16 Must-Visit Spots in Edinburgh’s New Town
Last updated: 31 October 2025
Along with Old Town, Edinburgh’s New Town is one of the the city’s most popular areas to explore. Built between the 1760s and 1830s, it was once the largest planned city development in the world – a showcase of elegant Georgian and Neoclassical architecture. Today, its mix of high-street shops, bars and green spaces makes it a vibrant part of the city that offers something for everyone.
This post accompanies our YouTube video below, where we take you on a walk through Edinburgh’s New Town!
1. Regent Road
Regent Road runs along the southern edge of Calton Hill, linking the east end of Princes Street to Abbeyhill. It’s one of those quieter spots that offers some of the best open views of Edinburgh – especially toward Arthur’s Seat, Salisbury Crags and the city’s Old Town skyline.
Looking over the city from Regent Road, with the iconic Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags in the distance.
Why Visit
Regent Road is ideal if you’re after great views without venturing too far uphill. You’ll pass landmarks like the old Royal High School building and the Burns Monument, and there are several viewpoints where you can stop to take in the cityscape.
Practical Information
Address: Regent Road, Edinburgh EH7 5BL
Getting there: A short walk from the east end of Princes Street or from the Calton Hill steps.
Nearby Attractions
Calton Hill, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Burns Monument are all within easy walking distance.
Insider Tip
Visit around sunset for a quiet spot with one of the best skyline views in Edinburgh – especially when the light hits Arthur’s Seat.
2. Jacob's Ladder
Tucked away at the east end of the city centre, Jacob’s Ladder is a steep stone staircase that connects Regent Road with Calton Road below. Carved into the side of Calton Hill, it’s one of Edinburgh’s lesser-known shortcuts between the Old and New Towns – and a reminder of how dramatically the city rises and falls.
Looking at the entrance of Jacob’s Ladder with Old Town in the distance.
Why Visit
If you enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s more hidden corners, Jacob’s Ladder is worth a detour. The climb gives you glimpses across to Old Town and down to Waverley Station, and it feels like stepping back in time. It’s a quick route if you’re walking between Calton Hill, the Old Royal High School or the station area, though it’s quite steep, so take care in wet weather.
Practical Information
Address: Jacob’s Ladder, Edinburgh EH8 8DL
Getting there: The top entrance is near the government offices on Regent Road. The bottom connects with Calton Road, east of Waverley Station.
Nearby Attractions
Regent Road, Calton Hill and Princes Street are all nearby, with Old Town also just a short walk away.
Insider Tip
Walk the stairs from top to bottom for the best views and atmospheric photos – the shadows along the stone walls make for great shots at golden hour.
3. Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of the best spots in Edinburgh’s city centre for sweeping views. From its grassy slopes, you can see the rooftops of the Old and New Towns, Arthur’s Seat and beyond. The hill is home to several iconic monuments, including the Nelson Monument, the Dugald Stewart Monument and the National Monument of Scotland, an unfinished Parthenon-inspired memorial to those who died in the Napoleonic Wars.
The iconic Dugald Stewart Monument on Calton Hill, with Old Town stretching out behind it.
Why Visit
Calton Hill is perfect for history buffs, photographers or anyone who wants one of the most dramatic city panoramas without leaving the centre. The monuments themselves are interesting to explore up close, and the wide-open hilltop gives you plenty of space to wander, relax or enjoy a picnic while taking in the views.
Practical Information
Address: Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA
Getting there: Access the hill via the staircase from Regent Road.
Nearby Attractions
Princes Street, George Street and Scott Monument are all nearby, perfect for an exploration of the New Town.
Insider Tip
Calton Hill can be surprisingly windy, even on sunny days. Bring a jacket or scarf to stay comfortable while taking in the views!
The Parthenon-inspired National Monument of Scotland atop Calton Hill.
💡 Related: 5 Places for the Best Views of Edinburgh
4. Princes Street
Princes Street is one of the main roads in Edinburgh’s New Town and the city’s most famous shopping street. Stretching along the northern edge of Princes Street Gardens, it’s a busy thoroughfare for buses, trams and taxis, but also very walkable for pedestrians. From here, you get excellent views over the gardens toward Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.
Looking along Princes Street toward The Balmoral Hotel and Scott Monument.
Why Visit
Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs, enjoying a coffee with a view or just taking in the city atmosphere, Princes Street is a must-see. Its central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring both New and Old Towns, and there are plenty of benches and spots to pause and enjoy the surroundings.
Practical Information
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN
Getting there: Princes Street is easily reached from Waverley Station – one of the station’s main exits opens directly onto the street. It’s also well served by buses and trams.
Nearby Attractions
Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument and the Scottish National Gallery are all right along the street and George Street is just a short walk over.
Insider Tip
For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning before the shops open or later in the evening when the crowds thin out. Don’t forget to look across the gardens for some great Castle views!
5. George Street
George Street is one of the main thoroughfares in Edinburgh’s New Town, stretching from St Andrew Square in the east to Charlotte Square in the west. Lined with Georgian-era buildings, the street is now home to a mix of clothing shops, cafes, restaurants and bars, making it a lively spot to stroll, shop or grab a drink.
George Street, where Georgian elegance meets Edinburgh’s modern shops and cafes.
Why Visit
George Street is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the energy of New Town. It’s wide, easy to walk and full of architectural character, giving a taste of the city’s elegant Georgian past while remaining firmly modern with plenty of shops and eateries.
Practical Information
Address: George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PF
Getting there: A short walk from Waverley Station via Princes Street or the west end of St Andrew Square.
Nearby Attractions
Princes Street, St Andrew Square and the charming side streets of New Town are all within easy walking distance.
Insider Tip
If you’re visiting in the evening, George Street comes alive with bars and restaurants – it’s a great spot to end a day of exploring New Town.
6. Scott Monument
Scott Monument is a dramatic Victorian-Gothic spire in the heart of Edinburgh, dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. Rising to 61.11 metres (200 feet 6 inches), it was built between 1841 and 1844 and remains one of the largest monuments dedicated to a writer in the world.
The Scott Monument standing tall on a calm Edinburgh day.
Why Visit
If you’re after a striking landmark and panoramic city views, then Scott Monument delivers! From the exterior, you’ll appreciate its ornate spire and detailed statues referencing Scott’s work. On a clear day, climbing up its 221 steps rewards you with sweeping views over Princes Street Gardens and the Old and New Towns.
Practical Information
Address: East Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ
Hours: Daily from 10.00 - 15.30 (closed for lunch from 12.30 - 13.45)
Price: £9 per adult, £7 per concession/child (5+)
Note: Pre-booking is currently not available and tickets can only be purchased from the kiosk upon arrival.
Nearby Attractions
Right on Princes Street, you’re just a short walk from Princes Street Gardens, the Scottish National Gallery and George Street.
Insider Tip
If you’re planning to climb, aim for the first session of the day. The narrow staircases inside are best tackled when fewer people are around – plus it gives more breathing room to enjoy the view!
7. Scottish National Gallery
The Scottish National Gallery is Scotland’s premier art gallery, located just off Princes Street on The Mound. Housed in a striking Neoclassical building that first opened in 1859, it showcases artworks spanning from the Renaissance through to the early 20th century.
The Scottish National Gallery: a landmark of art and architecture in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Why Visit
Art lovers and casual visitors alike will enjoy wandering the gallery’s impressive collection, which includes iconic paintings by masters such as Titian, Rembrandt and Turner. The building itself is also worth seeing for its elegant architecture and grand interiors.
Practical Information
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL
Hours: Daily from 10.00 - 17.00
Price: Free entry
Nearby Attractions
The gallery sits along Princes Street so is close to Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Insider Tip
Take a moment to enjoy the views from the gallery steps – you can see across Princes Street Gardens toward Edinburgh Castle, making it a perfect photo spot.
💡 Related: Edinburgh on a Budget: 15 Free (or Almost Free) Things to Do
8. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery showcases portraits of notable Scots from history and contemporary life. Housed in an impressive red sandstone Gothic Revival building, it’s a standout landmark in Edinburgh’s New Town.
The striking red sandstone facade of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Why Visit
Explore the fascinating portraits of kings, artists, writers and other famous Scots, offering a visual journey through Scotland’s history. The building itself is also a highlight, with ornate details and a grand interior that’s perfect for architecture enthusiasts.
Practical Information
Address: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JD
Hours: Daily from 10.00 - 17.00
Price: Free entry
Nearby Attractions
Located in the heart of New Town, it’s within easy walking distance of Princes Street Gardens, Scott Monument and the Scottish National Gallery.
Insider Tip
Don’t miss the central hall’s stunning stained glass and ornate friezes – they tell stories of Scotland’s history and make for excellent photo opportunities.
9. Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens is made up of two adjacent parks, commonly referred to as East and West Princes Street Gardens. These green spaces were created in the 1760s when the polluted Nor Loch (or North Lake) was drained during the construction of New Town. Today, they offer a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, framed by historic monuments and with great views of Edinburgh Castle.
A peaceful stroll along the paths of Princes Street Gardens.
Why Visit
The gardens are ideal for a stroll, a picnic or simply taking a break from the bustle of Princes Street. Visitors can admire statues, memorials and seasonal floral displays while enjoying open lawns and pathways that connect the east and west sections.
Practical Information
Address: Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HG
Hours: Daily from 07.00 until dusk (varies throughout the year, and gates are locked overnight)
Nearby Attractions
Adjacent to Princes Street, the gardens are within walking distance of Scott Monument, George Street and the Scottish National Gallery.
Insider Tip
The West Gardens tends to be quieter than the east side, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll or photos of Edinburgh Castle without too many people around.
10. Gardener's Cottage
Nestled in West Princes Street Gardens, Gardener’s Cottage is a charming Victorian building designed by Robert Morham in 1886. Originally the home of the Head Gardener, it has since been restored and is also known as Great Aunt Lizzie’s House, after its use as a filming location for the children’s drama Teacup Travels.
The quaint Gardener’s Cottage in Princes Street Gardens.
Why Visit
Although the cottage is normally closed to the public, it’s a delightful feature to spot while wandering the West Gardens. Its quaint Victorian design stands out amid the park’s greenery and offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s 19th-century gardening history.
Practical Information
Address: West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2BB
Hours: Normally only open during Doors Open Days (usually in September).
Nearby Attractions
West Princes Street Gardens also hosts several other notable structures, including the Ross Fountain, the Forget-Me-Not Elephant and the Wojtek the Bear statue.
Insider Tip
Even when the cottage is closed, take a stroll around it and enjoy the surrounding historic park features – the West Gardens are generally quieter than the East side, offering a more peaceful experience!
11. Dundas House
Located in St Andrew Square, Dundas House is a striking Neoclassical building and the current registered office for the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Originally built as a private townhouse for Sir Lawrence Dundas, it’s now a Category A listed building, recognised as an outstanding example of its architectural style.
The stunning interior of Dundas House with its starry ceiling.
Why Visit
Even if you’re not an RBS customer, Dundas House is worth a visit for its stunning interior architecture. Highlights include the star-shaped gold-rimmed coffered skylights and grand neoclassical design details. The staff encourage photography and videography, as long as you don’t include other people in your shots.
Practical Information
Address: 36 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YB
Hours:
Monday & Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 09.30 - 16.30
Wednesday: 10.00 - 16.30
Saturday: 09.30 - 13.00
Price: Free entry
Nearby Attractions
Just steps away from St Andrew Square, you can easily combine your visit with George Street, Multrees Walk and Princes Street, along with other New Town landmarks.
Insider Tip
Visit mid-morning for the best lighting inside the building – it really highlights the golden skylights and the intricate details of the interiors.
12. Multrees Walk
Multrees Walk is a luxury, pedestrian-only shopping street just off St Andrew Square, offering high-end retailers such as Harvey Nichols and Burberry. The street is also connected to St James Quarter, a modern shopping and leisure complex, making it a convenient hub for both shopping and exploring New Town.
Multrees Walk, home to designer brands and connected to St James Quarter.
Why Visit
Whether you’re after designer fashion, premium gifts or simply window shopping, Multrees Walk provides a chic, stress-free shopping experience. Its pedestrian-only layout makes strolling between shops easy, and the mix of classic architecture with modern retail design is visually appealing.
Practical Information
Address: Multrees Walk, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH1 3DQ
Hours:
Monday - Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: 10.00 - 18.00
Thursday: 10.00 - 19.00
Sunday: 11.00 - 17.00
Price: Free to explore
Nearby Attractions
Just off St Andrew Square, Multrees Walk is within walking distance of Dundas House, The Stand Comedy Club and Princes Street, as well as St James Quarter for even more shopping and dining options.
Insider Tip
For a quieter shopping experience, visit early in the day or on weekdays – the area can get busy during weekends and evenings, especially around St James Quarter.
13. The Stand Comedy Club
The Stand Comedy Club is a popular venue for stand-up comedy in Edinburgh, with sister locations in Glasgow and Newcastle upon Tyne. The club hosts live shows every night of the week, featuring both Scottish talent and international comedians.
Laugh the night away at The Stand Comedy Club in Edinburgh.
Why Visit
For a fun night out, The Stand is a must-visit. The intimate venue creates a great atmosphere for laughter, and the lineup regularly includes rising stars as well as seasoned performers.
Practical Information
Address: 5 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Hours: Daily from 10.00 - 00.00
Price: Varies by show
Nearby Attractions
Located near the east end of New Town, it’s a short walk from Multrees Walk, St Andrew Square and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, as well as lots of restaurants and bars.
Insider Tip
Check out The Stand’s “Red Raw” open mic night, held on Mondays in Edinburgh – it’s a great chance to catch up-and-coming comics, often for a low ticket price.
14. Panda & Sons
Opened in November 2013, Panda & Sons is a unique speakeasy bar disguised as a vintage barber shop. Hidden behind a retro facade on Queen Street, it offers a playful and immersive cocktail experience in the heart of Edinburgh.
Step inside Panda & Sons for cocktails and a secret vintage vibe.
Why Visit
Step inside for creative cocktails, clever decor and a fun, intimate atmosphere. The secretive “barber shop” entrance adds to the novelty, making it a memorable stop for a night out in the city.
Practical Information
Address: 79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 16.00 - 00.00
Friday: 16.00 - 01.00
Saturday: 14.00 - 01.00
Sunday: 15.00 - 00.00
Price: Varies by drinks
Nearby Attractions
Panda & Sons is close to George Street, Multrees Walk and St Andrew Square, making it easy to combine with shopping or dinner in New Town.
Insider Tip
Book a table in advance on busy nights – the speakeasy fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
15. Charlotte Square
Located at the west end of George Street, Charlotte Square is a quintessential Georgian garden square and an architectural highlight of Edinburgh’s New Town. Its symmetrical design and grand buildings make it a standout example of 18th-century city planning.
Historic architecture along Charlotte Square.
Why Visit
While the gardens themselves are private, the square is worth visiting for its impressive architecture. Notable buildings include Bute House (#6), the office of the First Minister of Scotland, and The Georgian House (#7), an 18th-century townhouse now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. Even from the street, the historic buildings offer great photo opportunities.
Practical Information
Address: Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ
Access: Gardens are not publicly accessible, except during special events.
Nearby Attractions
Charlotte Square is at the western end of George Street, within easy walking distance of Princes Street, Dundas House and Multrees Walk.
Insider Tip
Walk around the square slowly and take in the detailed Georgian facades and symmetry – the architecture is best appreciated from the street, especially during quieter times when there are fewer cars and tourists.
The serene green space of Charlotte Square in autumn.
16. Moray Place
And last but not least on our New Town list is Moray Place, part of the historic Moray Estate. Developed in the early 19th century for Edinburgh’s wealthy elite, the estate stretched from Charlotte Square to near the Water of Leith, originally parkland.
Moray Place’s elegant streetscape and architecture.
Why Visit
Moray Place is notable for its grand Georgian townhouses, each around 600m² (6,500ft²) and its unique duodecagon layout – a 12-sided polygon – which makes it the largest space in the Moray Estate. Even from the street, the elegant architecture and harmonious symmetry are striking.
Practical Information
Address: Moray Place, Edinburgh EH3 6BT
Access: Private residences; the area can be viewed from the street.
Nearby Attractions
Moray Place is close to George Street and the west end of New Town. It’s also a short walk from Princes Street and other New Town landmarks, making it easy to combine a stroll here with other sightseeing.
Insider Tip
Stroll slowly around the duodecagon to appreciate the architectural details and harmonious proportions of the townhouses – early morning or evening is best for quiet streets and good light for photos.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list of everything there is to see in Edinburgh’s New Town, but we hope this gives you some ideas of what to do when exploring Edinburgh. What is your favourite place in New Town? Let us know in the comments!
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