New Town
4.5
About
The modern face of Edinburgh, with lots of restaurants, pubs, museums and galleries.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience New Town
The area
Neighborhood: New Town
Suits and shopping bags rule the streets of New Town, until after dark when strappy dresses come out to play. This is the city’s central business district with its smaller offices, clothes boutiques, and many of the city’s flashiest restaurants and ritziest clubs. The architecture along roads like George Street helps give it a swank and formal feel: it’s a planned Georgian development of regal townhouses, geometric squares, and self-important statues. But it’s also a very wanderable neighborhood, with a healthy bustle at almost any time of day and fine people-watching in places like St Andrew's Square which fills with picnickers around lunch. You’ll also find a series of cheerful basement bistros on Hanover Street, while dark Rose Street has something of the feel of an undiscovered back alley and is chock-full of characterful pubs and small independent shops.
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,972 within 3 miles
Attractions
490 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Malgorzata12,108 contributionsGorgeousWhen visiting Edinburgh, you can't miss the New Town. The New Town is a central area of Edinburgh. A masterpiece of city planning, it was built in stages between 1767 and 1850. Still we can admire much of its original neo-classical and Georgian period architecture. Georgian-style tenement houses are erected along wide avenues and vast squares of the elegant New Town. Shopping enthusiasts visit the stores of Princes Street and boutiques located on George Street . There are a lot of elegant hotels, restaurants and pubs here. In the neo-Gothic red sandstone building housing the Scottish National Portrait Gallery you can see paintings of famous Scots from the past and present. The New Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Really beautiful and interesting ppart of the city.Visited March 2019Written February 3, 2020
- johnhouston2Knaresborough, United Kingdom4,892 contributionsPlease take the term “New Town” in context!The first thoughts of some people might be that a “new town” is not the sort of place to visit during a touring holiday, but it should be noted here that the term is only used here to differentiate this part of the city centre from the decidedly ancient bit across the road! Edinburgh’s New Town is most definitely worth a long, slow visit. The architecture is mainly Georgian and is a delight of grand buildings and beautiful squares, all set out within a convenient grid pattern. It’s a place where you can visit some nice historic houses and museums as well as very good independent shops, cafes, restaurants and the occasional pub. In other words - there is plenty to do and admire; or even just a place to relax.Visited October 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten November 14, 2020
- gcervi2016Tarragona, Spain33 contributionsThe creation of a genial urban architectWhen Craig was assigned the project for the expansion of the city of Edinburgh with the so called new town, he was only 26. And the date was the second half of 18th century. No cars , just few cabs of the wealthy people who were to move and live in the new town and carriages. Still, in the new town even nowadays traffic is fluent, thanks to the prodigious modern view of Craig. Apart from this, the beauty and harmony of the buildings, of course not all of them original, is outstanding. A pleasure to stroll in the beautiful roads of this part of the city, so different but not less interesting than the Old TownVisited January 2020Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
490 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
202
Average
35
Poor
1
Terrible
3
PrestonGuild
United Kingdom55,038 contributions
Aug 2020
The New Town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.
We usually visit Edinburgh in winter. This time we managed to have a stroll in the summer and it was a novelty to see sunshine and wear a T shirt.
It was busy and bustling as we explored Princes Street, the gardens, George Street and the surrounding area.
As well as looking at heritage buildings there were also shopping to be done.
We usually visit Edinburgh in winter. This time we managed to have a stroll in the summer and it was a novelty to see sunshine and wear a T shirt.
It was busy and bustling as we explored Princes Street, the gardens, George Street and the surrounding area.
As well as looking at heritage buildings there were also shopping to be done.
Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola D
Hessle, UK3,167 contributions
Mar 2020
We stayed in the New Town where you will find Waverley Station and lots of shops and Hotels along Princes Street opposite Princes Street Gardens with the Balmoral hotel (with it’s famous clock tower) at one end and the red sandstone Caledonian at the other. The Royal Scottish Academy and National Gallery of Scotland are also along Princes Street. Venture off the main street and discover amazing Georgian terraces and squares with lots of private communal gardens at their centre. We did a set walk and saw lots of wonderful architecture and the fantastic Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Written May 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,289 contributions
Oct 2020
When people talk about New Towns it creates images of places like Milton Keynes, Stevenage or Crawley. The New Town of Edinburgh is much older!
This was built during the 18th Century and many of the roads are well laid out and planned. There are lots of nice buildings and statues to admire as you stroll about.
