Edinburgh, Scotland is a city that is steeped in history. The New Town district – which has long ceased being new – is timestamped by gorgeous architecture and a sophisticated street plan.
It’s one of our favorite places to explore in the city, which is why we created this free Edinburgh New Town Self-Guided Walking Tour!
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About Our Edinburgh New Town Self-Guided Walking Tour
This Edinburgh Walking Tour features the top attractions in New Town. The walk should only take about an hour and fits in perfectly on Day 2 of our Edinburgh 3-Day Itinerary.
The 1.5 mile route does feature a few museums and monuments that you may want to enter. If you plan on visiting these places, allow at least 4 hours to complete the tour.
Directions for this Walking Tour of New Town
To get from one sight to the next, use the pin drops provided. For an overview of the entire route, see our New Town Tour Map below.
Of course, to navigate you will need wireless connectivity. If you are traveling to Edinburgh from abroad, you can adjust your cellular data to an international plan or, if your phone is unlocked, you can purchase an eSim (we use Airalo).
Alternatively, you can invest in a Pocket WiFi Device – we’ve used GlocalMe – that provides a wireless connection to multiple devices. It’s great for families or friends traveling in groups!
What To Bring on Your New Town Walk
As you prepare for your Self-Guided New Town Edinburgh Tour, there are a few things you will want to make sure to have.
First, you will need to wear a good pair of travel shoes. Make sure they are comfy and slip-resistant.
Next, use a good travel day bag that is big enough for all your everyday items. You might also want to carry sunscreen, a water bottle and an umbrella for the unpredictable Scottish weather.
Also, bring your camera (we use a DSLR Canon Rebel) and don’t forget your portable battery charger for a mid-day boost on your phone.
More Edinburgh Walking Tour Options
Our self-guided route is easy to follow, but you could also join fellow travelers on one of the guided walking tours of New Town – like this one.
Want this Edinburgh New Town tour without the advertisements? You can buy the PDF for less than a cup of coffee!
A Brief History of New Town Edinburgh
Before heading off on New Town walking tours, it’s best to understand a bit about the area. Elegant and stately, New Town sits in stark contrast to Medieval Old Town Edinburgh…just as it was intended.
By the 1700s, the city was overcrowded. Residents were packed into multi-storied tenements in what is now known as Old Town.
The foul smell of sewage, which drained into a lake, wafted through the streets. Chimney smoke clogged the air.
The unpleasant conditions earned Edinburgh the unflattering nickname of Auld Reekie – or Old Smokey. Thus, it was decided to expand the city to the north.
Architect James Craig won the honors of designing a tasteful and refined New Town. The neighborhood was to be posh with lanes laid out in a grid and grand Georgian homes lining the streets.
Discovering New Town ranks as one of the top things to do in Edinburgh – and our DIY stroll showcases the best of the district!
Self-Guided Edinburgh New Town Walking Tour
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s set off on our discovery of New Town, Edinburgh on foot!
#1 Princes Street Gardens
MAP. Marking the boundary between Old and New Town Edinburgh, Princes Street Gardens is the perfect place to start your walk.
The sprawling park sits below the striking Edinburgh Castle. We feature the Castle and other Old Town sights on our Free Royal Mile Walking Tour.
The sprawling space was once a lake, called Nor’ Loch (or North Lake). Sitting at the base of Castle Rock, it filled with waste from the Old Town streets.
By the early 1800s, it was quite the stench. Thankfully, the lake was drained and revamped into the sprawling, green, gathering space you see today.
The public park has been adorned with flower gardens, artwork and memorials. Not to be missed is the colorful Floral Clock, the ornate Ross Fountain and the Ross Band Stand.
#2 Scottish National Gallery
MAP. Next on our New Town Self-Guided Tour is the Scottish National Gallery. The museum packs a punch with an impressive collection of fine art.
The neoclassical building was designed by Scottish architect William Henry Playfair. It opened in 1859, which was more than 100 years after New Town was established.
Visiting the National Gallery Museum is a top thing to do in Edinburgh – and it’s free! We easily spent an hour here contemplating the paintings by Scottish artists and renowned masters – but art aficionados would likely want to stay longer.
#3 Scott Monument
MAP. A striking Gothic monument to Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott, the Scott Monument is one of the interesting attractions in Edinburgh.
Standing at 200.5 feet, it ranks as the second-largest memorial to a writer in the world. While it can be seen from from several spots in Edinburgh, it’s best to get an up-close view.
