West End
Location: Area to the west of Princes Street, around Haymarket
Edinburgh’s West End is the area west of the New Town, just a short walk from Princes Street. You can also get there by taking a train, bus or tram to Haymarket. This charming neighbourhood is known for wide cobbled streets, leafy squares and grand townhouses, plus its variety of boutique shops and independent cafés. It’s great for food and drink, with everything from stylish cocktail bars to cosy pubs. For theatre lovers, the Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum and Traverse Theatre are all close by, regularly hosting concerts, plays and performances.
The West End is a beautiful area to explore on foot, with lots of wonderful architecture. Highlights include Charlotte Square, a stunning Georgian garden square between the New Town and the West End, and St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral on Palmerston Place, the highest building in Edinburgh and the largest cathedral in Scotland. Other nearby attractions include the Water of Leith Walkway, Dean Village and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
5 things to do in the West End
- Visit independent shops, cafés and restaurants on characterful streets, such as William Street, Stafford Street, Queensferry Street and Haymarket Terrace.
- Explore the stunning crescents and squares, admiring the grand townhouses and impressive architecture.
- Visit St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, a great example of Victorian Gothic architecture in the West End.
- Enjoy a peaceful walk on the Water of Leith Walkway, with access to Dean Village, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and more!
- Head to Lothian Road for a show at the Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum or Traverse Theatre.
