Edinburgh’s Newest Pedestrian Street: George or Princes Street?

It seems that Edinburgh City Council believes that the current traffic diversions in place — namely the Princes Street closure and traffic rerouted along George Street — are going so swimmingly well that they’d like to make them permanent.   While I do agree the current routings are working better than the mess we had when Maintland Place was closed, I’m not so sure I’d jump to such a conclusion.  George Street has countered that they are the obvious contender for a pedestrian only street; they want all that traffic to go back onto Princes Street.

Let’s think about the two scenarios shall we?

A Pedestrian Only Princes Street

So indeed, relaxing on an outdoor terrace on Princes Street would offer fantastic views of the Old Town skyline, as well as a great spot underneath the Edinburgh Castle.  

But much of the retail space on this street is shopping.  Do you really want to sit and have a beer in front of the tartan souvenir shop piping out that bagpipe-inspired rock music?  Or have your Burger King out on the sidewalk?

A Pedestrian Only George Street

George Street is already home to many bars and cafes that do have small outdoor terraces.  The street links up on both ends to square, namely Charlotte Square and Saint Andrews Square.  This would provide a fantastic opportunity to create a really bohemian strip right in the centre of town.

So, what do you think?  In either case, you should check out both of these fun-filled streets on your next Edinburgh visit – if only to see if you can walk down the middle of the lane or not.  

I’m sure there is much more to it – traffic planning and what not – but I think George Street definitely has the better vote.  

George Street Image courtesy of olavfin, Princes Street Image courtesy of ajstarks