Princes Street (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is Princes Street?
What makes it 70% Baby-Friendly: Flat promenades and many shops with parent rooms aid prams and changing, but loud traffic, some cobbles and scarce garden changing tables add effort for carers of infants.
Positives:
- Pram accessibility: Wide, level paths in the gardens make pram navigation easy.
- Free baby facilities: Multiple parent rooms at Waverley Market and nearby shops cost nothing to use.
Challenges:
- Crowded weekends: High foot traffic can slow stroller progress on Princes Street itself.
- Unpredictable weather: Limited covered areas in gardens mean rain cover is essential.
What is Princes Street?
- A principal east–west thoroughfare in central Edinburgh, running 1.5 km from Lothian Road to Calton Hill
- The city’s main shopping artery, lined with flagship retailers, period hotels and Victorian monuments
- An urban spine that separates the medieval Old Town from the Georgian New Town, bordered by Princes Street Gardens to the south
What is so special about Princes Street for with baby?
- Flat gardens and level paths ideal for prams
- Free museums and baby-friendly facilities nearby
- Short Observation Wheel ride with free entry for under-3s
- Quick café stops at A Pinch of Salt with nearby seating
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time to stroll the gardens, visit a gallery, and rest at a café without rushing with a baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in Princes Street
Stroll through Princes Street Gardens:
Flat, paved paths with benches and shaded spots under Edinburgh Castle.
Tip: Bring a rain cover and use benches for quick breaks or feeding.
Ride the Edinburgh Observation Wheel:
30-minute enclosed gondola ride with city views; under-3s ride free.
Tip: Book slots online to avoid queues and choose a quieter weekday morning.
Explore Waverley Market:
Indoor shopping centre with free parents’ room and baby-changing facilities.
Tip: Head to the parents’ room first to set up and then browse stores at ease.
Visit the National Gallery & RSA Galleries:
Stroller-friendly halls and lifts in free art museums on The Mound.
Tip: Use level entrances and stop at the café overlooking the gardens for a hot drink.
Grab a snack at A Pinch of Salt café:
Coffee and cake served from a converted police box on Princes Street.
Tip: Order takeaway to keep your pram outside and take seats in nearby benches.
When is the best time to visit Princes Street (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In summer, start in the gardens early for shade and bring a sunhat. In winter, head straight into the indoor galleries to warm up.
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Reviews of Princes Street (Edinburgh)
Anh Quân Lê
I came here at Christmas time and it was such a great experience. The night market, the small games, and the local vibe made it feel so different from the modern UK atmosphere—but that’s exactly what made it worth visiting.
Daniel Rodríguez Hernández
The main road of Edinburgh. Impressive gardens, views, shops and hotels. At least the 80% of the buses stops there and the main train station.
Sam Neil Paul
Princes Street brings all of the action of Edinburgh together - offering a way to access up to the Old Town, towards the National Monument, the beautiful adjacent Princes Street Gardens and many many museums that are nearby. The view from this street is utterly jaw dropping at times, with landmarks scattered all around you in all directions.
Carrie
Great place, lots of shops. Just lack of public outdoor bins - had to take my rubbish on the bus as I wouldn't have been able to get to a bin and back on time
Fiona Fairchild
You have a decent range of shops, cafes, park, museums & good views of the castle all accessible from this one street. Great vibe.
Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Observation Wheel (2 adults) | GBP 16 |
| Coffee & cake at café | GBP 5 |
| One-day bus ticket | GBP 4 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 25 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Princes Street
- Use off-peak hours: Visit attractions before 10 AM to avoid crowds and have space for your pram.
- Plan indoor breaks: Alternate garden walks with gallery time to warm up or cool down as needed.
- Locate parent rooms: Check shop maps or ask staff on arrival to save time when you need to change or feed.
Map of Princes Street
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh, UK
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