Edinburgh New Town
Explore Edinburgh New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Georgian elegance, Enlightenment ideals, and cultural vibrancy in Scotland’s capital.
Edinburgh New Town is a masterful example of Georgian urban planning and neoclassical architecture, developed from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. Designed by architect James Craig and expanded by notable figures like Robert Adam and William Playfair, it features elegant squares, broad streets, and grand townhouses. This UNESCO World Heritage Site embodies Enlightenment ideals and remains a vibrant cultural and residential hub in Scotland's capital.
A brief summary to Edinburgh New Town
- Edinburgh, Edinburgh, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Georgian House to experience authentic 18th-century townhouse life with beautifully restored interiors.
- Take time to admire Charlotte Square, the architectural jewel of the New Town designed by Robert Adam.
- Explore the cultural institutions nearby, including the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
- Walk along Princes Street Gardens to enjoy views of Edinburgh Castle contrasting with the New Town’s orderly streets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket stations, the New Town is a 15-20 minute walk through city streets. Both stations are well connected to regional and national rail services, with frequent trains and accessible facilities. No additional transport costs apply for walking.
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Bus
Several bus routes serve the New Town area, including numbers 10, 19, 3, 41, 33, and X48, stopping near Princes Street. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with fares typically between £1.80 and £3.50 depending on distance. Tickets can be purchased on board or via mobile apps.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available in central Edinburgh. A typical fare from the railway stations to New Town ranges from £5 to £10 depending on traffic. Taxis provide convenient door-to-door service but may be subject to peak time surcharges.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby, walking is an excellent way to experience the New Town’s architecture and atmosphere. The terrain is mostly flat and paved, suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.
Edinburgh New Town location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Edinburgh New Town
The Vision and Birth of a Planned City
Edinburgh New Town was conceived in the mid-18th century as a solution to the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions of the medieval Old Town. In 1766, a competition was held to design a modern extension north of the city walls, won by the young architect James Craig. His plan introduced a grid layout with broad, straight streets and grand squares, a stark contrast to the Old Town’s narrow closes and irregular alleys. This design was emblematic of the Enlightenment’s emphasis on order, reason, and progress, setting a new standard for urban living.Architectural Grandeur and Georgian Elegance
The New Town is renowned for its neoclassical and Georgian architecture, characterized by uniform facades, classical proportions, and the use of local sandstone. The first phase culminated in Charlotte Square, designed by Robert Adam, whose unified palace-like terraces remain a highlight. Later expansions, including the Second New Town, introduced further architectural refinement by architects such as Robert Reid and William Playfair. The townhouses, with their elegant terraces and ornate interiors, reflect the wealth and aspirations of Edinburgh’s rising middle and upper classes during the 18th and 19th centuries.Cultural and Intellectual Heart of Edinburgh
Beyond its architectural significance, the New Town has long been a center for cultural and intellectual life. It houses key institutions like the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, reinforcing the city’s reputation as the “Athens of the North.” The area’s grand homes once hosted notable figures such as Sir Walter Scott, and it continues to be a vibrant district blending residential, commercial, and cultural uses.The Georgian House: A Window into 18th-Century Life
At the heart of the New Town lies the Georgian House at 7 Charlotte Square, a meticulously restored late 18th-century townhouse designed by Robert Adam. This museum offers a rare glimpse into the lifestyle of Edinburgh’s elite during the Georgian era, showcasing period furnishings, artworks, and household items. Visitors can explore both the lavish family rooms and the servants’ quarters, gaining insight into the social hierarchies and domestic routines of the time.Legacy and Preservation
The New Town’s careful preservation and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscore its global importance as the largest complete example of Georgian town planning. Despite modern developments, much of the original layout and architecture remain intact, offering a living testament to Enlightenment ideals and 18th-century urban design. The area remains highly desirable for living, working, and visiting, blending historic charm with contemporary vibrancy.Experiencing the New Town Today
Walking through the New Town, visitors encounter broad, tree-lined streets, elegant squares, and a harmonious architectural landscape. The area’s shops, galleries, and cafes complement its historic ambiance, making it a dynamic part of Edinburgh’s cityscape. Whether admiring the classical facades, exploring museums like the Georgian House, or enjoying cultural institutions, the New Town offers a rich, immersive experience of Scotland’s capital heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Statue of King George Ⅳ
0.2 km
A regal bronze tribute to King George IV’s historic 1822 visit, standing proudly at Edinburgh’s vibrant Hanover and George Street intersection.
