Princes Street, Edinburgh

Favorite thing: Don't you just love the view ?

The Scott Monument on the right.

The Waverly station with Princes Mall and the Tourist Information at Ground level.

Behind the North Bridge Hollyrood Park can be glimpsed.

And a glimpse of Calton Hill above left.

Fondest memory: The Wondeful Scenery !

Favorite thing: After you have seen my previous "ugly" picture of Princes Street Shops and Architecture, you will be relieved to know that by turning round the view is THIS !

Here you can see down into the wonderful gardens that run the length of Princes Street, so unless you are catching a bus or shopping - head down into the green oasis.

Favorite thing: You cannot really avoid it, so brace yourself for the startlingly ugly shop fronts of Princes Street. It is exacerbated by the traffic, and the crowds, beggers and bus stops.

Relief can be found in Waterstones bookshop cafe (super views of Castle, and a window seat) and in Jenners department store.

Otherwise, walk through the beautiful gardens (other tips) and keep below street level.

Favorite thing: I really like the old architecture and thought it was cool that the old and new were right next to each other on Princes Street. This street gets pretty crowded the closer you get to the train station.

Favorite thing: Between the Castle stting high up on the hill and the main shopping area, built into the area that was originally a lake, is Princes Street Gardens. If you are weary of shopping or need a rest after trudging up the Royal Mile, then visit these beautifully kept gardens.

Fondest memory: Have a look around while you are in the gardens. There really are some great statues and monuments to be found, one of which is shown in the photo.

Favorite thing: The Scott Monument was build between 1840-46 as a memorial to the writer Sir Walter Scott (1771 - 1832). Designed by architect George Kemp (1795-1844), who won a competition with his gothic design, the public can climb the 287 steps to the top of the monument for spectacular views of the city.

Favorite thing: Our family often took an afternoon break next to the Scott Monument. There are plenty of benches and grassy areas to sit and relax. We fed the pidgeons every day which really entertained our two children. We took old bread with us every day and the pidgeons landed right on our daughters hand to eat. I still have that picture, quite amazing and funny. A beautiful place with hundreds of flowers, a great landscape, and a great view of the castle and much more.

Favorite thing: Around Christmas time the gardens of Princes Street are turned into a "Winter Wonderland". There is a ferris wheel (the biggest in Britain after the London Eye), a few amusements for kids, an ice skating rink, a toboggan run and a German Christmas Market - all complete with outdoor food and drinks stalls, including the obligatory Gluhwein.
It's really fun and quite atmospheric.