New Town

Edinburgh

Edinburgh featuring heritage architecture and night scenes
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 center lies the neighborhood 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 P13,538 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P13,538
P16,245 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,731 reviews)
"I found the front of house staff extremely helpful and kind."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is P9,045 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P9,045
P10,854 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,267 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel and fantastic value! Rooms are small but very comfortable, shower was amazing. Beds and pillows are firm but we really enjoyed our stay and would happily book with Yotel again!"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
3 out of 5
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is P9,857 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P9,857
P11,829 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,012 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
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 P10,689 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P10,689
P12,827 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (214 reviews)
"Great hot experience."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
3 out of 5
74 - 77 Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,090 reviews)
Great Staff
"Lindsey was superb went well out of her way to help"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
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 P12,040 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P12,040
P14,448 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
We'd stay again.
"The room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was really nice with a good selection of food. The only thing I'd suggest is for them to add a couple of usb and USB's ports for international travelers that don't have enough adapters."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Holiday Inn Express - Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
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 skyline, general coastal views and a city

Edinburgh City Centre

While you're in Edinburgh City Centre, take in top sights like Edinburgh Castle or Princes Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
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Stockbridge

Historic 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
Old Town Edinburgh showing street scenes, outdoor eating and a city

Old Town Edinburgh

5/5(1 area review)

Old Town Edinburgh is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Edinburgh Castle and Royal Mile.

Old Town Edinburgh
Love these little houses built on a slope

Broughton

Travelers 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
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Tollcross

Travelers come to Tollcross for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Usher Hall and King's Theatre while you're in town.

Tollcross
Scottish Parliament showing street scenes and a pool

Holyrood

While visiting Holyrood, you might make a stop by sights like Royal Mile and Scottish Parliament.

Holyrood

New Town