New Town District

The New Town district, a Georgian masterpiece

The Edinburgh audio-guided tour lets you discover the New Town. The Scottish capital is indeed divided between its historic centre, the oldest, dating from the twelfth century, and this district built in several stages between 1767 and 1850.

A new town on a regular plan

Considered an architectural masterpiece at the time, this district was laid out to expand the city in the face of strong population growth, which crowded into the old centre in increasingly difficult conditions. The New Town was designed on a Greco-Roman-inspired plan, displaying wide regular streets and elegant Georgian architecture.

What there is to see

The New Town spreads its elegant streets between Princes Street, Queen Street and Charlotte Square, lined with fine listed Georgian façades. The contrast with the medieval maze of the old town is striking. Together, the old town and the new town form a World Heritage site, a unique testimony of Enlightenment town planning.

Practical information

The New Town district extends north of the centre of Edinburgh, around Princes Street, Queen Street and George Street. It can be walked freely on foot at all hours and on the level. The houses, largely private, are contemplated from the street.

When was the New Town built?

The New Town was built in several stages between 1767 and 1850, to expand the city in the face of the growth of the population crowded into the old centre.

What sets the New Town apart from the old town?

The New Town stands out for its regular Greco-Roman-inspired plan and its elegant Georgian architecture, in contrast with the medieval maze of the old town.