Edinburgh - Princes Street

Busy Princes Street is Edinburgh new town's main thoroughfare. It extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners built by William Hamilton Beattie in 1895. This shop claims to be the oldest independent department store in the world. Frasers at the western end is not quite so grand, while Waverley Market, opened in 1985, with its small shops set among fountains and cafes offers goods of varying quality. Bargain hunters should head for the shops in the St James Center situated at the eastern end on the corner of Leith Street. The shops form part of a huge complex which was built during the 1970s and is regarded by many as an example of the architectural excesses of that era. The main tourist information office is situated in Waverley Market. As well as the temples to consumerism and the designer boutiques, Princes Street can boast several reputable hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets - from fast food to gourmet bistros.