A Local’s Guide: Some Of The Best Things To See And Do In Edinburgh’s New Town

Edinburgh, Scotland, , 73 Comments

Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025

When you stop to observe the streets of Edinburgh’s New Town, you’ll notice how the buildings aligned along both sides of the road parade rows of wrought iron balconies, balustrades and pilasters, fanlights, chimneys and attic windows.

It is one of the most spectacular neighbourhoods in the city. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site and a true marvel of urban planning.

New Town often gets forgotten about in favour of the Old Town, but I love it just as much for its great character and symmetrical arrangement as for its elegance and I always encourage people to explore it.

It is home to the National Gallery of Scotland, a wealth of Georgian architecture lining broad avenues and open squares, abundant shopping opportunities on and around George Street and the spectacular Dome, one of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks.

Get your cameras out and your walking shoes on, as in this blog post, I am sharing the best things to do in Edinburgh New Town.

Read More: What To See and Do in Edinburgh: 12 Amazing Ideas For First-Time Visitors

Edinburgh’s Georgian Architecture in the New Town

A Short History of Edinburgh New Town

In 1767, a 26-year-old architect, James Craig, won a competition to develop 100 acres of city-owned farmland into a New Town to keep the wealthy from leaving Edinburgh, who were tired of the poor living conditions that were found in the Old Town.

The plan was to have wide streets and sidewalks, grand public buildings, and an organised layout, which would be in stark contrast to the labyrinth of many wynds and closes in Old Town.

Edinburgh’s New Town took more than 80 years to complete, and most of the buildings here were four-storey, with the servants and staff living in the basements.

Many decades later, it still is a world-renowned example of city planning, which received a UNESCO World Heritage site due to “the finest public and commercial monuments of the New-classical revival in Europe”.

Read More: Top 11 Things To Do In Edinburgh This Autumn That Are Good For Your Soul

The Dome Restaurant on George Street, Edinburgh

#1. Go For a Stroll Along Princes Street

Running from Leith Street to Lothian Road, Princes Street is the most important thoroughfare in Edinburgh that’s filled with sprawling department stores, high-end boutiques and historical monuments.

You’ll see that most of the shops are located on the north side of the street, and the south side looks out over the verdant Princes Street Gardens towards the Old Town and Edinburgh Castle.

At the eastern end of the street, built to accommodate well-heeled railway passengers, you’ll find the elegant 5-star Balmoral Hotel.

Next door, Waverley Station is the capital’s historic main train station, complete with its bustling retail space and a tremendous glistening glass roof.

On the west end of the street is the Johnnie Walker Whisky Experience, with a fantastic roof garden offering tours and glorious views of Edinburgh Castle.

Read More: 8 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Visit Edinburgh at Least Once

Princes Street was named after two of King George III’s sons: Prince George and Prince Frederick.

#2. Indulge In Fine Art At The Scottish National Gallery

Set within an imposing neoclassical building, the Scottish National Gallery looks after the country’s fine art collection from the early Renaissance to the end of the 19th century.

It is centrally located on the Mound within walking distance of Princes Street and can easily be incorporated into any itinerary.

The National Gallery’s collections are spread across three levels, and some of the masterpieces include works by Jacopo Bassano, Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, among others.

The Gallery also holds a collection of works by Scottish artists, including several landscapes by Alexander Nasmyth and several works by Sir Henry Raeburn.

  • Opening times: The gallery is open daily, 10am–5pm, and admission is free

*Our Crossings Tip: Don’t leave without seeing some of the religious-themed paintings on the upper level, including Bologna’s The Adoration of the Magi. 

Read More: Your Essential Guide to Planning the Best Edinburgh Holiday in Scotland

The Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

#3. Be in Awe of St. John’s Church Interior

Take a few moments away from sightseeing or shopping and pop in for a quiet period of reflection at the wonderful St. John’s Episcopal Church at the end of Princes Street.

Sitting in this tranquil Episcopal church dating to the late 16th century, you wouldn’t believe that you are only a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Aside from exquisitely detailed stained glass windows and gorgeous chandeliers, an ironwork ceiling and a golden eagle lectern.

