Princes Street, as viewed facing west from the Scott Monument

Princes Street and the Castle at twilight

Princes Street is the main shopping street in Edinburgh city centre, although it was originally designed to be a residential street. It is the southmost street of Edinburgh's New Town. It is roughly a mile (1.6 km) in length, reaching from Lothian Road in the West to Leith Street in the East. The street is mostly closed to private cars traveling east, and has few buildings on the south side, allowing views of the Old Town and the castle and the valley between.

Princes Street was originally to be named St. Giles Street after the patron saint of the City of Edinburgh. However, King George III did not like the idea and objected. It was subsequently named Princes Street after his sons, the Duke of Rothesay (later King George IV) and Frederick, Duke of York.

When the New Town was being constructed Nor'Loch was drained, the area was converted into public gardens called Princes Street Gardens. These gardens contain the Ross Band Stand (an amphitheatre), the Scott Monument, a war memorial and a floral clock, among other attractions.

On the street's North side there are a number of department stores, including the famous Jenners Department Store.

Also on the street's south side, as well as the gardens, are the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Gallery of Scotland at the foot of The Mound , Waverley station and the Balmoral Hotel .