Edinburgh New Town

Wide streets, sweeping crescents, secret gardens, stylish shops, and Georgian buildings give the north of the city centre its swagger.

Old Town grit meets New Town glamour—together, they make up the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, famous for epic history and iconic architecture.

South: Old Town’s tight lanes and ancient secrets.
North: New Town’s open spaces and perfect order.
Medieval mystery meets Enlightenment ambition.

The 1760s: Edinburgh was bursting at the seams. Old Town was packed, noisy, and grimy—something had to give.

Enter James Craig, a young architect with big ideas. He won a city competition in 1766 with his bold grid design. That blueprint shaped the First New Town.

Craig’s vision? A grand George Street, elegant squares, and straight side streets. Princes Street, Queen Street, Thistle Street and of course, Rose Street; now an Edinburgh legend.

Even the street names tell stories of royal power and national pride.

Princes Street Gardens sprang up once the old Nor Loch was drained, turning a murky moat into Edinburgh’s green heart, slicing between medieval spires and Georgian terraces.

New Town style? Stone facades, glossy columns, ornate doors, and iron railings; Georgian class, through and through. Once home to the elite, now buzzing with hotels, embassies, and culture.

Charlotte Square is Georgian elegance at its best. Designed by superstar architect Robert Adam. The Georgian House on the north side? A time machine back to 18th-century high society.

In the 1800s, New Town exploded outwards, with Stockbridge, Moray Estate, and new crescents sprouting.

Everyone wanted a piece of New Town style.

Today, Edinburgh New Town means shopping sprees, castle views, and buzzing nightlife. George Street tempts, and boutiques line every block.

Landmarks pop up everywhere: the mighty Scott Monument, lively St Andrew Square, and art around every corner.

Culture lovers, rejoice: see the red sandstone Scottish National Portrait Gallery, browse bookshops, sip coffee, and catch a show—all in one stroll.

New Town isn’t just pretty. It’s alive; offices, homes, students, hotels, and constant movement.

Festival time? Streets burst with life, but wander along to Moray Place on an afternoon, and you’ll find peace and tranquillity.

Straight avenues give way to secret lanes, hidden gardens, and quiet corners, lively and laid-back, all at once.

Winter? It’s the heart of Edinburgh’s Christmas and Hogmanay parties.

The New Town is more than bricks and mortar.

It’s living proof of bold dreams, bright ideas, and a city always moving forward.