  • Located where Lothian Road and Princess Street meet, the church is hard to miss.
  • Admission is free, but there is a box for donations

Read More: Your Guide to Some of the Best Edinburgh Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring

The marvellous stained glass windows at St. John’s Church, Edinburgh

#4. Marvel At The Elegant Furnishings at The Georgian House

Owned by the Scottish National Trust, the Georgian House is a wonderfully restored 18th-century village house which is furnished exactly how it would have been during the eighteenth century.

It is located at Charlotte Square – just a short walk away from Princes Street and well worth a visit if you wish to see how the wealthiest residents of the New Town once lived.

The house has five floors, of which three are open to the public. It is beautifully decorated with period decoration and elegant furnishings, and you can take your time admiring its many paintings, antiques, china dishware, silverware and glassware on display.

The kitchen contained one of the finest collections of copper cooking utensils that I have ever seen, and together with all the other utensils and implements, it made for a fascinating visit. 

  • Location: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4DR
  • Admission: Adults £ 10.00, families £19.50
  • Opening Hours: Thursday to Monday from 10 am to 4 pm

Read More: A Short Guide to the Best Attractions Along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh

Georgian House has an extensive collection of paintings, costumes and furniture.

#5. Discover Scotland’s Historical Figures at the National Portrait Gallery

Queen Street’s east end is home to a magnificent red sandstone neo-gothic building designed by Sir Robert Rowan Anderson that stands out amongst the grey sandstone Georgian homes. 

Walk through the doors, and you’ll find yourself at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, which opened to the public as the world’s first portrait gallery in 1889.

With over 30,000 fascinating images in its collection, the gallery is a rare window into the lives of the men and women whose outstanding achievements helped shape Scotland and the rest of the world. 

Before you rush to discover Scotland’s most significant historical figures through paintings and photographs, linger briefly by the Great Hall, as it is an artwork in itself.

A magnificent frieze adorns the first-floor balustrade, which was designed as a visual encyclopaedia and features a procession of key figures in Scottish history, such as David Livingstone, Adam Smith, Mary Queen of Scots, and Robert Burns.

  • Location: 1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD
  • Admission: Free
  • Opening Hours: Open daily, 10am – 5pm

Read More: Some of the Best Things to See at The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

The Magnificent Interior of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.

#6. Relax in Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is an urban park which forms a green border between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town and is beautiful to visit throughout the year.

The gardens are nicely landscaped, and there’s plenty of seating if you want to rest your legs.  

It’s split into two sections by The Mound, the street on which the Scottish National Gallery is located. To the east is the smaller East Princes Street Gardens, dominated by the Scott Monument and to the west is the more extensive West Princes Street Gardens.

Whichever side you choose to explore, you’ll find quite a few monuments and curiosities to see as you wander through the gardens.

Some of the highlights include:

  • The cast-iron Ross Fountain with its ornaments of mermaids, walruses and lion heads.
  • The Floral Clock is an immaculately tended floral display in the shape of a clock that tells the correct time.
  • The ‘Genius of Architecture’ statue and a small monument of Robert Louis Stevenson

Read More: The Perfect Road Trip Itinerary For A Spellbinding 5 Days In Scotland

Princes Street Gardens – a great place to relax

#7. Stroll Down Rose Street

Hidden between New Town’s upscale Princes Street and George Street, Rose Street is located only a brisk 10-minute walk down the hill from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. 

In a bygone era, Rose Street was used as a service entrance to the grand residential homes on Princes Street and George Street.

It’s also where McVitie’s provision shop opened in 1830, establishing the famous firm of biscuit manufacturers and where one of the first fire stations in the country was set up.

But today, it is a lovely pedestrian walkway with many small cafés, unique shops and many dimly lit pubs with a cosy atmosphere—the sort of places where you can sit with a good friend and yarn for hours over a few pints

Read More: A Pocketguide To Help You Witness the Splendid Beauty Of Stirling Town In Scotland

People strolling along Rose Street in Edinburgh, Scotland

#8. Have a Pint at the Conan Doyle Pub

Located on the corner of York Place, conveniently close to many of the city’s iconic attractions, such as the Edinburgh Playhouse and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, is a public house named after the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

This traditional pub is just a short walk from Conan Doyle’s original residence on Picardy Place, where he was born on 22 May 1859.

Inside the pub, the Conan Doyle celebrates the life of its legendary namesake with an array of portraits and paraphernalia inspired by the esteemed crime writer’s famous works.

Other than that, however, the place is well known for its wide range of traditional Scottish pub food available all day long, as well as a drinks menu focusing on fine real cask ales and scotch whiskies, served up in a relaxing, Victorian-style surrounding.

Read More: The Isle Of Skye Guide: 5 Amazing Places You Should Visit On The Trotternish Loop

The cosy interior of Arthur Conan Doyla Pub in Edinburgh, Scotland

#9. Climb To the Top Of the Scott Monument

And keep your camera ready because it doesn’t matter at what angle you take photographs of the city below; it always looks incredible.

Now, before you go, there are  287 steps you have to climb to reach the top of the Scott Monument built for Sir Walter Scot, the famed novelist of ‘Ivanhoe’.

The iconic 200-foot spire, reaching eternally into the sky,  is located in the New Town on Princes Street and was crafted using Binny sandstone from quarries in West Lothian.

As you go to the top, keep your eyes open for 68 interesting statues, most of which depict characters from Sir Walter Scott’s stories. In addition to the character statues, you’ll find 16 heads portraying other Scottish poets and writers, a statue of Scott with his dog, and 8 kneeling Druid figures.

  • Opening Times: Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 3:30 pm
  • Admission: Adult £8 | Child/Concession £6

Read More: How To Visit Enchanting Stirling Castle & Gardens in Scotland: An Easy Guide

Views from the top of the Scott Monument, Edinburgh

#10. Take in The City View From Calton Hill

Home to several Edinburgh landmarks, Calton Hill is one of the seven hills that Edinburgh is built on.

In addition to sweeping city views, the hill boasts a collection of some of the city’s most important monuments.

There are the Dugald Stewart Monument, the Nelson Monument – a tribute to Admiral Nelson, the Robert Burns Monument, the Old Royal High School and the unfinished National Monument of Scotland.

There’s also the City Observatory, set up in 1776 for the study and observation of astronomy, whose tower is the only surviving structure in the city designed and built by the man who inspired New Town’s distinctive grid system of intersecting straight lines 1970 – James Craig.

Although walking to the summit requires a steep climb, it’s a less strenuous alternative to climbing Arthur’s Seat with views just as good.

Read More: 10 Best Travel And Adventure Books To Inspire You To See The World

Enjoying a view from Calton Hill in Edinburgh


What are good things to know about the New Town?

For a quieter, less touristy, shopping experience, West End Village is something of a hidden gem, if you like, tucked away behind Shandwick Place. The village streets have unique gift shops, boutiques, cute cafés, and cocktail bars.

Walking is the best way to explore the New Town. You can easily reach the New Town on all forms of public transport.

Trams run along Princes Street, and the St Andrew bus station and Waverley railway station are here, too.

Much of Princes Street is limited to buses, taxis, and trams – private vehicle traffic is only permitted on the eastern end to reduce congestion

Read More: A Guide To Responsible Travel: 10 Super Easy Ways To Reduce Your Impact

Edinburgh’s New Town spires at dusk, Scotland.

…    …    …    …    …    …    …    …     …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …    …

Now, over to you!

Have you been to Edinburgh? Let us know in the comments!

Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Edinburgh and have travel-related questions!

Subscribe For The Latest In Travel Inspiration

Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter to stay up to date with all our outdoor adventures

Enter your email below to receive updates

Unknown's avatar

Posted by

Our Crossings follows the daily adventures of Latvian expats living in Sligo as they surf and explore the world

73 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide: Some Of The Best Things To See And Do In Edinburgh’s New Town”

    1. It’s a great place to go for a walk, escape the tourist crowds and see fantastic examples of Georgian architecture. I am glad to hear you love our photo on top of Calton Hill – I want to print it and frame it as I love preserving cherished memories in a tangible form. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you kindly, Francisco. Once you experience the touristy side of Edinburgh around the castle, it is a good idea to escape the maze of narrow alleys and souvenir shops and explore the other side of town, not frequented enough by tourists. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Sheree. Taking a walk around Edinburgh’s New Town which was built out of necessity due to the overpopulation of the Old Town is always a good idea. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad you enjoyed it, Luisa 🙂 While I love Edinburgh’s Old Toe=wn and its maze of little alleyways, it is nice to explore the New Town too as it offers a slice of history, especially around George Street where you can see offices and old bank buildings which have been converted into trendy bars, shops and restaurants. You can even visit the former Union Bank of Scotland branch dating back to 1847, which is now a vast Wetherspoon pub. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. This is a good reminder to think beyond a city’s Old Town. Edinburgh’s New Town clearly has many gems. The ones that have piqued my interest are Prince’s Gardens, the Portrait Gallery, and the Georgian House. I love that it’s fully furnished in period furniture and decor. At the moment I’m researching which Charleston, South Carolina, plantation to visit this fall, and I can’t seem to find one that is fully furnished. Walking around a historic house full of empty rooms is always a little bit of a bummer. Such a missed opportunity!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. As I strolled through some of the most prestigious streets and postcodes in Edinburgh, admiring the distinct architecture of the New Town, I always wanted to gain insight into both the upstairs and downstairs elements of 18th-century society. A few of my friends live in wonderful Georgian houses but they are equipped with modern furnishings so it was nice to visit one and see a stunning collection of period furniture and paintings.

