Staying in Edinburgh's New Town
Georgian streets and squares between Princes Street and Stockbridge, with Waverley station, the bus station and St Andrew Square at the east end. The quickest base for the castle, galleries and shops.
Check prices and availabilityWhat it's like to stay in New Town
The New Town is the grid of wide Georgian streets, crescents and private gardens laid out north of Princes Street from the late 1700s. Together with the Old Town across the valley it forms the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site, and it is still one of the most handsome places in Europe to simply walk around.
For a short stay it is hard to beat. Princes Street, George Street and the St James Quarter cover most of your shopping and eating, the Royal Mile and the castle are a ten to fifteen minute walk over the bridges, and Calton Hill gives you the classic view over the city in a short climb from the east end.
The east side of the New Town, around St Andrew Square, Picardy Place and Broughton Street, is especially handy if you arrive by train or bus. Edinburgh Waverley and the bus station are a few minutes away on foot, the airport tram stops at St Andrew Square and Picardy Place, and Broughton Street has some of the city's best small cafés, bakeries and bars. It is lively in the day and evening, but the residential streets around it are quiet at night.
Our New Town rooms are in converted townhouse buildings. Expect high ceilings and big windows, and stairs rather than lifts in most buildings. Tell us when you book if stairs are a problem and we will suggest the best room.
Things to do in and around New Town
- Walk up Calton Hill at sunset, then down Broughton Street for dinner.
- Spend a morning in the Scottish National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery (both free).
- Cross to the Old Town by North Bridge or the Mound for the Royal Mile and the castle.
- Follow the Water of Leith walkway from Stockbridge to Dean Village.
Getting to New Town
- From the airport, take the tram to St Andrew Square or Picardy Place (about 30 minutes).
- From Edinburgh Waverley, most of the east New Town is a 5 to 10 minute walk; leave by the Princes Street exit.
- Parking is on-street and paid, and spaces are scarce. Ask us about the nearest car park before you arrive.
Places to stay near New Town
Questions about staying in New Town
Is the New Town a good area to stay in Edinburgh?
Yes. It is central, safe and walkable, with Princes Street, Waverley station and the trams on the doorstep, and the Old Town a short walk away.
How far is the New Town from the Royal Mile?
Most of the New Town is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Royal Mile, over North Bridge, Waverley Bridge or the Mound.
Can I walk from Waverley station?
Yes. The east New Town, around St Andrew Square and Picardy Place, is a few minutes' walk from Waverley with a small case.
Other areas of Edinburgh
Where to stay in Haymarket and the West End
Around Haymarket station, with trains to Glasgow and the north, the airport tram, and Murrayfield a short walk away. Calmer evenings, easy walking into the centre.
Where to stay in Leith
Edinburgh's port: the Shore's restaurants and bars, the Water of Leith walkway and the Royal Yacht Britannia. The tram runs from Leith to the city centre and on to the airport.