Shopping & districts
New Town
New Town
New Town is a district in the center of Edinburgh characterized by its planned Georgian architecture. Travelers visit this area to see the contrast between the structured grid layout of the 18th-century streets and the organic growth of the Old Town. Princes Street serves as the primary commercial hub for shopping and provides a vantage point to view Edinburgh Castle.
Getting There
Because this area is located in the heart of the city, it is accessible by foot from most from any central accommodation. From the Old Town, you can cross the valley via the Mound or Princes Street, which typically takes 5 to 10 minutes.
Time Requirement
Depending on whether you are shopping or walking the residential streets, allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the main thoroughfares and the surrounding architecture.
When to Visit
The area is busy throughout the day, particularly on Princes Street. It becomes significantly crowded during the August festival season. Visiting in the early morning allows for quieter walks through the Georgian squares.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine a visit here with several nearby sites:
- Scottish National Portrait Gallery (0.3km)
- Scott Monument (0.6km)
- Scottish National Gallery (0.6km)
- Princes Street Gardens (0.7km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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