      I know what you mean about the house without the furniture. While it is exciting to visit and study such historic structures for clues that tell us how the main house and surviving outbuildings were designed, built and used, how they changed over time, and what stories they have to tell about the people who lived and worked here., it makes a big difference to see antique furnishings as it helps to recreate an atmosphere. I hope you find one. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Hi. Thanks for bringing back good memories. My wife and I were in Edinburgh in 2019. Had a terrific time. Princes Street Gardens are beautiful. We spent a good bit of time strolling through its grounds. And we ate and drank at the Conan Doyle pub. We did many other things in the city. It’s a fine place.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad you had a great time in Edinburgh and exploring many of its sights. Princes Street Gardens gardens are a great place to start the exploration of the city as it has many important statues, monuments, statues and points of interest to look out for. As for the Artur Conan Doyla pub – I was there for lunch on my last visit and can report that Edinburgh’s iconic life-sized bronze Sherlock Holmes statue has been returned back to the city on the newly redeveloped Picardy Place island. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. Edinburg was the first international trip I planned so it holds a special place in my heart. Somehow I don’t remember doing any of the things on this list. I think I need to go back! I love all your beautiful pictures 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Lyssy. I am glad you loved Edinburgh as it is an amazing city to explore and visit numerous times. We are fortunate enough to live a 50-minute plane ride away so can easily go for a day trip. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. I am glad to hear that you love Edinburgh as it is one of my favourite cities, too. I always look forward to exploring Old Town’s narrow closes that conceal peaceful courtyards and taking in the sublime city views from Calton Hill. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  9. Edinburgh is quite an amazing city! I’ve been fortunate to have visited multiple times, and never tire of it. Your comprehensive list offers some great advice and fun activities. Lovely photo of you with your darling daughter. Thanks for sharing Aiva, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I never tire of visiting Edinburgh too as there’s always something new and exciting to see and explore, whether you wish to explore its new town or stroll among the hidden alleyways of Old Town. I love how the city has this approachable and laid-back vibe without the ‘big city’ rush. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Thanks for all the info Aiva. We do love Edinburgh, as it is part of my family history. We have visited a few time and were lucky enough to find living relatives then. We both enjoyed the history and beauty of this place. Happy Monday Aiva. Allan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I find that a journey through the land of your ancestors is one of the most enriching and life-affirming experiences you can have, especially if the roots are in such a beautiful country as Scotland. How far can you trace your ancestors? My family roots come from a different region, but for some reason, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the land of the tartans and bagpipes Maybe I have a past connection to that place, maybe it’s a chemical in my brain, maybe it’s de ja vu or maybe we are living in parallel/alternate realities and I have already been there in another lifetime… Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thank you, Maggie 🙂 Yes, there’s lots to do in Edinburgh and one of the reasons why I love the city is because you get such a variety of attractions and places to see. Whether you want to hit the beach, climb a dormant volcano or go deep into underground vaults, the city delivers. Also, Lost Shore Surf Resort is set to open this autumn near Ratho which is 25 min from Edinburgh, meaning you’ll be able to catch the waves too! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad to hear that. You know, Edinburgh’s New Town might be compact but it features tons of sights, amazing history and lots of viewpoints for all to explore! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  13. I only had but a brief time in Edinburgh years ago, but I recall visiting the New Town and strolling along Princes Street and admiring the architecture all around. Considering I haven’t returned in nearly 10 years, I think I’m long overdue for another visit! Thanks for sharing, Aiva 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I am glad to hear you had a wonderful time in Edinburgh. While tourists mostly set their sights towards Old Town, there are also plenty of interesting attractions hidden among the New Town’s wide streets and broad gracefully sweeping crescents Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Calton Hill is a fantastic place as you get to see the city from a birdseye view! 🙂 I love Edinburgh Botanical Gardens and the surrounding neighbourhood too as the site is well-wooded and encircled by genteel villas from the Victorian, Georgian, and Edwardian periods – the sort of properties with generous, picturesque gardens that make middle-class folk go oooh! and ahhh! Whenever I am in that part of the city, I try to visit Dean Village as well as this residential enclave of restored mills and cottages beside the river is a tranquil escape from the city’s bustling streets. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. That’s fantastic. I am glad you were able to enjoy the world-famous Edinburgh Tattoo performances. From what I’ve heard, the atmosphere is electric! It is one of my dreams to sit in the high stands against the amazing backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and to be amazed by the musical swell of the massed bands of pipes and drums. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. New Town sounds like it has a bit of something here for everyone. St. John’s Church looks stunning, with those stained glass windows. I’ve always enjoyed historic house tours. It’s a great way to get a sense of what life (and furniture) was like at the time. The Princes Street Gardens sounds like a wonderful spot to enjoy a bit of nature within the city. Love the views from the top of Scott Monument.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Edinburgh’s New Town is a fantastic place to explore, Linda as you can roam the streets that were once home to the wealthy intellectuals of the city. Going for a stroll around the Princes Street Gardens is one of the top things to do as the garden was built on top of a large body of water that stretched from Edinburgh Castle to the present-day location of Waverley Station and was used as a dumping ground for refuse and as a place to dispose of the bodies of criminals and plague victims. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Edinburgh’s Old Town might be the city’s historic heart, pulsating with tales of the past and alluring architecture, but there’s plenty to see and do in other parts of the city, too. I love the formal elegance of the New Town and whenever I explore it, I expect to see horse-drawn carriages rather than modern cars. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. That’s fantastic! I am glad you are heading to the Dome for an afternoon tea because you are in for a treat. The building itself is stunning outside and in and during the festive season, its façade of grand Graeco-Roman columns is entwined with Christmas lights. We were in Edinburgh for Christmas a few years ago and much to my delight, as we entered the foyer we were greeted by an amazing silver-white floral display, the most incredible chandelier and garlands of silver baubles adorning almost every inch of the room. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much. Every time I get to travel to Edinburgh and then write a post about it, I ponder why I left the city and moved to Ireland as it is incredibly beautiful with so much to see and do? You know, I love the contrast between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town as each of them has many incredible architectural and historic points of interest. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  23. A great review of Edinburgh’s new town Aiva. I always enjoy a wander around its streets and one of my favourite haunts is to have a wander around Stockbridge especially on a Sunday when the farmer’s market is taking place. You are making me want to book a train back up there now! Marion

