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

YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is £159 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
£159
18 Jun - 19 Jun
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! (2,249 reviews)
"This hotel is awesome. Super clean, modern, good space and comfortable beds. It was everything we needed and location is awesome too. We loved walking everywhere and never needed transportation. My kids loved the bunk beds as well."

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
4 out of 5
23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is £178 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£178
22 Jun - 23 Jun
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,718 reviews)
"This was a fantastic and beautiful place to stay, easily walkable to The Royal Mile, both castles, and most of the sites in Edinburgh The staff was friendly, helpful, professional, and very courteous The rooms were clean and spacious The bar was great, we didn’t go to the restaurant, maybe next time ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
3 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is £172 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£172
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,078 reviews)
Good value, friendly helpful staff,
"Great location, very friendly helpful staff. Huge room with good facilities. Decor and furniture looking a little tired since I last visited but for price paid was good value."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
3 out of 5
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £154 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£154
29 Jun - 30 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"The walk to our room included 2 elevations, stairs and a long walk. The room was quiet and comfortable"

Reviewed on 15 Jun 2025

Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
3 out of 5
Picardy Place Top Of Leith Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is £175 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£175
22 Jun - 23 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"The room was clean and tidy, the front desk service was very good, the breakfast was great"

Reviewed on 14 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
The Place
The Place
4 out of 5
34-38 York Place, Edinburgh, Scotland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £115 per night from 29 Jun to 30 Jun
£115
29 Jun - 30 Jun
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
"Excellent location, lovely renovation and outstandingly friendly staff."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 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 Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

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

Old Town Edinburgh
Default Image

Broughton

Travellers come to Broughton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Sherlock Holmes Statue and Mansfield Place Church while you're in town.

Broughton
Default Image

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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: