Princes Street

Named after the 3 sons of George IV, Princes Street is the main shopping street in Edinburgh. Here you will find the big stores on one side, and on the other side Princes street gardens. At the time of the Scottish Enlightenment, when the modern minds of architects, artists, inventors, philosophers and town planners began to create the New Town, Princes Street Gardens was still the Nor’ Loch, providing water to the City. The problem was that it was also used as the City’s dumping ground, which led to the spread of disease and pestilence in the City. Those suspected of being witches were even thrown in the Nor’ Loch to drown, and their bones were found at the bottom when it was drained.

The best view of Princes Street (unless you are staying at the Carlton or the Balmoral) is probably from Calton Hill, easily accessible from the East end of Princes Street. There you can go up the Nelson Monument (see the Ace of Clubs) for an even better vantage point. At the East end of Princes Street you can cross North Bridge into the Old Town or head down the hill to Leith Walk, and the Shore. Heading West you will find Waverley Station, Prices Street Gardens, the National Galleries, the Mound (where you can take a direct route up to the Royal Mile through the little alleyways and closes that form the rabbit warren of the Old Town). ON and beyond here the Gardens carry on, and end at St. John’s Church and churchyard (where many famous Scots lie) and finally the West End and Lothian Road.

The Wash

Apart from burger bars and chain restaurants, Princes Street doesn’t have much in the way of good places to eat and drink. Dexplore has a good suggestion however: If you walk up The Mound and just behind the National Galleries you will find The Wash, a cool, comfortable, bar serving fantastic wholesome home-cooked food, and in the evenings look forward to an unpretentious crowd enjoying a friendly atmosphere with great DJs. It’s a well-kept secret and you will be most welcome.

t: 0131 225 6193

www.washbar.co.uk