Stay in Edinburgh’s Sophisticated New Town
With its elegant Georgian terraces, wide cobbled streets, and timeless architecture, Edinburgh’s New Town offers a refined and peaceful base just steps from the city centre. This beautifully preserved district blends quiet charm with cultural vibrancy—ideal for travellers looking for classic style and modern convenience.
A brief history of the New Town
Despite its name, Edinburgh’s New Town dates back to the late 18th century. At the time, the Old Town had become overcrowded and unsanitary, prompting the city to expand into the open land to the north. What followed was one of the most ambitious and successful urban planning projects in Europe.
Designed by a young architect named James Craig, the New Town was envisioned as a symbol of progress during the Scottish Enlightenment—a period of extraordinary intellectual and artistic growth. Its streets were laid out in a neat, grid-like pattern and lined with spacious, classically styled townhouses featuring black wrought-iron railings, grand sandstone facades, and a sense of restrained elegance.