James Clerk Maxwell Statue
0.2 km
Celebrate the legacy of James Clerk Maxwell, the father of modern physics, with this evocative statue in Edinburgh’s historic New Town.
Melville Monument
0.3 km
A towering neoclassical column in Edinburgh’s New Town, commemorating Henry Dundas with rich history and architectural grandeur.
Earl of Hopetoun Statue
0.4 km
A distinguished bronze statue honoring John Hope, 4th Earl of Hopetoun, set amidst the elegant Georgian surroundings of Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
The Mound & Mound Place
0.6 km
Historic artificial slope linking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, home to iconic galleries, grand architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
Duke of Wellington Equestrian statue
0.6 km
Historic bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington on horseback, a commanding symbol of British military triumph in the heart of Edinburgh.
Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial
0.6 km
A modest stone tribute nestled in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens celebrating the enduring legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Lady Stair's Close
0.6 km
Discover Lady Stair's Close, a serene historic courtyard in Edinburgh's Old Town, home to the Writers' Museum and Scotland’s literary heritage.
The Centre of Edinburgh
0.6 km
Historic Georgian landmark transformed into a modern, sustainable office hub in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant city centre.
Gladstone's Land
0.7 km
Explore the historic charm of Gladstone's Land in Edinburgh, a captivating glimpse into Scotland's rich past with delightful cafes and stunning architecture.
Milne's Court
0.7 km
Discover Milne's Court, a captivating historical landmark in Edinburgh, where the past meets the present in a picturesque setting.
The Witches Well
0.7 km
A poignant cast iron memorial outside Edinburgh Castle honoring the thousands accused and executed as witches in Scotland’s dark past.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
0.7 km
Experience the magic of perception at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh's premier museum of optical wonders and interactive displays.
Waterloo Pl
0.7 km
Explore the architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Waterloo Place, Edinburgh's notable street rich in history and culture.
Warriston's Close Stairs
0.7 km
A widening staircase through medieval Edinburgh, where 120 steps transform from narrow lane to grand passage.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Dome
0.2 km
Experience the elegance of The Dome in Edinburgh, where exquisite dining, vibrant cocktails, and afternoon tea await in a stunning Georgian setting.
Assembly Rooms
0.2 km
Timeless Georgian elegance meets vibrant cultural life in Edinburgh’s iconic Assembly Rooms on George Street.
Roxy Lanes Edinburgh Rose Street
0.3 km
A vibrant city centre hotspot offering bowling, games, American-style eats, and lively entertainment on Edinburgh’s Rose Street.
St Andrew Square & George St
0.3 km
Elegant Georgian square in Edinburgh’s New Town, blending historic grandeur, tranquil gardens, and vibrant cultural life.
Heriot Row
0.3 km
Discover the timeless elegance and historic charm of Heriot Row, a prestigious Georgian street overlooking tranquil gardens in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town.
National Galleries of Scotland: Portrait
0.3 km
Discover Scotland’s rich history and culture through captivating portraits in a stunning Neo-Gothic gallery in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Edinburgh Bus Tours
0.3 km
Discover Edinburgh's rich history and stunning landscapes with convenient and informative bus tours, perfect for every traveler.
Rose St
0.3 km
A lively, historic pedestrian street in Edinburgh’s New Town, famed for its pubs, boutique shops, and rich literary heritage.
St Andrew Square
0.3 km
Elegant Georgian square in Edinburgh’s New Town, blending historic grandeur, lush gardens, iconic monuments, and vibrant urban life.
