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Edinburgh

The New Town

Welcome

The New Town was built in the 18th century and incorporates neo-classical style buildings with tall ceilings and decorative finishes.

It’s a great area to walk around and admire the neo-classical and Georgian architecture: St Andrew Square stands at one end of George Street and Charlotte Square at the other. Princes Street, with its gardens alongside and the castle high above, is a good place for a day’s shopping. There is a wide choice of shops from the luxury historic Jenners to modern day Apple store, boutique shops and high street stores like M & S. There is no shortage of places to stop and eat and of course the gardens are just across the road if you feel like a restful open air lunch beneath the castle.You can even take in a bit more history with a visit to Scott Monument at the east side of Princes Street Gardens.

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A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 9 November, from Scotland with love. an autumn-wooded loch reflected in still water, rocks breaking the surface in the foreground
Round the cornerUrban Angel CafeA brunch cafe on Hanover Street in the New Town, down a few steps, with brunch, lunch, coffee and cakes every day.1 min by roadSee itUrban Angel Cafe

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  1. Scottish National Portrait GalleryScottish National Portrait GalleryA red sandstone Gothic gallery of 1889 on Queen Street, with a painted Great Hall and Scotland's national portraits, free and open daily.Under a mile 1 min by road
  2. Cut-glass tumbler with orange peel garnish beside a lit copper candleNightcapA small cocktail bar in a basement on York Place, of neon and bare brick, open every night until three in the morning.Under a mile 1 min by road
  3. Bramble BarBramble BarA cocktail bar in a New Town basement on Queen Street, opened in 2006 beneath a dry cleaner's, its door marked only by a small brass plaque.Under a mile 1 min by road
  4. French onion soup topped with cheese, a basket of bread and slices of saucisson on a table at Chez Jules on Hanover Street.Chez JulesA French bistro on Hanover Street with a set lunch every day until 4pm, steak frites, moules and escargots, and live music once a month.Under a mile as the crow flies
  5. The counter at Papii, pastries on the counter.PapiiA brunch cafe on Hanover Street serving breakfast all day, known for its home-made waffles and its Benedicts.Under a mile 1 min by road
Directions
The banking hall at The Spence, Gleneagles Townhouse, with its glass dome, gilded ceiling and granite columns above diners and the central bar.RestaurantsThe SpenceA step away
A table at Roti King: roti canai with a bowl of curry, nasi lemak with fried chicken and sambal, chicken satay, morning glory and glasses of iced tea.RestaurantsRoti King0.2 miles
Urban Angel Cafe frontage in dark teal, with potted bay trees either sideCafeUrban Angel Cafe0.2 miles
Sesame bun burger with charred patty, frilly lettuce and red sauceRestaurantsHoly Cow0.2 miles
Blank white sign reading "tipo" hangs beneath a decorative building corniceRestaurantsTipo0.2 miles
BarsThe Abbotsford0.2 miles
The front of Bonnie & Wild on Level 4 of the St James Quarter, its name above the doors, with people eating at the tables outside under the glass roof.RestaurantsBonnie & Wild0.2 miles
A slice of New York-style margherita pizza on Flùr's printed paper, on a table in the Bonnie and Wild food hall.RestaurantsFlùr0.2 miles
The grey-green front of Archipelago Bakery at 39 Dundas Street, with its name in red above the door, a chalkboard outside and pink tables and chairs on the pavement.CafeArchipelago Bakery0.2 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near The New Town, and when each is next free.

A hotel studio room with a beige fitted kitchen unit and stainless sink beside a bed dressed in white and teal cushions, a wall of black-framed pictures above a patterned headboard.Old Town Chambers
  • To stay
  • In Edinburgh
  • Under a mile from The New Town
Check datesA round table and chairs stand before tall curtained windows looking onto stone buildings, a sofa and mounted television to the right.Moment George IV Bridge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Edinburgh
  • Under a mile from The New Town
Check datesWest End Muse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Edinburgh
  • Under a mile from The New Town
Check datesA turreted sandstone building with conical spires catches the evening light above rooftops, a large pine tree standing beside it.The Scott Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Edinburgh
  • 2 miles from The New Town
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in EdinburghAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.

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