Scott is featured at the center of the monument, with his dog sitting beside him. However, there are a multitude of statues nestled within the nooks of the structure. Look closely and you will find Scottish poets, writers and recognizable royal figures.
For a small fee, you can climb 287 steps for epic views over Edinburgh. Looking to the north, you will see the next stop on this Self-Guided Tour in New Town.
#4 St. Andrew Square
MAP. Established in the year 1772, St. Andrew Square was the first element of New Town to be built. The bounding streets quickly became the most coveted place to live in the city.
Still true today, marvelous mansions encircle the square. However, many have been repurposed from lavish homes into banks, hotels and commercial buildings.
At the center of the square is the Melville Monument. The 150-foot column is dedicated to Henry Dundas, the 1st Viscount Melville, who was a Scottish politician of the late 18th century.
While his legacy is somewhat controversial, the soaring column remains an Edinburgh landmark.
#5 Scottish National Portrait Gallery
MAP. Continue your New Town Edinburgh Tour at the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland. It’s one of the best free Edinburgh museums.
Housed in a grand, red Gothic Revival building, the venue hosts a collection of portraits featuring Scotland’s most famous and important figures. Visiting the museum is like getting a fun and free Scottish history lesson.
That said, the absolute highlight (at least for us) is the gorgeous Grand Hall. Even if you don’t have time to see the paintings, step inside the view the fabulous entryway. The library is also sensational and worth a quick peek.
#6 Rose, Thistle and George Streets
Three parallel streets – Thistle, George and Rose – mark the heart of New Town. The atmospheric enclave is home to boutique shops, fun bars and popular eateries. In fact, a few of our favorite Edinburgh Restaurants are nestled in this corner of the city.
Wind your way along the narrow, picturesque cobblestone streets that are lined with 3-story, stone buildings. Many notable sights are found along George Street, like a statue of George IV that commemorates the king’s visit to Edinburgh in 1822.
In fact, if you have the time, we recommend zigzagging your way through the district. Walk the length of each street between St. Andrew Square and Charlotte Square, heading west on Thistle, then east on George and west on Rose.
For a shorter route that offers a glimpse of the area, cross through the neighborhood diagonally.
Start on Thistle Street (MAP), then use Hanover to cut over to George Street (MAP). Walk east for a block to Frederick Street, head south and complete the westward walk on Rose Street (MAP).
Fun Fact: The names of these New Town streets have meaning. Rose was named for the national flower of England, Thistle for the national flower of Scotland and George for then King George III.
#7 Charlotte Square and Historic Georgian House
MAP. The final stop on our New Town Sightseeing Walking Tour is Charlotte Square. The leafy space marks the west end of New Town. It is dominated by the domed West Register House.
At the center there is a private garden, which is only accessible to the residents of the surrounding houses. The homes on Charlotte Square have long been occupied by Edinburgh’s elite.
For example, Bute House – Number 5 on the north side of the park – is the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland, the head of the Scottish government.
The Georgian House (MAP), just a few doors down, is a preserved 18th century home that is open for tours (ticket required). It’s one of the best places in Edinburgh to get a peek into the past.
Edinburgh New Town Self Guided Walking Tour Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our walking map of New Town Edinburgh below.
More Edinburgh Sightseeing
From Charlotte Square, it’s just a short walk to more spectacular sights in Edinburgh. These also happen to be some great Free Edinburgh Things To Do!
You could take a walk along Melville Street to see the striking St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral. From the church, continue walking north to the atmospheric Dean Village.
Then use the riverside Water of Leith Walkway and stroll to Stockbridge. It’s one of our favorite neighborhoods in Edinburgh. The Circus Lane mews and the Stockbridge Market Arch are both particularly photogenic spots.
If you haven’t run out of steam, keep walking to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. It’s free to visit and absolutely stunning when the flowers are in bloom.
Alternatively, if you have yet to see the sights in the Old Town, use our Free, Self-Guided Walk of the Royal Mile.
Scotland Travel Guides
- 10 Day Scotland Itinerary
- Scotland Travel Tips
- What To See on the East Coast of Scotland
- Discover the Highlands Without a Car
- Isle of Skye Itinerary
- Things To Do in Inverness
- Walking the West Highland Way
- Unique Edinburgh Things To Do
Organize Your Trip to Edinburgh
As you make your travel plans for Scotland, be sure to stay on top of the details. Our Printable Travel Planner features more than 20 printable pages of trip organization!
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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