
Charlotte Square Edinburgh
An elegant Georgian square featuring historic townhouses and a private garden, home to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Edinburgh International Book Festival

Charlotte Square Edinburgh
Best Time
Edinburgh International Book Festival

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An elegant Georgian square featuring historic townhouses and a private garden, home to the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
"A masterpiece of Georgian New Town architecture, offering a tranquil escape and a vibrant literary hub."

🚗 Driving Restrictions
Be aware of bus and taxi-only routes around Charlotte Square to avoid fines. :red_car:
📚 Book Festival Buzz
Visit in August for the renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival held in the gardens. :books:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Georgian Architecture
Surrounding townhouses
Admire the elegant, symmetrical Georgian townhouses that frame the square, showcasing historical city planning.
Charlotte Square Gardens
Central private gardens
A peaceful oasis of greenery, these private gardens are a serene spot, especially during the annual book festival.

Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel
North side of the square
Experience luxury in this beautifully designed hotel, blending historic charm with modern amenities and dining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Georgian Elegance
Navigating Charlotte Square
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Driving Restrictions
Be aware of bus and taxi-only routes around Charlotte Square to avoid fines. :red_car:
📚 Book Festival Buzz
Visit in August for the renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival held in the gardens. :books:
🏨 Hotel Luxury
Consider staying at the Kimpton Charlotte Square for a central, elegant experience. :bed:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Walking is the best way to appreciate the architecture and navigate the area. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Driving Restrictions
Be aware of bus and taxi-only routes around Charlotte Square to avoid fines. :red_car:
📚 Book Festival Buzz
Visit in August for the renowned Edinburgh International Book Festival held in the gardens. :books:
🏨 Hotel Luxury
Consider staying at the Kimpton Charlotte Square for a central, elegant experience. :bed:
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Walking is the best way to appreciate the architecture and navigate the area. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charlotte Square is lauded for its stunning Georgian architecture and its role as a peaceful, central location in Edinburgh. Visitors appreciate its elegant ambiance and the luxurious Kimpton hotel. However, some find navigating the area by car challenging due to traffic restrictions, and access to the central gardens is often limited outside of event times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charlotte Square is centrally located in Edinburgh's New Town. You can reach it by bus, with many routes stopping nearby. If driving, be mindful of traffic restrictions around the square, as some streets are for buses and taxis only.
Yes, Charlotte Square is well-served by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop in the vicinity, making it easy to access from various parts of the city.
Some streets around Charlotte Square are restricted to buses and taxis only. Drivers should pay close attention to signage to avoid fines. Navigating via Randolph Crescent might be an alternative route.
On-street parking can be limited and subject to restrictions. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or consider using nearby car parks. The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel may offer parking for guests.
The most enjoyable way to experience Charlotte Square and its surroundings is on foot. This allows you to fully appreciate the Georgian architecture and easily navigate the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Charlotte Square itself is a public space and generally free to access. However, the central gardens are privately owned and may have restricted access or require tickets during specific events like the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
The square is accessible at all times. The central gardens' access may vary, especially during the Book Festival. The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel has its own operating hours for guests.
During the Edinburgh International Book Festival, there might be associated costs for accessing certain areas or events within the gardens. Outside of festival times, access to the gardens is typically restricted as they are privately owned.
You can visit the hotel's restaurants and bars, such as Baba, without being a guest. However, access to hotel amenities like the spa and pool is usually reserved for guests.
Yes, Charlotte Square is famously home to the Edinburgh International Book Festival, usually held in August. This event transforms the gardens into a vibrant hub for literary enthusiasts.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Admire the stunning Georgian architecture, stroll through the tranquil gardens (when accessible), and enjoy the ambiance of this historic Edinburgh square. It's also a prime location for the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Charlotte Square is a masterpiece of Georgian New Town architecture, designed by Robert Adam. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a beautiful example of urban planning.
The central gardens are privately owned and typically not open to the public, except during the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is praised for its central location, beautiful decor, modern spa, and welcoming staff. It offers a luxurious stay in a historic setting.
Absolutely! The elegant Georgian townhouses and the central gardens offer beautiful backdrops for photography, especially during the golden hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel features Baba, a restaurant with Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine, and The Garden for cocktails. Other dining options are available in the surrounding New Town area.
Baba offers a Middle Eastern-inspired dining experience, known for its delicious flavors and vibrant atmosphere.
While the square itself might not have direct cafes, the surrounding New Town area is filled with numerous cafes offering coffee, pastries, and light meals. The Kimpton hotel also has a bar and restaurant.
Dining at the Kimpton Charlotte Square's restaurants like Baba is generally considered a mid-to-high range dining experience, reflecting the hotel's luxury status.
Yes, the New Town area surrounding Charlotte Square has many excellent cafes where you can enjoy a quality coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
The elegant Georgian townhouses lining the square offer a classic architectural backdrop. The central gardens, when accessible, provide a serene green space for photos.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hours) offer beautiful soft light and fewer crowds, enhancing the architectural beauty of the square.
Yes, the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel is known for its beautiful decor and is a popular spot for photography, both for its interiors and exteriors.
While Charlotte Square offers beautiful city views, it's not a primary viewpoint for Edinburgh Castle. For direct castle views, consider areas like Princes Street Gardens.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both the grand architecture and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the square's expanse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more kid-centric outing, explore nearby Princes Street Gardens, which often have play areas and open spaces for children to run around. The National Museum of Scotland is also a short distance away and offers interactive exhibits that are great for younger visitors.
🏨 Luxury Travelers
Staying here places you within walking distance of high-end shopping on George Street and other key Edinburgh attractions. The square's tranquil yet central setting provides a sophisticated base for exploring the city in style.
📚 Book Lovers
Attending the festival offers a unique opportunity to meet authors, discover new books, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of literature. Even outside of festival times, the square's elegant ambiance complements the intellectual pursuits of any book lover.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Georgian Grandeur of Charlotte Square
The square's design emphasizes balance and proportion, with each townhouse contributing to the overall aesthetic. This uniformity, while visually striking, also highlights the era's focus on order and refinement. Today, many of these historic buildings house prestigious businesses, embassies, and the luxurious Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, ensuring the square remains a vibrant and significant part of Edinburgh's landscape.
It's important to note that the central gardens are privately owned and access is generally restricted, except during special events. This exclusivity adds to the square's refined atmosphere, making any opportunity to experience the gardens, such as during the Edinburgh International Book Festival, particularly special.
Navigating Traffic and Access
This can make navigating the immediate area by car a bit complex. Travelers have reported getting into 'tangles' when trying to find routes off the square. It's recommended to consult a reliable GPS or map service that accounts for these restrictions, or better yet, to plan your journey with walking or public transport in mind.
For those staying at the Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, inquire about their parking facilities. Otherwise, utilizing nearby public car parks and then exploring Charlotte Square on foot is often the most stress-free approach, allowing you to fully appreciate the architecture without worrying about traffic violations.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival
During the festival, the gardens are opened up to the public, creating a unique atmosphere filled with creativity and intellectual exchange. Attendees can enjoy a diverse program featuring both established and emerging writers, covering a wide range of genres and topics. The festival also offers a fantastic opportunity to soak in the ambiance of Charlotte Square while engaging with literature.
If you're planning a visit to Edinburgh in August, coinciding your trip with the Book Festival can offer a truly memorable experience. It's a chance to combine sightseeing with a world-class cultural event, all set against the backdrop of Edinburgh's stunning Georgian architecture.
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