George Street
Address: George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR
George Street is a wide and elegant street in Edinburgh, running parallel to Princes Street and central to the New Town. There are many royal street names in the Georgian New Town area, and George Street was named after King George III himself, reflecting its importance. Built in the late 18th century in a grand neoclassical style, it was originally a residential street of townhouses for the wealthy. However, in the Victorian period it became primarily a shopping street, lined with shops, banks and hotels. Today, George Street continues as a commercial hub, a popular destination in the city for shopping, dining and nightlife.
On George Street, you will find a mixture of high-end fashion boutiques, designer stores, chic cocktail bars and lively cafés. It’s the perfect place to browse the shops, enjoy a relaxed lunch, or have a great night out. During the summer festivals, its a prime location for pop-up venues and bars, while over the Christmas period, the street often hosts outdoor markets and festive activities. There are also many fascinating historic features, from towering statues to beautiful buildings.
5 things to do on George Street
- Take a walk along George Street to admire the impressive Georgian architecture, starting at St Andrew Square to the east and finishing at Charlotte Square to the west.
- Browse the high-end shops for designer clothing, luxury jewellery, health and beauty products, homeware, books, gifts and more.
- Enjoy a drink at one of the many cocktail bars, from Copper Blossom to The Alchemist. (At Christmas, don’t miss a visit to The Dome to see its amazing festive decorations!)
- Have a delicious meal at your choice of cafés and restaurants on George Street.
- Soak up the festive atmosphere during Edinburgh’s summer festivals or Christmas celebrations.
