedom, I loved everything about this.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. The Call 1914
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By craigluscar - Dunfermline, United Kingdom
Situated halfway along Princes Street Gardens sits this poignant memorial to the Scots killed in the Great war .The sculptor was Robert Tait Mckenzie and the sandstone designed by the Architect Reginald Fairlie . The cast was made at the Roman Cast works Brooklyn New York
9. Mortonhall Baby Ashes Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By macedonboy - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Mortonhall Baby Ashes Memorial stands in memory of the stillborn an the babies that died soon after birth and cremated at the Mortonhall. Their cremated remains were cruelly dumped in a mass unmarked grave at a city crematorium instead being returned to the parents. Something that went on for decades until the scandal was revealed in 2012. This bronze baby elephant sculpture is embossed with forget-me-not flowers and located in Princes Street Gardens in their memory. It's said that an elephant was chosen because a elephant never forgets. I hope we in Scotland don't forget either.
10. Edinburgh Robot Lawnmower
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