Georgian streets and gardens lined with shops
ADMIRE GEORGIAN STREETS AND ARCHITECTURE IN EDINBURGH’S NEW TOWN
North of the historic Old Town, you also shouldn’t miss the New Town. In fact, arriving by bus, taxi, tram or train into Edinburgh, you’re likely going to end up in the New Town. It stretches from the Princes Street Gardens to the Royal Botanic Garden.
This area developed throughout the late 18th to mid-19th centuries as the rich started to move out of the Old Town. It was seen as cramped and so the New Town was designed with wide roads and large Georgian mansions.
The first part of the New Town included Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street, later extending further. Today, you can wander along these grand avenues, lined with upscale boutiques, restaurants and shops. In summer, terraces and event venues line the streets, while in winter, the Christmas market often takes over.
In the New Town, you could visit the Scottish National Gallery, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, or the Scott Monument. On sunny days, the Princes Street Gardens are full of locals and visitors having picnic and meeting friends. You could also walk up Calton Hill to get a panoramic view over the city.
Further north, you could discover the independent shops of Stockbridge or enjoy a quiet walk through the Botanic Garden.
Together with the Old Town, it makes up one of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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