Find the perfect stay near Princes Street

Princes Street serves as the main thoroughfare of Edinburgh, offering a unique blend of high-street shopping on one side and an open view of the historic skyline on the other. You can spend an afternoon browsing popular brands before crossing over to the Princes Street Gardens, which sit right at the foot of the castle rock. It is a fantastic place to soak up the city atmosphere, especially when the floral clock is in bloom or during the seasonal markets.

This stretch of road marks the boundary between the historic Old Town and the grand Georgian buildings of the New Town. It is best to wear comfortable shoes as you will likely be walking the entire 1-mile length of the street.

Useful things to keep in mind for your visit

The street is almost entirely pedestrian and tram-friendly, though buses still frequent the main lane. You should stick to the pavement on the shop side if you are in a hurry, but the garden side is much quieter for a relaxed stroll. Most shops operate between 09:00 and 18:00, though some larger department stores stay open until 20:00 on Thursdays.

Since the weather in Scotland changes quickly, it is wise to carry a light waterproof jacket. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours here if you plan on browsing the shops and stopping for a coffee. Please check the official websites for individual stores to see current opening times before you head out.

What to expect from the shops and views

The retail experience here is a mix of high-street brands and traditional Scottish specialists. You can find everything from massive department stores to shops selling high-quality cashmere and tartan. The street is famous for Jenners, which is one of the oldest department stores in the world, though its facade is just as much of a draw as the goods inside.

While you browse, you are treated to a constant view of Edinburgh Castle, which sits on a rock 430 feet above sea level. This makes the lifestyle here feel very different from a standard city shopping district. You are never more than a 5-minute walk from a green space where you can sit down and take a break from the crowds.

Getting a taste of the local scene

For a bit of local flavour, head to the East End where you will find the St James Quarter, located just a 2-minute walk from the end of the main street. This newer development offers a more modern shopping environment with a cinema and various dining spots. If you prefer something more traditional, look for the small side streets that lead toward Rose Street, which runs parallel and is famous for its high density of pubs.

During the winter, the area transforms as the Christmas Market takes over the adjacent gardens. It usually runs from late November until early January, offering handmade crafts and local food. Even during the busiest times, you can usually find a quiet spot by walking 10 minutes down into the Princes Street Gardens to enjoy the floral clock. Please refer to the official city event sites to confirm the exact dates for seasonal markets and festivals.

There are plenty of places to stay right on its doorstep, and reaching this shopping hub from any corner of the capital is straightforward.

Where to stay nearby

If you want to be in the heart of the action, look for accommodation in the New Town. This area is perfect for those who want upscale hotels or stylish boutique stays within a 5-minute walk of the main shops. For a slightly more historic feel, staying across the gardens in the Old Town puts you near the Royal Mile while keeping you only 0.5 miles from the high-street stores. If you are travelling on a budget, the streets heading north toward Queen Street offer several reliable guesthouses and modern apartments that are great for families needing a bit more space.

Getting to the shops

You can reach the area easily from Edinburgh Waverley Station, which sits at the eastern end of the street, making it less than a 2-minute walk to the first set of shops. The Edinburgh Trams run directly along the street, connecting you to the airport in about 35 minutes, with several stops located right outside the major department stores. Most local buses also converge here, and the flat, wide pavements make the entire stretch accessible for those using wheelchairs or prams.

Pick the right hotels near Princes Street with Opodo to make your planning easy. You can quickly look at different hotels to find exactly what you need and grab the best deals. Whether you want to be 500 feet from the shops or a 10-minute walk from the gardens, picking your ideal hotel takes no time at all. Start looking today and see how simple it is to plan your Edinburgh trip. We help you choose hotels that fit your style so you can focus on the fun.