New Town
Location: City centre, area north of Princes Street
The New Town is an area of Edinburgh city centre, so-named because it was built to modernise the city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its grand town houses and spacious streets contrasted with the narrow alleyways and towering tenements of the Old Town, where conditions were cramped and overcrowded at the time. On a visit to the New Town, you can explore beautiful Georgian architecture, museums and galleries, designer shops, elegant bars and restaurants, and so much more.
The New Town sits to the north of the Old Town, and the two areas are separated by Princes Street Gardens, a large public park. Most of the buildings are neo-classical in design, reminiscent of the architecture of ancient Greece, which is partly why Edinburgh has the nickname “The Athens of the North”. Major streets in the New Town include Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street, while top attractions include the Scott Monument, Scottish National Gallery, Scottish National Portrait Gallery and Georgian House.
5 things to do in the New Town
- Admire the grand Georgian architecture and wide streets of the New Town.
- Go shopping on Princes Street, George Street and the surrounding streets.
- Wine and dine in bars and restaurants on and around George Street.
- Visit museums and galleries, such as Georgian House and the Scottish National Gallery.
- Walk up Calton Hill to see the impressive collection of monuments at the top, plus enjoy panoramic views of the city.
