New Town District

You may have already guessed it, the Scottish capital is split into two main areas: its historic Old Town, dating back to the 12th century, and the New Town, built in several stages between 1767 and 1850. Considered an architectural masterpiece at the time, this new district was designed to expand the city in response to a booming population crammed into the Old Town under increasingly harsh living conditions. Laid out on a Greco-Roman plan, it features straight streets lined with impeccably preserved neoclassical and Georgian-style buildings. Here you’ll find some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture, named after King George, who reigned during this period, along with the elegant Princes Street Gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. But it’s not just about history and beauty: the New Town is also lively, packed with bars, restaurants, and all kinds of shops, making it a paradise for both shopping and nightlife. To top it all off, the district is home to two of Edinburgh’s major museums, cementing its place as an important cultural hub. What better place to soak up the city’s atmosphere?