
New Town Edinburgh
Discover Edinburgh's elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Georgian architecture, charming streets, and hidden gems.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

New Town Edinburgh
Best Time
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Edinburgh's elegant New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its Georgian architecture, charming streets, and hidden gems.
"The New Town offers a beautiful, walkable escape with stunning architecture and charming hidden lanes."

🥾 Comfortable Shoes are Key
Edinburgh's New Town has hills and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
Wander off the main streets to discover hidden mews and charming squares.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Circus Lane
Stockbridge
A picturesque, cobbled lane with charming mews houses and flower-draped doorways. Utterly 'grammable!

Dean Village
Water of Leith
A tranquil oasis with historic buildings and a scenic river walk, feeling like a hidden village within the city.

Princes Street Gardens & Scott Monument
City Centre
Stunning Victorian gardens offering city views, dominated by the impressive Gothic Scott Monument.

Georgian Architecture
Throughout New Town
Admire the elegant, symmetrical streets and grand townhouses that define Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage New Town.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Walkability
Book Ahead for Popular Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Comfortable Shoes are Key
Edinburgh's New Town has hills and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
Wander off the main streets to discover hidden mews and charming squares.
☕ Coffee & Pastry Stops
Fuel your explorations with a coffee from The Milkman or a treat from a local bakery.
📸 Capture Circus Lane
This incredibly photogenic street is a must-see for any visitor.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Comfortable Shoes are Key
Edinburgh's New Town has hills and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring!
🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)
Wander off the main streets to discover hidden mews and charming squares.
☕ Coffee & Pastry Stops
Fuel your explorations with a coffee from The Milkman or a treat from a local bakery.
📸 Capture Circus Lane
This incredibly photogenic street is a must-see for any visitor.
🚆 Train Station Luggage Hack
If arriving by train with heavy luggage, use Cockburn Street instead of Warriston's Steps to reach the Royal Mile.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Edinburgh's New Town for its stunning Georgian architecture, elegant streets, and charming hidden gems like Circus Lane and Dean Village. It's considered a beautiful and walkable area, offering a different vibe from the historic Old Town. Some find it less bustling than the Old Town, which can be a pro or con depending on preference.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edinburgh's New Town is easily accessible. From Edinburgh Airport, you can take a tram or bus directly into the city center, with many stops near the New Town. If arriving by train at Waverley Station, the New Town is a short walk away, though be mindful of hills and consider Cockburn Street for easier access with luggage.
Absolutely! The New Town is designed on a grid system and is very walkable. However, be prepared for some inclines and cobblestone streets, so comfortable footwear is essential.
The Old and New Towns are adjacent and easily connected by walking. You can stroll between them in about 10-15 minutes. Buses and trams also run frequently between the areas if you prefer not to walk.
Many travelers find Uber to be a more cost-effective option than traditional taxis for getting around Edinburgh, including from the airport.
Yes, it's crucial to purchase your tram ticket before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine, so ensure you have your ticket ready to avoid any penalties.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The New Town itself, with its streets and architecture, is free to explore. However, specific attractions within or near the New Town, such as museums, galleries, or ticketed monuments, will have their own admission fees.
The New Town is a residential and commercial area, so its streets are accessible 24/7. Individual shops, cafes, and attractions within the New Town will have their own operating hours, which vary.
For popular attractions like the National Gallery or specific tours, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially save time queuing.
Yes! Wandering through the elegant streets, admiring the Georgian architecture, exploring Circus Lane, and enjoying Princes Street Gardens are all free activities.
Consider a guided walking tour focused on the New Town's history and architecture. Many tours offer insights into its development and famous residents.
📸 📸 Photography
Circus Lane is a standout for its charm and floral displays. Dean Village offers picturesque riverside views and historic buildings. The grand Georgian streets themselves, like Charlotte Square and George Street, are also incredibly photogenic.
Early mornings or late afternoons (golden hour) often provide the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. Midday sun can be harsh, but can still work for capturing architectural details.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas like Edinburgh's New Town due to privacy and safety regulations. Always check local bylaws before flying a drone.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for capturing both street scenes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for fitting grand streets into the frame. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos!
No, you should not photograph the interiors of private residences. Focus on the public streets, squares, and exteriors of buildings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not exclusive to the New Town, try traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties. For a sweet treat, consider a hot chocolate crawl with unique offerings.
Yes, the New Town boasts a wide array of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes and gastropubs. Many offer modern Scottish cuisine.
The Milkman is a popular spot for coffee and pastries, often mentioned by visitors. Fortitude Coffee and other independent cafes are also great choices.
While known for its upscale dining, you can find more affordable options by looking for cafes, bakeries, and pubs offering lunch specials. Picnics in Princes Street Gardens are also a budget-friendly option.
Consider a meal at Grazing by Mark Greenaway for seasonal Scottish cuisine or explore the city's growing vegan food scene.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a walk through Dean Village for a touch of fairytale scenery, or perhaps a visit to the Edinburgh Zoo (a short bus ride away). For a unique experience, a visit to the Edinburgh Dungeons can be thrilling for older children and teens, offering a fun, albeit spooky, historical perspective.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Joining an Edinburgh New Town walking tour is a great way to meet other travelers and learn about the area's history and architecture from a local guide. Don't hesitate to strike up conversations in cafes or pubs; Edinburgh locals are generally friendly and welcoming.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For broader cityscapes and architectural details, explore the grand Georgian streets and squares like George Street and Charlotte Square. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light, minimizing harsh shadows and crowds. Remember to pack a versatile lens and comfortable shoes for exploring these photogenic locations.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elegance of Georgian Architecture
Walking through the New Town feels like stepping back in time. You'll notice the distinctive sandstone buildings, often featuring ornate doorways and sash windows. Many of these grand townhouses have been converted into hotels, offices, and apartments, but their original character is largely intact. This architectural style is a key part of what makes the New Town Edinburgh so visually appealing and a significant draw for visitors interested in history and design.
For those keen on understanding this architectural heritage, consider an Edinburgh New Town walking tour. These tours often highlight key buildings, discuss the architects involved, and share stories of the prominent figures who lived in the area. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the meticulous planning and aesthetic principles that shaped this iconic part of the city.
Discovering Hidden Gems: Dean Village & Circus Lane
Equally enchanting is Circus Lane in the Stockbridge area, adjacent to the New Town. This narrow, cobbled lane is famous for its ivy-clad walls, flower-filled window boxes, and quaint mews houses. It's often described as one of Edinburgh's prettiest streets and is a popular spot for capturing that perfect Instagram-worthy shot.
Exploring these areas offers a different perspective on Edinburgh, showcasing its ability to blend grand urban design with intimate, picturesque corners. They are perfect examples of the New Town Edinburgh's diverse appeal, offering a delightful contrast to the more formal architecture of the main streets.
Navigating the New Town: Practical Tips
For those arriving at Waverley Train Station, while Warriston's Steps offer a direct route to the Royal Mile, they can be challenging with heavy luggage. A more accessible alternative is to turn left and walk up Cockburn Street, which leads to the Royal Mile with less effort. This kind of local advice is invaluable for making your arrival smoother.
When planning your visit, consider that the New Town Edinburgh is a vibrant area with a mix of residential, commercial, and tourist spaces. While many attractions are free to admire, booking tickets for popular museums or tours in advance can save you time and ensure entry, especially during peak travel periods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit