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A mini guide to
New Town: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk the grid
The New Town streets run in straight lines. George Street, Queen Street and Princes Street are parallel, which makes it hard to get lost.
Use the gardens
Princes Street Gardens are a quieter way to cross the city centre, with benches and views of the Castle.
Combine the galleries
The National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy stand side by side on the Mound, so you can see both in one visit.
Look up
Many New Town buildings have fine Georgian detail above the shopfronts. Look up as you walk.
Festival season
Edinburgh's big events
Dates come from the organisers. Confirm them on the official sites before you book, and expect busy streets and high prices.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
6 to 30 August 2027
The Fringe's 80th edition, with shows across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6 to 28 August 2027
The annual military show in Edinburgh each August.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
29 to 31 December 2026, plus New Year's Day
A torchlight procession, concerts and the Street Party, followed by a free live-music trail on New Year's Day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is New Town?
New Town is in Edinburgh, Scotland. Georgian squares, grand galleries and Princes Street Gardens. Nearby stops and stations include Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, St Andrew Square.
How long do I need in New Town?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument, Scottish National Gallery. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Edinburgh Waverley (ScotRail, LNER and other operators); Haymarket (ScotRail and Edinburgh Trams); St Andrew Square (Edinburgh Trams); Princes Street (Edinburgh Trams). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 30 places to eat and drink in and around New Town, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 13 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is New Town accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in New Town
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Princes Street
Edinburgh's main shopping street, facing the Castle across Princes Street Gardens.
Charlotte Square
Elegant square at the west end of George Street, designed by Robert Adam.
St Andrew Square
Garden square at the east end of George Street, with the Melville Monument at its centre.
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill
A royal palace, a Parliament and two hills with city views
Open the mini guide →
Stockbridge & Dean Village
A riverside village, a botanic garden and Edinburgh's best-loved suburb
Open the mini guide →
Leith & the Waterfront
A historic port with a royal yacht, a lively waterfront and some of the city's best food
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- George Street: SylviaStanley, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Princes Street: 瑞丽江的河水, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Charlotte Square: Stephencdickson, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Andrew Square: GodeNehler, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: Peulle, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith & the Waterfront: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Grassmarket & Southside: rboed*, CC BY 2.0, source
- Haymarket & Murrayfield: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Edinburgh