New Town Travel Guide

Edinburgh

Edinburgh which includes night scenes and heritage architecture
New Town
New Town
New Town
New Town

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 MonumentOpens in a new window for aerial views of the symmetrical district, then come back down to relax in the adjacent Princes Street GardensOpens in a new window.

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 HouseOpens in a new window features rooms with furniture and decorations from this opulent era of Edinburgh’s history.

Behind New Town’s centre lies the neighbourhood 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

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is Rp2.509.319 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
Rp2.509.319
Rp3.011.183 total
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,888 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh

YOTEL Edinburgh

4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is Rp1.927.852 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
Rp1.927.852
Rp2.313.423 total
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,391 reviews)
"Great place."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
Market Street Hotel

Market Street Hotel

4 out of 5
6 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,125 reviews)
"We really enjoyed our stay at the Market Street Hotel. It’s a really good location and very comfortable property- very well appointed and quiet rooms- our with a great view over to New Town. Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Market Street Hotel
Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG

Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG

5 out of 5
38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is Rp3.693.844 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp3.693.844
Rp4.432.613 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"I loved staying at The Kimpton! Zoe was so warm and helpful! We took advantage of the amenities like Plant Pal, having them arrange transportation for us, the loaner Strathberry bag, and they have an amazing list of wellness options like the TheraGun (which my lower back needed after 2 solid days ..."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Kimpton Charlotte Square by IHG
Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection

4 out of 5
53 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is Rp2.598.684 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp2.598.684
Rp3.118.421 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
Convenient place to stay
"Nice hotel in a great location on Princes Street, close to all the main sites. Restaurant recently renovated. Clean room, although small. Staff were friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
The Place

The Place

4 out of 5
34-38 York Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is Rp2.088.228 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
Rp2.088.228
Rp2.505.874 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Recommend"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Place
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
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Stockbridge

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

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

Stockbridge
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Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

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

Old Town Edinburgh
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Broughton

Travellers come to Broughton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Edinburgh Printmakers’ Workshop & Gallery and Sherlock Holmes Statue while you're in town.

Broughton
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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 King's Theatre 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 Travel Guide