It's not to be confused with the Old Town which is the part of Edinburgh which includes the Castle, Royal Mile and the surrounding area.
This was built during the 18th Century and many of the roads are well laid out and planned. There are lots of nice buildings and statues to admire as you stroll about.
It's not to be confused with the Old Town which is the part of Edinburgh which includes the Castle, Royal Mile and the surrounding area.
Written October 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🙋🏽♂️🤹🏽♂️✔️Keep Life Simple ✈️🧳✅
Pittsburgh, PA83,896 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
The New town is a great place to stay, I recommend the Le Monde hotel beside the Edinburgh Hard Rock Cafe. All the shopping is on Princes Street and it's by the Rail station and all the Bus routes.
Written October 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhp702
Derby, UK18,386 contributions
Jul 2020
Wandering the streets with shops, bars, restaurants and amazing architecture to enjoy, it even looks good in the rain.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
12davidjr
Melbourne, Australia195 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
When you visit any place it is interesting to reflect on what it is/has or does to you that leaves impressions. With New Town there was an abundance of positive memories - the buildings were so elegant, the parks inviting and beautifully kept, the streets spacious and clean, the shopping (if you include Jenners) abundant, the choice of eateries outstanding (together with the ability of the majority of these to deliver what they seemed to promise), the charm of both Rose and Thistle Streets and the Oxford Pub with its ability to conjure up all of the images of DI Rebus. Absorb the whole experience and you will not be sorry for the time spent.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DJM1945
Montrose, UK1,927 contributions
Aug 2020
The New Town in Edinburgh has the most amazing architecture which includes the Princes Street shops and hotels as well the Royal Scottish Academy and National Gallery of Scotland. Quite close by are the Georgian terraces and many squares with communal gardens at their centre.
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK19,387 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The new town is made up of some of the most impressive Georgian terraces you will see. Shows the wealth that Edinburgh had in days gone by.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ronald B
The Hague, The Netherlands2,271 contributions
Oct 2019
This a more interesting walk than the old town. Don’t miss restaurant The Dome for a drink, or better a dinner.
Written December 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soulanna_BC
Bratislava, Slovakia362 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Stayed in couple of hotels here, nice little neighborhood, with restaurants, cafés, shops just around the corner from where every you are, easy to navigate grid system 😊
Close to bus / train / castle / old town
Nice walks and truly close to EVERYTHING!
Close to bus / train / castle / old town
Nice walks and truly close to EVERYTHING!
Written June 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
psw
Oklahoma City, OK12 contributions
We are planning a visit from USA in June and are looking for a hotel that is easily walkable to shops, restaurants, places of interest. Is New Town or Old Town a better choice and where should I go to find the best hotels available for the area?
Jan D
Ottawa, Canada76 contributions
Always Old Town for me. Love the view of the castle at night.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingNew Town (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about New Town
- We recommend booking New Town tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 New Town tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience New Town:
- Edinburgh Sky to Sea Bike Tour by Manual or E-Bike (From $85.64)
- Private Half-Day Tour of Edinburgh in a Mini (From $388.68)
- Edinburgh Luxury Private Tour with Scottish Local (From $677.60)
- Guided Edinburgh Private Walking Tour (From $388.68)
- Private Walk: Edinburgh Old Town and New Town (From $256.92)
- Hotels near New Town:
- (0.02 mi) hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Rose Street) hotel
- (0.02 mi) CoDE Pod Hostels - THE LoFT
- (0.12 mi) Braid Apartments by Mansley
- (0.12 mi) 53 Frederick Street
- (0.09 mi) Frederick House Hotel
- Restaurants near New Town:
- (0.00 mi) Rose Street Brewery
- (0.01 mi) Mussel Inn
- (0.02 mi) Veeno Edinburgh
- (0.02 mi) Veeno
- (0.02 mi) The Auld Hundred
- Attractions near New Town:
- (0.03 mi) The Standing Order
- (0.03 mi) The Thirty Seven Bar
- (0.04 mi) Dance Base
- (0.04 mi) Supercube
- (0.05 mi) Tierras Altas Escocia
New Town Information
| Excellent Reviews | 249 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 202 |
| New Town Photos | 437 |
































































