20 Best Places to Visit in New Town Edinburgh

Most people when visiting Edinburgh stick to Old Town, but Edinburgh New Town is just as much worth visiting. If you’re not familiar with New Town, you may not know where to start or what to do to make the most of your visit.

Here are the 20 best places to visit in New Town Edinburgh to make your trip to this Scottish city complete.

Why Visit New Town Edinburgh

Historical importance. Despite being called New Town, Edinburgh New Town has a lot of history and many important buildings, enough to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Georgian architecture. New Town Edinburgh is noted for its fine example of Georgian architecture, which is just gorgeous. Strolling down the New Town streets, you feel like you’re in another time period. It’s truly not to be missed.

20 Best Places to Visit in New Town Edinburgh

1. Calton Hill

Calton Hill should be first on your list when visiting New Town. Why? The views from Calton Hill are incredible — you can see nearly all of Edinburgh New Town. On a clear day, you can see as far out as the sea.

In addition, there are things to see and do atop Calton Hill as well, such as the National Monument of Scotland (the unfinished Parthenon), the Dugald Stewart Monument, and the Nelson Monument.

There are a few staircases to reach Calton Hill, but you can also take the stair-free circular route, which gently slopes up to the top of the hill.

2. Old Calton Cemetery

You may stumble upon the Old Calton Cemetery on your way to Calton Hill (like we did). Be sure to stroll through it as it offers many interesting views of Calton Hill and beyond.

One of the focal points in the cemetery is a statue of Abraham Lincoln, a tribute to Scots who served and died in the American Civil War.

3. Afternoon Tea at a Tea Room in New Town

Having afternoon tea in New Town is a must, especially after all the walking you’ll be doing, it’s nice to sit down and enjoy a cuppa. Here are the three top places to try afternoon tea in New Town.

The Georgian Tea Room at the Dome

The Dome feels like a more traditional, everyday tea room, where you could meet casually with friends. It’s also a very crowded tea room, and we felt the quality of the food was not that great.

The Dome is in New Town, and it was a nice rest stop during our day in New Town. Overall, I’m glad we went. We didn’t stay long, though, as the atmosphere felt very cramped (a lot of people, a lot of voices).

Cost: £32
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegan, gluten free
How to book: Book online.
Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF

Willow Tea Rooms

Willow Tea Rooms has probably one of the BEST views in Edinburgh — a clear shot of Edinburgh Castle right through the window. They’re located on Princes Street, a few doors down from the Waterstones Cafe.

Their traditional afternoon tea is also one of the cheapest.

Willow Tea Rooms opened this location in Edinburgh recently, but they are not new to afternoon tea. In fact, Willow Tea Rooms has ties to the first ever tea room to open in Scotland (in Glasgow) in 1878.

Cost: £19.95
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free
How to book: Book online. They also take walk ins, if space allows.
Address: 1st Floor, 120 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD

Balmoral Palm Court

The Balmoral’s Palm Court looks elegant and gorgeous. It is, however, a pricey option for afternoon tea.

I’m curious if the experience will live up to that price tag. The reviews are mixed, so if you’re willing to pay big bucks for afternoon tea, this might be an option to consider.

Cost: £70
Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily
Options for those with dietary restrictions: None
How to book: Book online.
Address: 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

4. Princes Street

The famous Princes Street runs parallel to the Princes Street Gardens and has incredible views of Edinburgh Castle. It was first built as a residential street, but now it has shops adorning almost every building.

A walk down Princes Street is a must when visiting New Town. Stop in the Waterstones Cafe or Starbucks for a coffee and epic views of the castle out the window. Browse the shops, dine at a cafe, explore the historic charm. There’s a lot to do and see on Princes Street, you really can’t miss it.

5. Waterstones Cafe

The Waterstones Cafe on Princes Street has one of the most beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. Once inside the bookstore, head up the stairs to the cafe, and grab a cup of tea or coffee. There are only 6 tables in the area by the window, so you may not get to sit in one of them unless you’re early or very lucky.

When we arrived, all these tables by the window were taken, but once I’d ordered my chai latte and had it in hand, I went down to the window area to wait and look out at the views. Within a few minutes, someone started packing up, and I got to swoop right in.

Take a break from your whirlwind day exploring New Town at the Waterstones Cafe. The views could not be better.

You can also try your luck at Starbucks, which is down the street, and also has great views of Edinburgh Castle.

