New Town

Edinburgh
Edinburgh showing heritage architecture and night scenes
Stroll around the refined Georgian quarter of Edinburgh to encounter iconic monuments, stunning art galleries and an array of stores.

Edinburgh’s charming New Town is full of surprises. Explore independent stores, off-beat cafés and high-street fashion chains, all set on elegant Regency-era streets. This stylish corner of the city also hides tranquil, riverside walks and Georgian town houses that are open to explore.

Enjoy an immaculately designed part of Scotland’s capital that was created after an architectural competition. The so-called “New Town” was actually built in the mid-18th century as a response to overcrowding in the Old Town. James Craig, a then 26-year-old architect, submitted the winning design in 1766, pitching a symmetrical plan that required the draining of the swamp next to it.

The busy, parallel streets of Princes Street and George Street form the core of New Town. Come here for high-street shopping, stylish bars and a range of restaurants. Climb up the steps of the Gothic Scott Monument for aerial views of the symmetrical district, then come back down to relax in the adjacent Princes Street Gardens.

Nearby, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery features a vast collection of works following the story of portraiture up to the present day. Enjoy modern portraits of Scottish celebrities or paintings from the era of Jacobite rebellions and religious revolt.

Experience 18th-century life in Charlotte Square. Here, the Georgian House features rooms with furniture and decorations from this opulent era of Edinburgh’s history.

Behind New Town’s center lies the neighborhood of Stockbridge. Stroll around here to find thrift shops, handicraft stores and independent cafés.

Head west of Stockbridge along the Water of Leith, a sheltered river that runs through the heart of the city. This will lead to scenic Dean Village, a picturesque old milling community with half-timbered buildings lining the edge of the river.

Start your exploration of New Town from the moment you arrive in Edinburgh. The area can be easily explored on foot and is located directly next to Edinburgh Waverley, the city’s main train station. Come during August to take part in Edinburgh’s famous International Festival, when the area’s venues host music, drama and comedy performances.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in New Town

YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$187 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$187
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,128 reviews)
"Good experience"

Reviewed on 6 Nov,2024

YOTEL Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$226 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
S$226
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,372 reviews)
"Great location! Super close to the train station and most attractions were walkable from here. Friendly staff. No complaints and we would stay again!"

Reviewed on 5 Nov,2024

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Market Street Hotel
Market Street Hotel
4 out of 5
6 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$262 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$262
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
"This hotel is the best stay I have ever had in Edinburgh, the staff are courteous and welcoming. The city view room was well appointed and and had the softest bed, very happy. The room mini bar had a good selection of essentials including milk for tea and coffee, as well as good selection of alcoholic ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov,2024

Market Street Hotel
Old Waverley Hotel
Old Waverley Hotel
3 out of 5
43 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$195 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$195
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (971 reviews)
"An old building, beautifully maintained with lots of original features. Wooden floors (carpeted) outside bedrooms creak a lot & can be disturbing at night. Good breakfast. Staff are friendly & professional, No phones in rooms. Bar "mixer" prices somewhat excessive. Location is excellent with great ..."

Reviewed on 30 Oct,2024

Old Waverley Hotel
Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
Picardy Place Top Of Leith Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$168 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$168
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"We visited the Edinburgh Playhouse and stayed at the hotel which was so convenient being just across the road from the Playhouse"

Reviewed on 6 Nov,2024

Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre, an IHG Hotel
W Edinburgh
W Edinburgh
5 out of 5
1 ST JAMES SQUARE, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$393 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
S$393
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (116 reviews)
"Exceptional hotel and great service. I would highly recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 4 Nov,2024

W Edinburgh
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around New Town

Calton Hill which includes general coastal views, a city and skyline

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Royal Mile or Edinburgh Castle and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
Default Image

Stockbridge

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some of the noteworthy features of Stockbridge. Make a stop by Inverleith Park or St Bernard's Well while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Stockbridge
Default Image

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Edinburgh Castle to Royal Mile – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town Edinburgh
Default Image

Bonnington

Though Bonnington may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Princes Street and Royal Mile.

Bonnington
Default Image

Tollcross

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and The Meadows while in the area.

Tollcross
Scottish Parliament featuring a pool and street scenes

Holyrood

While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.

Holyrood

New Town