Location: New Town
Top Things to do in New Town
Things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Georgian House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,184 reviews
Enjoy a visit to the past and experience what life was like for the Lamonts family in 18th and 19th century New Town. The Georgian era produced some of Scotland’s most distinctive architecture. In the late 1700s, this grand townhouse was at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town development. The house was designed by acclaimed architect Robert Adam and was a true statement of luxury in an era of enlightenment, for those who could afford it. The house has been magnificently restored to show a typical Edinburgh New Town house of the late 18th and early 19th century. The fine collections of period furniture, porcelain, silver and glass reflect the Lamonts’ lifestyle and the social and economic context of the time. The kitchen and servants’ room give a glimpse of the arduous ‘below stairs’ life of the servants, who made the Lamonts’ elegant lifestyle possible.
Reviewed By HSeeingtheworld - Welwyn, United Kingdom
We came during our recent visit to the fringe and are very pleased we did The house is owned and run by the National Trust for Scotland and is next door to the First Minster's office, also owned by the Trust The house contains many items of furniture and artefacts related to the period as well as various paintings by Scottish artists. There is an introductory film and various information sheets as well as well informed volunteers who are happy to answer visitor's questions Well worth a visit
2. New Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
The modern face of Edinburgh, with lots of restaurants, pubs, museums and galleries.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
The first thoughts of some people might be that a “new town” is not the sort of place to visit during a touring holiday, but it should be noted here that the term is only used here to differentiate this part of the city centre from the decidedly ancient bit across the road! Edinburgh’s New Town is most definitely worth a long, slow visit. The architecture is mainly Georgian and is a delight of grand buildings and beautiful squares, all set out within a convenient grid pattern. It’s a place where you can visit some nice historic houses and museums as well as very good independent shops, cafes, restaurants and the occasional pub. In other words - there is plenty to do and admire; or even just a place to relax.
3. General Register House
4. West Register House
5. St Paul's and St George's Church
6. St Mary's RC Cathedral
7. St Bernard's Well
8. Princes Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,735 reviews
A busy street lined with shops, historic monuments and restaurants.
Reviewed By AngelaA761 - March, United Kingdom
A great view of the gardens castle etc while shopping Good selection of all the main shops Primark , Boots etc and so close to Rose Street with bars and restaurants when you are shopped out There is an abundance of buses too
9. Charlotte Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 116 reviews
Considered to be one of the finest Georgian squares in Britain, this plaza has maintained many of its elegant, old buildings on all four sides.
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Designed by famous Scottish architect Robert Adam, and believed by many to be his finest work, Charlotte Square is undoubtedly the architectural high-point of the New Town, which is a World Heritage site. One of the finest architectural set-pieces in Europe, the square was designed with the town houses on each side of the square as unified blocks, resulting in large and most impressive frontages. With the attractive gardens in the centre, Charlotte Square is well worth a visit and a gentle stroll.
10. St Andrew Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Sandyd264 - Kincardine, Canada
This review is about the Royal Bank of Scotland Head Office, on the East side of the square. It is a lovely place to visit, with a beautiful dome ceiling and it has the story of the bank. Very much a museum piece in its own right. Don’t be put off, they are very welcoming and it’s an out of the way gem. Definitely recommend
