Discover the Attractions in Princes Street, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Princes Street is best known for its exciting attractions and its many interesting and unusual shops that run along its entire length. Princes Street starts off at Waterloo Place, which is situated at the East End and goes all the way to Shandwick Place, which is found at the West End.

Princes Street was built in the late 18th century during the reign of King George the Third. Princes Street was part of the new section of Edinburgh and was named for King George’s sons after its original name was rejected.

Many local residents and tourists will spend the whole day enjoying the monuments, statues, landmarks and shops found along the one side of the Princes Street. The first building you will come across during your exploration of the street is the five-star Balmoral Hotel at 1 Princes Street. This well-known hotel provides a stunning view from the top floor overlooking the Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town. When the historic hotel was first formed in 1902 it was named the North British Hotel, after the ‘North British’ railway company.

Beside the Balmoral Hotel you will find steps leading to Waverly Station, the main train station in Edinburgh. The Victorian railway companies often built expensive hotels near the railway station to house passengers getting off the train. That is why you find Waverly Station so near to the Balmoral Hotel.

Near to Waverly Station you will find the Princes Mall shopping center and the tourist information center. The Princess Mall has numerous small shops and boutiques on the two and a half floors. The tourist information center has a wide array of leaflets and brochures informing visitors of upcoming events and attractions taking place in Edinburgh. You can also get assistance with accommodation near to Princes Street and around the city center.

Another famous landmark that you will find on Princes Street is the two hundred feet tall neo-gothic monument dedicated to the well-known writer, Sir Walter Scott. Often you will find a Scottish piper, dressed in his traditional Scottish dress, and his dog near the blackened statue of Sir Walter Scott playing away on his bagpipes. If you have the strength and the energy you can climb up the 287 steps to the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Edinburgh skyline.

There is so much more to see on Princes Street but to go through them all would take too long. You are encouraged to explore this historic street and see the stunning views for yourself. It will be a visit you will not regret!