New Town

Edinburgh

Edinburgh showing 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 S$390 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$390
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,741 reviews)
"Apex Waterloo is a fantastically located hotel as so many things Edinburgh has to offer is within walking distance: Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Holyrood, and more. The parking garage is right around the corner and there is a large indoor shopping mall in the same vicinity. Our room was comfortable ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel
YOTEL Edinburgh
YOTEL Edinburgh
4 out of 5
Erskine House, Queen Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$255 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$255
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (2,279 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable. It was minimalist, but had everything we needed."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

YOTEL Edinburgh
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 S$321 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$321
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (216 reviews)
"Convenient and comfortable Great breakfast buffet"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Mount Royal Hotel Edinburgh by The Unlimited Collection
voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG
voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG
4 out of 5
18 Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$312 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$312
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Edinburgh. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (775 reviews)
"It was a good walk into Edinburgh's centre, so be mindful if you are not able bodied."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

voco Edinburgh - Royal Terrace by IHG
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
3 out of 5
18-21 Market Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
The price is S$327 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$327
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,013 reviews)
"This is one of the best locations in the city for a hotel. Right on the border between New Town and Old Town and close to the train station. Rooms were just ok, but clean."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Motel One Edinburgh - Royal
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! (1,092 reviews)
"Incredibly convenient to the city centre! Just a short walk to the Royal Mile. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Heeton Concept Aparthotel Edinburgh Queen Street
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 general coastal views, a city and skyline

Edinburgh City Centre

If you're spending time in Edinburgh City Centre, check out sights like Princes Street or Royal Mile and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St Andrew Square Tram Stop or Princes Street Tram Stop.

Edinburgh City Centre
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Stockbridge

4.5/5(17 area reviews)

Historical 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
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Old Town Edinburgh

4.5/5(1,168 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Royal Mile to Princes Street – discover Old Town Edinburgh, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Old Town Edinburgh
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Broughton

Travellers 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

4.5/5(49 area reviews)

Tollcross is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Usher Hall and King's Theatre while in the area.

Tollcross
Scottish Parliament featuring a pool and street scenes

Holyrood

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

Holyrood

New Town