Princes Street (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Princes Street?
What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Castle-themed playground, big wheel and sweet cafés suit 4–12s, yet fast traffic and limited indoor play areas force close supervision and may shorten a winter visit.
Positives:
- Central transport links: Multiple bus routes and the tram at St Andrew Square stop close to Princes Street.
- Family-friendly facilities: Benches, public toilets, and cafes are spaced along the street for quick breaks.
Challenges:
- Crowds and noise: The shopping street gets busy on weekends, so keep a close eye on young children.
- Limited shelter: Few covered areas mean you need raincoats or umbrellas in wet weather.
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 kids?
- Enjoy free castle-themed playground in scenic gardens.
- Take a safe, enclosed wheel ride with city and castle views.
- Join a fun chocolate workshop for creative family time.
- Find benches and toilets along the street for comfort.
- Easily access by bus or tram and combine with nearby sights.
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets children enjoy the playground, take a wheel ride, and try a chocolate workshop without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Princes Street
Princes Street Gardens Playground:
Castles, slides and swings set under Edinburgh Castle in West Princes Street Gardens.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and bring a small ball for extra fun on the lawns.
Edinburgh Observation Wheel:
30-minute ride in enclosed capsules with views of the New Town and Castle.
Tip: Book a family ticket online for a small discount and ride at sunset for city lights.
The Chocolatarium Tour:
Hands-on chocolate-making workshop where kids create and taste custom bars.
Tip: Reserve slots online in advance and have kids wear aprons to keep clothes clean.
Mercat Vaults Ghost Tour:
Candlelit exploration of underground vaults for older kids (12+).
Tip: Book an early evening slot; confirm age requirements before booking.
When is the best time to visit Princes Street (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Spring brings blooming flowers in the gardens. Winter has a festive market and lights from late November to January.
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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 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Playground access | GBP 0 |
| Observation Wheel (family ticket) | GBP 25 |
| Chocolatarium Tour (4 tickets) | GBP 72 |
| Coro Café treats | GBP 20 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 117 |
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
- Early start: Arrive before 11 AM to find the playground less crowded and shorter lines for the wheel.
- Combine with Calton Hill: Walk east to Calton Hill after activities for a short hike and panoramic city views.
Map of Princes Street
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh, UK
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