Is the Edinburgh New Town walk difficult?

No, this walk is rated as easy. Unlike the hilly and steep Old Town, the New Town was built on a flat grid system, making it very accessible for walkers of all fitness levels.

What is the best time to explore the New Town architecture?

The best time is during daylight hours, specifically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This ensures you can see the architectural details clearly and that the Georgian House is open for visitors.

Can I see Inspector Rebus locations on this route?

Yes, this route includes a stop at The Oxford Bar on Young Street. This is the real-life pub famously used as a setting in Ian Rankin's Rebus novels.

Is Edinburgh's New Town a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Yes, both the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 due to their unique architectural and historical importance.

What is the significance of Charlotte Square?

Charlotte Square is the masterpiece of the New Town. Designed by Robert Adam, it represents the pinnacle of Georgian neo-classical design and is home to the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland.

Do I need tickets for this self-guided walk?

No tickets are required to walk the route and view the buildings from the outside. However, if you wish to go inside the Georgian House, you will need to pay an admission fee to the National Trust for Scotland.

Is the New Town walk suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The wide sidewalks and flat terrain make it easy for strollers, and the Georgian House offers an educational glimpse into history that children often find engaging.

Where can I find the best neo-classical buildings in Edinburgh?

The New Town is the primary hub for neo-classical architecture. Key examples include The Dome on George Street, the Royal College of Physicians, and the entirety of Charlotte Square.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the labyrinthine wynds of the Old Town and enter a world of symmetry, light, and order. This self-guided walk through Edinburgh’s New Town invites you to explore the height of the Scottish Enlightenment, a period when the city reimagined itself as the 'Athens of the North.' Developed in the late 18th century to escape the overcrowding of the medieval center, the New Town is a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture and urban planning. On this neighborhood stroll, you will discover how the visionary designs of James Craig and Robert Adam transformed the city into a beacon of modern European elegance. Your walking route begins at Saint Andrew Square, the eastern anchor of the New Town’s grand plan. From here, you’ll traverse the prestigious George Street, stopping to admire the Corinthian grandeur of The Dome and the social history embedded in the Assembly Rooms. While the New Town is famed for its stately facades, you’ll also find characterful corners like The Oxford Bar—a legendary literary haunt. The journey culminates at Charlotte Square, widely considered one of the finest examples of Georgian urban design in the world. This self-guided adventure allows you to appreciate the intricate details of the masonry and the deliberate layout of the 'First New Town' at your own pace. Whether you are interested in the lives of the wealthy residents who once occupied these townhouses or the intellectual movements that defined the era, this route provides a comprehensive look at Edinburgh’s architectural evolution. By the time you reach the Georgian House, you’ll have a deep understanding of why this area remains a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike a standard walking tour Edinburgh visitors might find elsewhere, this audio walk gives you the freedom to linger under the Greek-inspired porticos or detour into nearby gardens whenever you choose. Experience the sophistication and history of the Enlightenment through the buildings that still stand as a testament to Scottish ingenuity on this essential walking tour Edinburgh experience.

Highlights

The Melville Monument and the prestige of St Andrew Square

The opulent neo-classical interior of The Dome

Social history at the historic Assembly Rooms

A visit to The Oxford Bar, a favorite of literary legend Ian Rankin

The architectural perfection of Robert Adam’s Charlotte Square

Insight into 18th-century life at The Georgian House

Tour Stops (6)

Saint Andrew Square

Welcome to the eastern gateway of the New Town. Completed in the late 1770s, Saint Andrew Square was the first residential development in James Craig’s ambitious plan. At its center stands the towering Melville Monument, dedicated to Henry Dundas, one of the most powerful Scottish politicians of the 18th century. Look around and you’ll see a mix of original Georgian townhouses and later, more ornate Victorian banks. This square set the standard for the New Town’s layout: wide, open spaces designed to provide the light and air that the cramped Old Town lacked. It was the ultimate status symbol for Edinburgh’s rising professional class.

The Dome

Standing before you is one of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally the site of the Physicians' Hall, the current building was constructed in 1847 as the headquarters of the Commercial Bank of Scotland. Its massive Corinthian columns and pediment evoke the temples of Ancient Greece, a hallmark of the neo-classical style. While it is now a popular bar and restaurant, the interior remains breathtakingly opulent, featuring a massive glass dome that gives the building its name. It serves as a perfect example of how the New Town’s architecture was designed to project wealth, stability, and intellectual sophistication during the peak of the banking era.

Assembly Rooms

Since opening in 1787, the Assembly Rooms have been the beating heart of Edinburgh’s high society. In the Georgian era, this was where the elite gathered for balls, concerts, and social displays. The building’s elegant facade, with its grand portico, invited the city's most influential figures inside to see and be seen. Perhaps its most famous moment was in 1822, when a grand banquet was held here for King George IV during the first visit by a reigning monarch to Scotland in nearly two centuries. Even today, it remains a vibrant venue for the Edinburgh Festival, continuing its legacy as a center for culture and gathering.

The Oxford Bar

Tucked away on Young Street, The Oxford Bar offers a contrast to the grand facades of George Street. This traditional pub is a pilgrimage site for fans of Scottish 'Tartan Noir' crime fiction. It is the favorite haunt of Inspector Rebus, the protagonist of Ian Rankin’s famous novels. Unlike the more polished establishments nearby, 'The Ox' has retained its authentic, no-nonsense character for over a century. It reminds us that the New Town wasn’t just a museum of architecture, but a living, breathing neighborhood where writers, thinkers, and ordinary residents have shared stories over a pint for generations.

Charlotte Square

You are now standing in what many consider the jewel of the New Town. Charlotte Square was designed by Robert Adam, Scotland’s most celebrated architect, just before his death in 1792. Notice the 'palace front' design on the north side—Adam treated the entire row of houses as a single, unified architectural composition, making it look like one grand palace. This square was the pinnacle of Enlightenment urban planning, emphasizing symmetry and classical proportions. Today, it is home to the First Minister of Scotland at Bute House and serves as the prestigious site for the Edinburgh International Book Festival every August.

The Georgian House

To truly understand life in the 18th century, look no further than No. 7 Charlotte Square. This townhouse, managed by the National Trust for Scotland, has been meticulously restored to show how a wealthy family would have lived in the year 1796. Inside, the contrast between the 'upstairs' world of elegant drawing rooms and the 'downstairs' world of the kitchen and servants' quarters is stark. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the social hierarchies and daily routines of the people who inhabited this revolutionary new neighborhood. This stop concludes our architectural exploration, leaving you in the heart of the New Town’s most refined quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

This specific self-guided route takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km), allowing time to admire the architecture and stop for photos at locations like Charlotte Square.