Edinburgh's New Town is a masterpiece of Georgian urban planning—elegant streets, neoclassical facades, and harmonious proportions that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status alongside the Old Town. Built from 1767 to relieve overcrowding, it represents the ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment in stone.
The New Town was revolutionary. A 23-year-old architect named James Craig won a competition to design it, creating a rational grid centred on George Street. Later phases added crescents, circuses, and squares, each contributing to one of Europe's finest Georgian ensembles.
Today, the New Town offers a different Edinburgh experience. Where the Old Town is atmospheric and medieval, the New Town is elegant and refined. Its wide streets house designer shops, cocktail bars, and world-class museums. Walking its Georgian terraces is a journey through 18th-century ambition and style.
Highlights
Georgian Architecture
One of the finest examples of Georgian town planning in Europe. Elegant terraces, crescents, and squares built with mathematical precision.
Princes Street
The main shopping thoroughfare with iconic castle views. One side has shops, the other beautiful gardens.
Learn more →George Street
Upmarket shopping and dining. Designer boutiques, cocktail bars, and some of Edinburgh's best restaurants.
Charlotte Square
Robert Adam's masterpiece of Georgian architecture. The Georgian House museum offers a glimpse into 18th-century life.
Queen Street Gardens
Private gardens (residents only) stretching behind Queen Street, but the surrounding streets are beautiful to walk.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Free museum in a stunning Gothic building. Scottish history told through portraits from Mary Queen of Scots to modern figures.
Key Streets
Princes Street
Main shopping street with castle views and gardens. High street stores and landmarks.
George Street
Elegant boulevard with upmarket shops, bars, and restaurants. More sophisticated than Princes Street.
Queen Street
Quiet residential street backing onto private gardens. Home to the Portrait Gallery.
Rose Street
Pedestrianised lane between Princes and George Streets, packed with pubs and small shops.
Thistle Street
Another lane with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. More relaxed atmosphere.
New Town Attractions
Scott Monument
Landmark
£8-10
Scottish National Gallery
Museum
Free
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Museum
Free
Georgian House
Historic House
£10
Calton Hill
Viewpoint
Free
St Andrew Square
Garden Square
Free
Visitor Tips
- ✓George Street has better shopping than Princes Street
- ✓Rose Street is great for pub crawls and small shops
- ✓The Portrait Gallery building is stunning inside
- ✓Charlotte Square's Georgian House is worth visiting
- ✓Many buildings have beautiful original features inside
- ✓The grid pattern makes navigation easy
- ✓Stockbridge is an extension with great cafes
- ✓Walk Queen Street for peaceful Georgian elegance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Edinburgh New Town?
The New Town is the Georgian extension of Edinburgh, built from 1767 onwards to relieve overcrowding in the medieval Old Town. It's a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture and urban planning, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why is it called the New Town if it's 250 years old?
'New' is relative to the medieval Old Town. When the New Town was planned in 1766, it was a revolutionary new development. The name stuck even though it's now centuries old.
Why is Edinburgh New Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
The New Town is one of the finest examples of Georgian town planning in the world. Along with the Old Town, it demonstrates the contrast between medieval organic growth and planned neoclassical rationalism.
What is the difference between Old Town and New Town Edinburgh?
The Old Town is medieval—narrow, winding streets with tall tenements clustered around the castle. The New Town is Georgian—wide streets in a grid pattern, elegant terraces, and formal squares. Together they create Edinburgh's unique character.
What is there to do in Edinburgh New Town?
Shopping (Princes Street, George Street), museums (National Galleries, Portrait Gallery), Georgian architecture (Charlotte Square, Georgian House), gardens (Princes Street Gardens), and dining (numerous restaurants and bars).
Is Edinburgh New Town worth visiting?
Absolutely. Even if you're not interested in architecture, the New Town offers great shopping, excellent museums (many free), beautiful gardens, and a different atmosphere to the Old Town.
Where does Edinburgh New Town start and end?
The original New Town runs from Princes Street to Queen Street, and from Charlotte Square to St Andrew Square. Later extensions spread north and west, including the grand crescents of Stockbridge.
Can you walk from Old Town to New Town?
Yes, easily. The Mound connects them, as does Waverley Bridge from the station. It's a 5-10 minute walk from the Royal Mile to George Street.