Princes St
0.4 km
Edinburgh’s bustling main street with stunning views, historic gardens, iconic monuments, and vibrant shopping in the heart of the city.
Floral Clock
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s iconic Floral Clock, a vibrant living timepiece blooming with seasonal flowers in the heart of Princes Street Gardens.
The Stand Comedy Club
0.4 km
Edinburgh’s iconic basement comedy club delivering lively stand-up shows with a warm, intimate atmosphere and a mix of top and emerging talent.
The Royal Scottish Academy
0.4 km
Discover Scotland’s premier artist-led institution showcasing fine art and architecture in a historic Edinburgh landmark.
Scott Monument
0.4 km
Discover the stunning Scott Monument in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, a Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott with breathtaking city views.
Panoramic view Castle
0.4 km
Discover breathtaking, near eye-level views of Edinburgh Castle framed by historic gardens and vibrant city life at Princes Street.
Essential places to dine
Six by Nico Edinburgh
0.1 km
Discover Edinburgh’s Six by Nico for innovative six-course tasting menus blending playful flavors and stylish ambiance in the city’s vibrant New Town.
The Table
0.2 km
Ten seats, two chefs, one unforgettable table—Edinburgh's most intimate fine dining theatre.
Amarone
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and lively ambiance in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town at Amarone, a bustling Italian restaurant with a rich menu.
The Ivy On The Square Edinburgh
0.3 km
Elegant British brasserie with Scottish flair, inventive cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere in Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square.
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar - Edinburgh
0.3 km
Experience Gordon Ramsay’s signature British dishes and vibrant bar scene in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic St Andrew Square.
Gaucho Edinburgh
0.4 km
Experience authentic Argentinian steakhouse luxury with premium Pampas beef and elegant ambiance in Edinburgh’s vibrant city center.
The Magnum
0.4 km
A cozy yet stylish Edinburgh restaurant blending classic Scottish flavors with creative modern cuisine and a lively bar atmosphere.
Dishoom Edinburgh
0.4 km
A vibrant Bombay-style café in Edinburgh’s New Town, serving all-day comfort food, bottomless chai and cocktails in a nostalgic, art-deco setting.
Contini George Street
0.4 km
Elegant Italian dining in a stunning Georgian banking hall, blending authentic flavors with Scottish freshness on Edinburgh’s George Street.
Chaophraya Thai Restaurant
0.4 km
Sophisticated Thai dining with panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, blending authentic flavors and stylish ambiance in the heart of New Town.
Lady Libertine
0.4 km
A chic Edinburgh hotspot blending inventive cocktails, Mediterranean mezze, and art deco vibes across two stylish floors.
Hawksmoor Edinburgh
0.4 km
A grand art deco steakhouse in Edinburgh’s New Town, serving exceptional grass-fed beef and Scottish seafood in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting.
Tattu Edinburgh
0.5 km
Experience modern Chinese cuisine in a stunning setting blending Edinburgh’s historic charm with contemporary elegance.
Badger & Co
0.5 km
A charming Wind in the Willows–themed gastropub in Edinburgh serving elevated Scottish pub classics and creative cocktails in a lively, welcoming setting.
Twenty Princes Street
0.5 km
Experience refined Scottish cuisine with stunning city views at Twenty Princes Street, a stylish dining destination in Edinburgh’s heart.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Greyfriars Art
0.2 km
A welcoming art supply haven in Edinburgh’s New Town, fostering creativity with quality materials and expert advice.
Great Scot
0.3 km
Discover authentic Scottish heritage and craftsmanship at Great Scot, a vibrant gift shop on Edinburgh’s iconic Princes Street.
Unicorn Antiques
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s hidden gem for authentic antiques, vintage furniture, and timeless treasures at Unicorn Antiques on Dundas Street.
Edinburgh Gifts
0.4 km
Discover authentic Scottish treasures and local craftsmanship in the heart of Edinburgh on iconic Princes Street.
Mangue - The Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local treasures in a friendly boutique on Edinburgh’s vibrant Rose Street.