6. Princes Street Gardens

The Princes Street Gardens runs in between New Town and Old Town, adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. There’s an east and west side.

In East Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find:

• The Scott Monument, a gothic memorial to the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. You can admire the monument for free, but to climb inside, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
• The National Gallery of Scotland, a large art museum, which is free to visit.
• The Royal Scottish Academy, which is also free to visit.

In West Princes Street Gardens, you’ll find:

• The world’s first and largest floral clock, which tells the correct time, and is made of flowers.
• Ross Fountain, a cast-iron sculpted fountain, sitting in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, which was installed in 1872.

During Christmas time, a Christmas market is set up along the entire Princes Street Gardens, including fair rides, booths, and food venues.

It’s hard to believe it now, but at one point, Princes Street Gardens was the location of Nor Loch, which had become almost radioactive because people threw sewage and chamber pot contents into it.

It had a horrible smell and was one of the reasons Edinburgh earned the nickname “Auld Reekie.” The loch was drained in 1820 to make way for the gardens. And aren’t we all happy about that decision?

7. St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard

Head down to the St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard, for even more incredible views of Edinburgh Castle. Graveyards aren’t typically considered a sightseeing place, but the graveyards in Edinburgh are historic, and this one is no different.

St. Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is near Princes Street Gardens. It’s easy to miss if you’re just walking by, but don’t miss this. Take a wander around the ancient tombstones and look up to admire the castle. It’s a great area for photography.

If the parish is open, feel free to tour the inside. The original church that stood here fell into ruins in the 18th century but it was eventually rebuilt in the New Town style. It’s very grand. Did you know that mystery writer Agatha Christie was married here?

8. Scott Monument

Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish writer, famous for such works as “Ivanhoe” and “Waverly,” died in 1832. A few years after his death, Scotland built the Scott Monument in his honor.

As a writer, I think it’s incredibly cool that Scotland decided to build a monument to honor a writer. And they really didn’t cut corners as it’s one of the largest monuments to a writer in the world.

There is a museum room on the first floor where you can learn more about the life and works of Sir Walter Scott as well as a statue of the man himself.

It’s 287 steps up a spiral staircase to reach the top of the monument where there are panoramic views. Unfortunately, there is no lift.

You can admire the monument for free, but to climb inside, you’ll have to pay a small fee (£8 for adults). Pre-booking is not available.

9. Scottish National Gallery

The Scottish National Gallery is a large art museum in the middle of Princes Street Gardens, which is free to visit. It features artwork of Edgar Degas, Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, Rembrandt van Rijn, and more.

There is also a large collection of Scottish art and photography, both historical and modern. Definitely worth a wander.

10. Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is a gorgeous museum full of portraits of famous Scots. It’s free to enter, and I’d definitely recommend stopping in when you’re in New Town.

It’s much bigger than it looks with multiple floors and gallery rooms. The architecture itself is beautiful, too. We loved visiting on a rainy day because it gave us some reprieve from the weather.

11. Georgian House in Charlotte Square

Charlotte Square is noted as being the most prestigious area of New Town, and it’s also one of the most historical.

You can go back in time at The Georgian House and tour a restored Georgian townhouse at 7 Charlotte Square. It’s been lavishly decorated with furnishings that depict life for a wealthy family in the 18th century. You can also see the downstairs kitchen and servants rooms to get an idea of life for the working class at that time.

The house is, unfortunately, not open the entire year, only from February 26 until October 31. But if you are visiting Edinburgh during that time, definitely give it a visit.

12. Dean Village

Dean Village is a charming part of Edinburgh, only a few minutes from the city center. The village was once a mill town back in the 1500s. Stone houses surround the peaceful, flowing river, called Water of Leith. Alongside the river is a 12-mile path where many locals jog.

We spent more than two hours exploring Dean Village because we loved it so much. Do not miss this spot!

13. St. Bernard’s Well

St. Bernard’s Well sits pretty on a walking path between Stockbridge and Dean Village. The well’s natural spring water was first discovered in 1760 (at that time, there was no fancy temple around it), but people believed its waters had healing powers. Word spread quickly and soon many locals began visiting the well.

In 1789, a wealthy local lawyer purchased the well and commissioned the elaborate structure around the well to commemorate it.

For nearly two centuries, people visited the well to drink its mineral-rich waters. In 1956, though, it was closed for drinking when arsenic was discovered in it.

