Edinburgh’s main drag, Princes Street, lies on the edge the New Town, an urban grid of broad streets designed some two-hundred years ago which now form the main hub for much of the city’s business life: its shops, banks and offices.

Much of Princes Street’s historic character has been robbed by the string chain stores along it, though venerable department store Jenners and like the Balmoral Hotel still inject some old-fashioned class.

But the street’s main saving grace is that it’s almost entirely open on one side. This provides great views of the castle and old town skyline and parks which are ideal venue for city-centre picnicking.

The Scottish National Gallery is also here, while it's just off Princes Street, beside Waverley railway station, that city Edinburgh Bus Tours.