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Marion. I love wandering around Stockbridge, too as the wonderful neighbourhood feels worlds away from the bustling city centre. My friend actually lives in this picturesque corner of Edinburgh so to me it feels like a second home. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. You could even travel from London to Edinburgh by train as the fastest one is around 4 hours and offers many amazing views of the English countryside, beautiful cities like York and Durham, and even the Northumberland and Scottish coasts. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  25. Fabulous post Aixa. I’m always intrigued and fascinated by the Old and New Towns that spring up in so many of the world’s vibrant cities. Looks like a colourful blend of architecture, walkways, parkland, history and places to relax. Enjoy the rest of your week. xx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Miriam. Edinburgh may be associated with plaid skirts, Scotland’s medieval history, and narrow streets, but in reality, it has a lot more to offer. The best thing about Edinburgh is its size – it is neither too big nor too small. Most places can be reached on foot, and thus, at the same time, every now and then you can discover new captivating spots.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  26. There’s so much to do in Edinburgh! I love that I’d only done two of the items on your list – I expect I’ll be back in Edinburgh one day as we have family there. I’d love to see the Georgian House and inside St. John’s Episcopal Church

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. From castles and museums to Michelin-starred restaurants and state-of-the-art theatres Edinburgh is a city that has it all. I’ve been revisiting the Scottish capital for 15+ years and still have a few places left on my Edinburgh wish list. You would love St John’s Church not only for its beautiful interior but also for its pure serenity – the church overlooks one of the busiest junctions in the city, making the contrast when you step inside still more remarkable. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  27. A great informative post, Aiva.

    I’ve only been to Edinburgh once when solo backpacking around the world in 1985, so a very long time ago and from this post, it looks much busier than I remember. I’ll get around to digitising those travel journals sometime in the future. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I would love to read about your trip to Edinburgh in 1985 and see what the city looked like back then.  For a fairly compact city, Edinburgh can feel oppressively crowded around the top tourist attractions during peak times, but once you wander away from the city centre and head towards less-visited neighbourhoods or open spaces such as the Meadows or Botanical Gardens you get so much more room to breathe. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much! Same here! I lived in Edinburgh for three years and have revisited it for the past decade, and can easily say that it is my favourite city. For me, it’s not as much its cute little neighbourhoods, literary influences, pubs or friendly locals that make it special. But more the feeling I get once I arrive. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Like

      Reply

  29. So much of this looks amazing – the interiors particularly, like that gorgeous stained glass, and the portrait gallery. Lots to see and do here, though I usually prefer the older places with narrow streets that have grown organically. Informative post and lovely photos.
    Hope you’re having a lovely day!
    Alison

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You know, I prefer exploring cities and towns that are known for their charming cobblestone streets, picturesque views, and a variety of historical sites, too. Edinburgh’s New Town ( given that it was constructed between 1767 and 1890 isn’t really that new) might have a swank and formal feel to it due to its Georgian development of regal townhouses and geometric squares, but you can still find little pockets of surprises like Rose Street. It has something of the feel of an undiscovered back alley and is chock-full of characterful pubs and small independent shops. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I am glad you remember your time in Edinburgh with fondness, that’s how I feel too. I find that  Edinburgh is a great little city to live in! Being the capital, it has a lot of history and much to offer in terms of arts and culture. It’s definitely on the quieter side of things and activities reflect this – plenty of walks, cafés, museums, etc. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. I love Glasgow too, Kerry. It’s interesting how though only 51 miles separate both cities, their cultures, personalities and atmospheres couldn’t be further apart. Each city has its own allure and charm – ideally, you need to visit them both to get a feel for Scotland. xx

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  32. Somehow I have only visited Edinburgh during crazy festivals, Hogmanay (new year’s) and Fringe! Didn’t get inside museums but did get a feel for the city. Thanks for pointing out all the things we didn’t do!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hogmany and the Fringe are great times to visit Edinburgh as it is incredible to see the busy streets handed over to pedestrians, buskers, pop-up performances, and the like. It’s invigorating and not a little bit exhausting. When I lived in Edinburgh, I always worked through all the festivals, so it would be a good idea to attend as a spectator. for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to ourcrossings Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.