Why is it called St. Bernard’s Well? The well was named after St. Bernard of Clairvaux, a monk from the 12th century who was said to have slept in a cave near the Water of Leith sometime before the Second Crusade. He claimed a nearby spring had curative properties, and I guess people assumed he meant this well.

Features of the well:

• Golden pineapple at the top of the dome
• Designed in the style of a Greco-Roman temple
• Statue of Hygieia, the goddess of health, in the center
• Latin inscription over the doorway, “Bibendo Valeris,” meaning drink and you will be well
• Interior pump room with mosaic tiled ceiling and a fireplace and pump that can dispense hot water

When is it open? You can visit the exterior of the well anytime. The interior pump room, however, is only open a few days a year, such as on the first Sundays of the month from April to July from noon until 3 p.m., then most Sundays in August.

Today the well is maintained by the Dean Village Association.

14. Circus Lane

Circus Lane may be just a street of houses, but it’s the most picturesque street of houses in Edinburgh. Is it worth visiting? Yes! I’d say so. But do go into it with the understanding that it’s just a street that you walk on. There’s nothing else really to do aside from enjoying the scenery and taking photographs.

Circus Lane was built in the 18th century when curved streets were in fashion. This was a lane of mews, meant for horses owned by the wealthy.

There are so many unique angles to photograph, so definitely walk back and forth a few times. Notice the clock tower, flowers, and shrubbery. But do be respectful as it is a residential area.

It shouldn’t take more than 10-15 minutes to visit, unless you get caught up in the photography, which is somewhat expected. It’s just so beautiful!

15. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Take a free stroll through the eight-plus different gardens in the Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden. You’ll not only see flowers and trees but amazing views of the city skyline.

Every time I’ve visited Edinburgh, I’ve sworn to go to the Royal Botanic Garden, but I still haven’t made it out yet. It’s on my list, though, for next time.

16. Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh

Topping & Co is a large bookshop in Edinburgh, three stories tall, perfect for book lovers. It’s in a beautiful historical building that was designed by architect William Playfair.

There are classic rolling ladders to help reach books on higher shelves as well as free tea and coffee.

They’re open daily and also host literary events every now and then, so be sure to check their calendar.

17. Edinburgh Playhouse

The Edinburgh Playhouse is the largest theater in Scotland with over 3,000 seats. It hosts a lot of world-renowned plays, musicals, and other live events.

It was first opened in 1929, so there’s almost 100 years of history at this theater. It’s also said to be haunted, which is not surprising for Edinburgh.

Check the Playhouse’s schedule for the dates you plan to visit New Town Edinburgh as there may be a show playing you just can’t miss.

18. Lannan Bakery

Lannan Bakery recently opened in the last year, but it’s become extremely popular. Lines typically form early and stay long all day, so expect a wait if you want to try their bread or pastries. However, the hype seems warranted.

You can find Lannan Bakery in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh, close to the Circus Lane. They’re closed Monday-Wednesday.

19. Panda and Sons Speakeasy

I remember walking by Panda and Sons, which poses as a barber shop, reading its window that says “25 cent haircuts” and thinking, “How the heck do they make money?” Well, joke’s on me, it’s not a real barbershop.

It’s a speakeasy, and once you go past the facade, entering through the bookshelf door, you’re in a pub. How cool is that?

20. Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers whisky tastings in their large recently renovated building. It’s said to be an “immersive storytelling experience.”

You can also head up to their rooftop bar that has incredible views of Edinburgh Castle.

Map of Edinburgh New Town Locations

History of Edinburgh New Town

1767. Architect James Craig drew up the plans for New Town, plans to make it symmetrical, orderly, beautiful, sanitary — all the things Old Town was not. Construction soon began on the 100 acres of city-owned farmland just north of Old Town.

1791. The design of Charlotte Square, which features palace-like townhouses, was completed and noted as a highlight of New Town. It’s still considered one of the most prestigious addresses in Edinburgh.

1820. The First New Town was mostly completed in the 1820s, the largest example of Georgian town planning in the world. New Town has expanded since then, but it’s still a cultural hub of art, business, and politics, and an incredible place to visit and live.

Edinburgh New Town vs. Old Town (Differences)

The differences between Edinburgh New Town and Old Town lie mainly in their ages and architecture styles.

