Green thistle

Princes Street

Princes Street is Edinburgh’s most popular shopping street. This mile-long thoroughfare divides the Old Town and the New Town. Sometimes mistakenly called “Princess Street”, it is not named after a princess, but in fact two princes; King George III’s two eldest sons – Prince George (later George IV) and Prince Frederick. Built around 1770 as a grand residential street with a spectacular view of Edinburgh Castle, it was redeveloped for retail and hotels in the 1800s. Shopping on Princes Street today, you’ll find a mix of high street brands and department stores.