In sharp contrast with its chaotic neighbour, the Old Town, the New Town is all order and harmony, the result of the ideas of the Scottish Enlightenment. Its neoclassical architecture inspired the city’s nickname at the time: the Athens of the North. The best way to discover it is on our free New Town and Dean Village walking tour.
Georgian and neoclassical architecture
In Edinburgh’s New Town you’ll see Georgian and neoclassical architecture like in few other places in the world.
Some of this heritage was replaced by modern buildings decades ago. Fortunately, that won’t happen again: together with the Old Town, the New Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Don’t miss Charlotte Square, where the original architecture has been preserved almost entirely. Here you’ll find the Georgian House, a fascinating house museum, and Bute House, the official residence of Scotland’s First Minister.
If you want to explore the area in more depth with a local guide, join our Free Dean Village & New Town Tour. Starting on the Royal Mile, it takes you through the elegant streets and squares of the New Town, its history, architecture and connection with the Scottish Enlightenment, before continuing to the beautiful setting of Dean Village.
Parks, views and events all year round
On one side of the New Town are Princes Street Gardens, built on the site of a former loch, with the Scott Monument and the Scottish National Gallery, an extraordinary, free art gallery you shouldn’t miss.
At the east end of the New Town, climb Calton Hill, which offers spectacular views over Edinburgh, including the Old Town, the New Town and Holyrood Park. At the top you’ll find some very special monuments, such as the unfinished National Monument, and a very relaxed atmosphere.
Calton Hill also hosts some of Edinburgh’s most spectacular events, such as the Beltane Fire Festival, which welcomes the summer in the Celtic tradition every 30 April.
And don’t miss Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year, in Princes Street Gardens, one of the biggest parties of the year in Edinburgh.
Shopping, food and nightlife
If you want to go shopping in Edinburgh, the New Town is the place to go, especially Princes Street and Rose Street, home to many big international brands, while Multrees Walk has several designer stores.
You’ll also find plenty of pubs and restaurants, especially on George Street and Rose Street, as well as some of Edinburgh’s trendiest bars and clubs if you want a late night. The atmosphere is a bit more upmarket than in the Old Town, and there are definitely fewer tourists.
A neighbourhood for Edinburgh’s elite
The New Town was designed in the 18th century as a residential area so that the wealthiest citizens could move away from the dirty, overcrowded streets of the Old Town. You’ll notice its perfect grid plan, in keeping with the rationalism of the Enlightenment.
The New Town’s main street is Princes Street, which only has buildings on one side, so that we can still enjoy amazing views of the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Explore other neighbourhoods near the New Town
Very close to the New Town is Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s most attractive neighbourhoods, with a busy farmers’ market on Sunday mornings. It’s also where you’ll find the Royal Botanic Garden and, nearby, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Not far away is Leith, the old port, home to the Royal Yacht Britannia and some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh. You can walk there from Stockbridge along the Water of Leith, just a 15-minute walk from the New Town.
Next to the New Town is Edinburgh’s West End, home to Dean Village, a much-visited old mill village and a wonderful place to relax.
Although most visitors focus on the Old Town, it’s well worth spending some of your time in the New Town and its surroundings, a lively part of the city with lots to see.
Location
The New Town is right in the centre of Edinburgh, covering the streets between Princes Street, Queen Street, Charlotte Square and St Andrew Square, as well as some of the surrounding squares and gardens.
Get directions to Edinburgh’s New Town.