New Town
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New Town Edinburgh

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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New Town

New Town Edinburgh

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming flowers, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The New Town offers a beautiful, walkable escape with stunning architecture and charming hidden lanes."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Circus Lane

Circus Lane

Stockbridge

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

Dean Village

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

Princes Street Gardens & Scott Monument

City Centre

Stunning Victorian gardens offering city views, dominated by the impressive Gothic Scott Monument.

Georgian Architecture

Georgian Architecture

Throughout New Town

Admire the elegant, symmetrical streets and grand townhouses that define Edinburgh's UNESCO World Heritage New Town.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Walkability

Edinburgh's New Town is best explored on foot. Pack comfortable shoes to navigate the charming cobblestone streets and hilly terrain. Public transport is efficient, but many gems are discovered by simply wandering.

Book Ahead for Popular Spots

While many New Town attractions are free to admire from the outside, popular museums, galleries, and specific tours can get busy. Booking tickets online in advance can save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak seasons.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming flowers, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Cosy atmosphere, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect Edinburgh Scotland Itinerary! It’s like Hogwarts in real life and is even better than I imagined!! Here are some of my favorite things to do during a weekend in Edinburgh! P.s. While we do mentiom Harry Potter a few times, we do not support JK and she makes no money off of this!! #e#edinburghs#Scotlands#scotlandtravele#edinburghscotlandh#harrypotterh#hogwartsd#diagonalleyw#weekendg...
@followmeaway
240.9K likes • 4.4M views

🥾 Comfortable Shoes are Key

Edinburgh's New Town has hills and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring! TikTok

🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)

Wander off the main streets to discover hidden mews and charming squares. TikTok

When is the best time to visit Edinburgh? That's a question asked all the time! Let's break down what to expect in spring. Remember: weather, crowds, and your budget are all connected when planning your trip. Edinburgh experience: Spring (March-May): Weather: Mild with increasing temperatures (7-13°C (or 45°-55°F), but still expect some rain. Flowers: Enjoy blooming trees and flowers, with cherr...
@rhonatheunicorn
231.7K likes • 1.6M views
One of the prettiest and most ‘instagrammable’ streets in Edinburgh🍂🌸. Come and join us for a small tour around our property on Circus Lane! 💰Guide price £1,500,000 🛏️4 bedrooms 🛁5 bathrooms #edinburgh #stockbridge #newtown #home #housetour
edinburghcityproperty
0 likes • 7.1K views

☕ Coffee & Pastry Stops

Fuel your explorations with a coffee from The Milkman or a treat from a local bakery. TikTok+1

📸 Capture Circus Lane

This incredibly photogenic street is a must-see for any visitor. Instagram

Feeling all the Edinburgh love? ❤️ Iconic sights, dramatic skies, and timeless beauty await you in this magical city … 😍🏰☕️ Top Tips for Newcomers: Explore the Royal Mile. Try some local cuisine (haggis, neeps, and tatties); Walk the Water of Leith. Don’t skip the National Gallery; Explore the New Town; Catch a sunset at Calton Hill; Get lost in Dean Village; Take a day trip to Rosslyn Chapel. ...
rhona_the_unicorn
53.5K likes • 748.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Comfortable Shoes are Key

Edinburgh's New Town has hills and cobblestones. Prioritize comfort for exploring! TikTok

🗺️ Get Lost (Intentionally!)

Wander off the main streets to discover hidden mews and charming squares. TikTok

☕ Coffee & Pastry Stops

Fuel your explorations with a coffee from The Milkman or a treat from a local bakery. TikTok+1

📸 Capture Circus Lane

This incredibly photogenic street is a must-see for any visitor. Instagram

🚆 Train Station Luggage Hack

If arriving by train with heavy luggage, use Cockburn Street instead of Warriston's Steps to reach the Royal Mile. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Elegant Georgian architecture
Charming streets and squares
Walkable and picturesque

What People Dislike

Can be quieter than Old Town

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. TikTokReddit

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. TikTokReddit

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. Reddit

Many travelers find Uber to be a more cost-effective option than traditional taxis for getting around Edinburgh, including from the airport. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

Yes! Wandering through the elegant streets, admiring the Georgian architecture, exploring Circus Lane, and enjoying Princes Street Gardens are all free activities. Reddit

Consider a guided walking tour focused on the New Town's history and architecture. Many tours offer insights into its development and famous residents. TikTok

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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! TikTok

No, you should not photograph the interiors of private residences. Focus on the public streets, squares, and exteriors of buildings. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok+1

The Milkman is a popular spot for coffee and pastries, often mentioned by visitors. Fortitude Coffee and other independent cafes are also great choices. TikTok+2

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. Reddit

Consider a meal at Grazing by Mark Greenaway for seasonal Scottish cuisine or explore the city's growing vegan food scene. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Edinburgh's New Town offers a blend of engaging sights for families. While the grand architecture might appeal more to adults, areas like Princes Street Gardens provide open space for children to run around. The National Museum of Scotland (though technically bordering the Old Town) is a fantastic free option with interactive exhibits that kids will love. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

The New Town is a fantastic and safe area for solo travelers. Its grid layout makes it easy to navigate, and the abundance of cafes and shops provides plenty of opportunities to people-watch or relax. TikTok+1 Consider staying in a well-located hotel or Airbnb in the New Town for easy access to attractions and a comfortable base. Reddit

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. TikTok Don't hesitate to strike up conversations in cafes or pubs; Edinburgh locals are generally friendly and welcoming. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The New Town is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of architectural beauty and charming street scenes. Circus Lane is an absolute must for its picturesque setting, especially when adorned with flowers. Instagram Dean Village provides stunning riverside views and historic buildings that are perfect for capturing atmospheric shots. TikTok

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. TikTok Remember to pack a versatile lens and comfortable shoes for exploring these photogenic locations. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Elegance of Georgian Architecture

Edinburgh's New Town is a masterpiece of Georgian urban planning, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elegant, symmetrical streets and grand neoclassical architecture. Developed from the mid-18th century onwards, it was designed to alleviate overcrowding in the medieval Old Town. The grid layout, wide avenues like George Street, and spacious squares such as Charlotte Square and St Andrew Square, showcase a harmonious and ordered urban design that remains remarkably preserved. Instagram+1

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

Discovering Hidden Gems: Dean Village & Circus Lane

Beyond the grand avenues, Edinburgh's New Town hides charming pockets of beauty. Dean Village, nestled along the Water of Leith, feels like a tranquil escape from the city bustle. This former milling village boasts picturesque buildings, a scenic river walk, and a sense of timeless charm, making it a favorite for photographers and those seeking a peaceful stroll. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTok

Navigating the New Town: Practical Tips

Getting around Edinburgh's New Town is generally straightforward, but a few tips can enhance your experience. As many visitors note, comfortable footwear is non-negotiable due to the cobblestones and inclines. TikTok Public transport, including buses and trams, is efficient for longer distances, but remember to purchase your ticket before boarding the tram to avoid fines. Reddit

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. TikTok This kind of local advice is invaluable for making your arrival smoother. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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