Address: Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
Phone: +441315297921
Rating: 4.6
based on 453 reviews.
Accessibility
Pros:
"It's easily accessible, as is right next to Waverley station and a 5 - 10 minute walk from the Royal Mile."
"Peaceful place to relax while in the middle of a bustling city. Easy connection to transport with a wide range of choices, from buses and taxes, to trams and trains."
"Wheelchair accessible great toilets fantastic food on offer and great rides!"
"Nice and close to the Train Station if you want to chill before catching your train."
"Within easy walking distance of Waverley Railway Station and also St Andrew's Square Bus Station."
"Very central location. Close to shops, museums, and Edinburgh train station."
"It is one of the best places in Edinburgh. The garden close to the train station, the buses stations, and the tram."
Cons:
"Access to toilets is tricky at the moment, having a toddler highlights this for me! You can go into the shopping centre beside the train station, but take some change with you as it's chargeable."
"Would love to see the public toilets look like less of a heroin den though."
"I didn't see designated entrances for wheelchairs, and I did see people turning back from a few stairs-only areas."
"Peak times are busy, and can be difficult to operate a wheelchair, due to the hills at the ends of the park, whereby you access the lower level."
"No parking nearby, i wonder."
"Sadly there's only one block of toilets now!"
"Restrooms are far and few and be ready to walk to use one."
Atmosphere & Location
Pros:
"Beautiful gardens to chill out in, perfect for taking a break for from shopping as it’s close to all the best shopping streets in Edinburgh."
"This has to be one of the best gardens I have visited around UK if not other countries. The castle is right there on the backdrop."
"Princes Street Gardens is a picturesque oasis in the heart of Edinburgh."
"A beautiful place to see and take lots of photographs."
"The garden is beautiful. In summer you can spend all day here with your kids and family."
"Beautiful gardens with different sections and views of the castle, well kept and maintained."
"A lovely green space in the very centre of Edinburgh."
Cons:
"If you come on weekends it can still be crowded."
"Frustrating experience here. Most of park closed due to concert in the park."
"Kind of frustrating right now because a lot of it is blocked off, etc., but it’s still lovely."
"It is quite a distance to walk the full garden circuit and at some points there are many steps which are problematic to those of us elderly people no longer in the full flush of fitness."
"Somewhat shrunk in size currently due to construction work causing parts to be blocked off."
"Most of park closed due to concert in the park."
"Gets very crowded."
Events & Activities
Pros:
"Went to see the Christmas markets which are situated in the gardens. Very busy as it was the first day which was a Saturday. Plenty to see and do found the food and drinks expensive."
"Loved every minute at Edinburgh Christmas markets."
"Christmas market was extended across the gardens and gave us all something to look at, taste or purchase."
"We always come here new year's day with our dog Casper. Good atmosphere with all the events taking place all around."
"All Scotland activities happen here like Christmas, new year celebrations."
"The gardens host various events throughout the year, adding to the vibrant atmosphere."
"Been coming here for years for the Summer Sessions and you need to do a lot of research for the fringe activities as far too much to see and do."
Cons:
"Should be ashamed of themselves for the overinflated prices."
"Very disappointed in the Christmas market mostly overpriced food and drink £7 for a small mulled cider with demand for at least £1.59 tip."
"It was an absolute waste of time. I've been to Edinburgh Christmas Market pre Covid-19, and that was why we decided to come back this year. It is about a quarter of the size, and even though you expect prices to go up, it is a rip-off."
"The Christmas market ain’t big as other around UK. It’s disappointing for a city like Edinburgh to have such a small market & not much activity & rides."
"Cutbacks have seen many activities curtailed."
"The gardens are being used for the ‘Edinburgh Summer Sessions’ music events which unfortunately excludes those who can’t afford a £50 ticket or purely want access to the gardens."
"Very disappointed 1 dj and a band..could of saved a lot of money and gone to Mac. Ds."
Maintenance & Cleanliness
Pros:
"The garden also has a clean and well-kept public toilet."
"Lovely well kept gardens. Fountain has been beautifully restored and its nice to have the water running again."
"Somehow it’s green even in the middle of winter, and the caretakers do a meticulous job."
"The park is beautiful and clean, from there you can enjoy stunning views of the Old Town skyline above, including Edinburgh Castle."
"Very clean, lovely and open space with great views of the castle."
"The gardens are looked after really well!"
"The grounds are very well maintained, the flowers which are all over are also beautiful and well kept."
Cons:
"Reinstatement works for grassy areas delayed resulting in unsightly mud patches."
"The parks are looking pretty clean, despite the seagulls having a field day now restrictions have loosened."
"Shame they've moved a lot off the grass though I don't think it looks good with this coarse sand and weeds and stray bunches off dead grass put it back the way it was."
"I do hope they reinstate the lovely gardens we also visit in summer back to how they were because of all the wet weather we've had."
"Used to enjoy visits to the Garden, but not lately. Due to Edinburgh Councils policy of using it as a theme park - and cutting down trees - there is little enjoyment in the walk anymore."
"Although yesterday when I visited it was a bit of a write-off because of the construction working."
"Need to be very vigilant as appears lots of bag snatches etc taking place at present."