Princes Street (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Princes Street?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveller finds dense shopping, free galleries, safe lit streets and constant buses, so filling 1–3 hours independently is easy and low-risk.
Positives:
- Easy navigation: Princes Street is flat and well signed, ideal for a solo stroll
- Central hub: Served by multiple bus and tram lines for quick return to your hotel
Challenges:
- Crowded at peak times: Midday and weekends see heavy foot traffic through shops and gardens
- Narrow staircases: Scott Monument steps are steep and tight, avoid if you have vertigo
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 solo trip?
- Pay-what-you-wish walking tour for local insights
- Flagship store window shopping with Georgian architecture
- Scott Monument climb for citywide views
- Free contemporary art at the Royal Scottish Academy
- Central, flat route with strong transport links
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to join a walking tour, browse shops, and climb the Scott Monument
Solo-Friendly Activities in Princes Street
Join a free walking tour:
Meet at Castle Coffee kiosk on West End for a pay-what-you-wish tour
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to secure a spot and ask your guide for hidden viewpoints
Window-shop flagship stores:
Browse Apple, H&M and Jenners along the street
Tip: Look up at Georgian façades and take photos of street life during quieter hours
Climb the Scott Monument:
Ascend 287 steps for 360° views over Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle
Tip: Buy your £8 ticket at the kiosk and start early to avoid narrow crowds
Visit the Royal Scottish Academy:
Explore free contemporary art in a Playfair-designed building
Tip: Head there just off Princes Street at The Mound for a quiet solo reflection
When is the best time to visit Princes Street (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Summer’s long daylight lets you explore later. In December, enjoy Christmas Market stalls in the gardens. Check shop hours in winter and bring warm layers.
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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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Walking tour tip | GBP 5 |
| Scott Monument ticket | GBP 8 |
| Festival Wheel ride | GBP 8 |
| Coffee break | GBP 3 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 24 |
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
- Start early: Begin your walk around 9 AM to enjoy quieter streets and photo light
- Pack a small umbrella: Weather can change quickly, keep rain gear in your daypack
Map of Princes Street
Address: Princes St, Edinburgh, UK
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