The Treasure Trove
0.4 km
Discover Edinburgh’s charming charity shop with unique handmade gifts that support local artisans and meaningful causes.
Scottish Design Exchange
0.5 km
Discover Edinburgh’s vibrant hub where over 300 local artists showcase unique creations, supporting Scotland’s creative economy with every purchase.
Born In Scotland - Edinburgh Waverly Mall
0.5 km
Authentic Scottish gifts blending tradition and playful modernity in Edinburgh’s Waverly Mall, perfect for meaningful keepsakes and souvenirs.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.5 km
Discover quirky, affordable Danish design and everyday essentials in Edinburgh’s vibrant Waverley Mall store.
Anime Republic
0.5 km
Edinburgh’s vibrant anime gift shop and community hub offering collectibles, manga, and events for fans of all levels.
Pure Scottish
0.6 km
Authentic Scottish gifts and crafts in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic North Bridge district.
Those Were The Days Vintage
0.6 km
Discover timeless elegance and authentic vintage fashion from the 1920s to the 1990s at Edinburgh’s curated boutique, Those Were The Days Vintage.
Curiouser & Curiouser
0.7 km
A design-led independent shop in Edinburgh, filled with art, cards, homewares, and unique gifts with a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
I Love Scotland
0.7 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and souvenirs at I Love Scotland, a welcoming shop in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic center.
The Dragonfly
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at The Dragonfly, a stylish boutique gift shop in Edinburgh’s vibrant Broughton Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bramble Bar
0.0 km
Edinburgh's speakeasy legend: masterful cocktails, dim-lit nooks, and beats that linger until 1am in a Queen Street basement hideaway.
Grand Cru
0.1 km
Edinburgh's cocktail haven on Hanover Street, blending masterful drinks, modern European bites, and seamless day-to-night vibes in the heart of New Town.
Thistle Street Bar
0.1 km
A cozy and authentic Scottish bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town, famed for superb ales, live traditional music, and warm local hospitality.
The Bon Vivant
0.1 km
Candlelit bistro haven on Thistle Street, pouring award-winning cocktails and serving local Scottish fare with French finesse since 2008.
Lucky Liquor Co
0.2 km
Intimate and creative cocktail bar in Edinburgh’s New Town, blending expert mixology with a vinyl soundtrack and a welcoming vibe.
Hoot The Redeemer
0.3 km
A quirky, tarot-themed cocktail bar in Edinburgh offering inventive drinks, playful games, and a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Nightcap
0.4 km
Intimate New Town speakeasy with whisky-led cocktails, reclaimed-wood warmth and attentive, bespoke service for relaxed late-night evenings.
Copper Blossom
0.4 km
A glamorous cocktail bar and restaurant on George Street, blending stylish decor with inventive drinks and shareable plates in vibrant Edinburgh.
Never Really Here
0.4 km
Edinburgh's ultimate speakeasy: knock the graffiti door for bespoke cocktails in an intimate, menu-free den of mixology magic.
The Voodoo Rooms
0.5 km
Edinburgh's clandestine Victorian lair of cocktails, cabaret, and live tunes in opulent, hidden chambers.
Dirty Dick's Pub
0.6 km
Experience Edinburgh’s quirky and cozy Dirty Dick's Pub, famed for whisky, lively charm, and hearty Scottish classics on vibrant Rose Street.
Panda & Sons
0.6 km
Edinburgh's hidden speakeasy where barbershop secrets unlock theatrical cocktails, smoky spectacles, and a fictional family's boozy tales in cosy, low-lit elegance.
The Alchemist
0.6 km
Theatrical cocktails that smoke and sparkle, inventive global dishes, and an alchemist's lair in Edinburgh's St James Quarter—pure mixology magic awaits.
The Last Word
0.6 km
A cosy, stylish cocktail bar in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge, famed for creative drinks, expert whisky selection, and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
The Street
0.7 km
Casual cocktail bar by day, energetic late-night bar and small club by night — Picardy Place’s go-to spot for social evenings and weekend parties.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
