New Town Travel Guide

Wide Georgian streets, high-street shops, smart bars and quiet squares.

• Best for: Shopping, refined restaurants and easy access to museums
• Vibe: Polished, Georgian and slightly formal by night
• Nearest station: Waverley (city centre) and Haymarket for west links
• Price level: $$-$$$ (many mid-range and a handful of luxury hotels)
• To the main sights: Short walk to Edinburgh Castle, Old Town and the galleries
• Safety: Generally safe, watch for busy tourist crowds

Great for:

• First-time visitors who want central comfort
• Shoppers and museum-goers
• Travellers seeking quieter evenings near the centre

Maybe skip it if:

• You want gritty nightlife or alternative clubbing
• You prefer bohemian neighbourhoods over polished terraces

New Town sits north-east of Edinburgh Castle across Princes Street Gardens, stretching from St Andrew Square to the west end near Haymarket. George Street runs parallel to Princes Street; Rose Street is the short, lively lane behind Princes Street.

• When to go: Shop during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds; markets run on Saturdays.
• Where to wander: Stroll Charlotte Square and the terraces for Georgian architecture.
• Evening: George Street fills with diners and smart bars after 6pm.
• If you want views: Walk down to Princes Street Gardens for the best castle sightlines.
• Transport note: Waverley and Haymarket stations put the rest of Scotland within reach.

• Princes Street Gardens: Victorian public gardens that split New Town from the Old Town, ideal for castle views and a stroll.
• Scott Monument: Gothic tower on Princes Street you can climb for citywide views.
• Charlotte Square: A serene Georgian square with grand townhouses and a pleasant place to linger.
• Scottish National Gallery: National collection of European fine art on the edge of New Town.
• Dean Village: A short walk to this picturesque former mill village on the Water of Leith walk.
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: A bit further north but worth the walk for curated plantings and glasshouses.

• Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Airlink 100 bus or Lothian airport services run frequent to the city centre (about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic; fares in the low single-figure pounds). Tram from the airport goes to the city centre (to the St Andrew Square area) with a short walk into New Town (about 30-40 minutes; medium single-figure fare). Taxi or ride-hail is simplest with about 25-35 minutes travel and fares typically in the mid-to-high tens of pounds.
• From the main sights: From Edinburgh Castle or the Royal Mile it’s a 10-20 minute walk down to Princes Street and George Street; a short bus or taxi gets you there in 5-10 minutes.

• On foot: New Town is very walkable, most streets, squares and shops are close together.
• Tram and buses: Trams and Lothian Buses serve the edge of New Town; several routes stop near Princes Street and St Andrew Square.
• Rail: Waverley and Haymarket stations are within easy reach for regional trains.
• Taxis and cycling: Taxis are plentiful; there are cycle lanes and hire schemes for short hops.

New Town has many central hotels in Georgian buildings and modern properties tucked into side streets. Stay on or near George Street/Charlotte Square for the most elegant addresses and quickest access to shops. Prices range from mid-range chains to high-end boutique hotels.

Luxury

• The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton: Grand landmark hotel near Princes Street offering classic rooms and easy access to the castle and shops.
• Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel: Luxury boutique hotel backing onto Charlotte Square, ideal for visitors who want stylish rooms in a Georgian setting.
• The Chester Residence: Upscale serviced apartments in a Georgian townhouse setting, good for longer stays and families.

Mid-range

• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Edinburgh City Centre: Reliable mid-range option close to the New Town streets and within easy walking distance of major sights.
• Malmaison Edinburgh City: Stylish, boutique-style hotel with personality a short walk from George Street.
• The Resident: Comfortable mid-range hotel offering simple, well-located rooms close to shops and transport.
• Motel One Edinburgh-Royal: Design-led mid-range hotel near the Royal Mile and within easy reach of New Town.

Budget

• EasyHotel Prince Street West: Basic, no-frills rooms right on Prince Street for budget-focused travellers.
• Travelodge Edinburgh Central Queen Street: Budget chain hotel in the heart of New Town, convenient for shops and buses.
• YMCA Scotland: Simple accommodation and dorm options close to the centre for thrifty visitors.
• Princes Street Hostel: Hostel-style budget option offering basic beds within easy walking distance of New Town attractions.

New Town serves refined hotel restaurants, international chains and smart casual eateries. Head for George Street and the lanes off Rose Street for evening dining; many cafés and bakeries line the side streets for breakfast and coffee. Expect a mix of mid-range ($$) to pricier ($$$) options.

• The Ivy: British; $$$, Classic brasserie-style dining on George Street in an elegant setting.
• Dishoom: Indian; $$, Popular Bombay-style restaurant offering aromatic dishes in a polished space.
• Mowgli Street Food: Indian; $$, Casual, small-plate Indian street-food style cooking for a quick, flavourful meal.
• Rosa’s Thai Cafe: Thai; $-$$, Tasty Thai favourites in a relaxed, accessible setting close to the centre.
• The Dome Bar and Grill: British; $$$, Grand dining under domed architecture, a good choice for special occasions.
• Knoops: Cafe; $, Compact coffeehouse ideal for cakes and light bites.

Evening life in New Town is smart rather than raucous, expect cocktail bars, hotel bars and cosy pubs. George Street and Rose Street concentrate many options; most places get lively from late afternoon to late evening. Price points are mostly $$-$$$ for cocktails and drinks.

• Panda & Sons: Cocktail bar; inventive drinks in a speakeasy-style setting, great for pre-dinner cocktails.
• Copper Blossom: Bar; a cosy spot for creative cocktails close to George Street.
• Freddy’s: Bar; popular local bar on Rose Street with a lively, casual atmosphere.
• The Slug and Lettuce: Bar; chain bar on the edge of Princes Street for easy, relaxed evenings.
• NQ64: Bar; retro arcade-cocktail bar offering a playful evening out near Princes Street.
• The Cambridge Bar: Pub; traditional pub close to central New Town for a quieter pint.

Shopping is a major draw, Princes Street is the main high-street artery while George Street hosts boutiques and jewellers. Department stores and weekend markets add variety; most shops open from mid-morning to early evening, with markets on weekends.

• Harvey Nichols: Upscale department store for designer labels and luxury goods.
• Marks & Spencer: British department store for clothing, food and essentials.
• Stockbridge Market: Weekend market for artisan food, crafts and local producers.
• Edinburgh Farmers’ Market: Food market offering regional produce and specialist stalls.
• John Lewis: Large department store with homewares, fashion and beauty sections.