Age. Old Town, as its name suggests, is much older than New Town. Some of the oldest buildings in Old Town date to the 12th century while the oldest in New Town go back to just the 18th century.

Architecture style. New Town was built in a different architecture style than Old Town.

• Old Town looks more medieval with cobblestone streets, narrow closes (alleys), and tall, gothic buildings. it was walled in for so many centuries, so it feels cramped and has many hidden streets and underground areas.
• New Town, on the other hand, was inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of order, beauty, and progress. New Town features Georgian townhouses and Neoclassical architecture, and is an example of incredible urban planning.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Town Edinburgh

Is New Town Edinburgh worth visiting?

Yes, and I would even argue that your trip to Edinburgh would be incomplete without visiting New Town.

What is considered New Town in Edinburgh?

New Town is north of Old Town, just across the Princes Street Gardens. Find it on Google Maps.

How far is New Town from Old Town Edinburgh?

Not far at all. It’s just across the Princes Street Gardens. It should only take about 5-10 minutes to walk there from the Royal Mile in Old Town.

When was New Town Edinburgh built?

New Town was built beginning in 1767, and the first rendition was completed in the 1820s.

Who designed New Town Edinburgh?

New Town was mainly designed by Architect James Craig with the help of many others.

What are the famous buildings in Edinburgh New Town?

• Charlotte Square
• Princes Street
• George Street
• Scottish National Portrait Gallery
• Scott Monument

Should I stay in Old Town or New Town Edinburgh?

I’ve stayed in both areas and can speak on the pros and cons of both.

In New Town: It is much quieter, less crowded, and more peaceful. It’s more residential than touristy. You will be farther away from the main attractions, so it will take extra time to get to the activities in Old Town. It is easy, however, to catch the tram or an Uber down to Princes Street.

Recommended hotels in New Town:

• Gleneagles Townhouse
• The Balmoral
• InterContinental Edinburgh the George, an IHG Hotel

In Old Town: It is more lively and touristy, and you are right in the middle of all the action. It’s very convenient to get around. You can simply walk everywhere.

Recommended hotels in Old Town:

• Leonardo Royal Hotel (near the train station)
• Apex Grassmarket Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
• Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel (near Grassmarket Square, for views of the castle)
• The Witchery by the Castle (on the Royal Mile, for a splurge)

Where I stayed: I stayed in short-term rentals during both visits to Edinburgh.

On my first visit, I stayed in this 2-bedroom flat in the West End, a quiet and peaceful neighborhood in New Town, which was close to the West End tram stop and Dean Village.

On my second visit, I stayed for a week in a 1-bedroom flat in Grassmarket in Old Town. It was facing the Grassmarket Square, right next to the Vennel and Mary’s Milk Bar, with views of Edinburgh Castle out the window.

I’d recommend both!

Is New Town Edinburgh safe?

New Town Edinburgh is safe. It feels more calm and peaceful than Old Town with less tourists.

Where to eat in New Town Edinburgh?

Here are some restaurants I’d recommend eating in New Town Edinburgh:

• St. Vincent Bar
• ASK Italian
• O’Briens

What to pack for a trip to Edinburgh?

Warm, waterproof wear

If you’re visiting Edinburgh during its cold and rainy season (almost every month of the year besides a few weeks in summer), you should definitely bring a warm waterproof jacket and waterproof walking boots.

• This waterproof jacket and these waterproof boots I took with me to Scotland helped us explore no matter the weather. We walked around Edinburgh in the rain and snow, during foggy mornings and chilly evenings, and enjoyed it all. Be prepared for rainy weather, and dress for it, so you don’t miss out.
• Also consider bringing fleece-lined leggings — I loved this pair I packed!

Favorite travel essentials

• I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
• I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized. It also fits nicely under the airplane seats.
• I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
• I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
• For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!

Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to Scotland

3 Day Edinburgh Itinerary: Ultimate Guide for First Timers

17 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh For Free

Create Your Own Harris Tweed Bag in the Islander Edinburgh Workshop

Is There an Underground City in Edinburgh? (Guide + Map)

10 Best Places for Afternoon Tea in Edinburgh (I Tried 4!)

Is a Day Trip to the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh Worth It?

20 Best Things to Do in Inverness, Scotland

All About the 2-Day Isle of Skye Tour from Inverness

Guide to Visiting Dunvegan Castle on Isle of Skye

Day Trip from Inverness to Dunrobin Castle (and Dornoch)

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