Edinburgh New Town
Area covered by the New Town
Tourists often find it confusing figuring out where the New Town of Edinburgh is and how to get there and that's because it stretches much further than most people realise.
Southern boundary of the New Town - Princes Street
The first stage in the development of the New Town saw George Street and Queen Street being built. These two streets run parallel to the North of Princes Street and link St Andrew's Square to the East with Charlotte Square to the West.
Castle Street, Frederick Street and Hanover Street, all of which were built at a later stage, cut right across Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street forming the geometrically perfect grid of the New Town.
This is the beating heart of Edinburgh's classical architecture and, at the time when it was built, it was the largest architectural development in the world. Many visitors stop here though, missing out on the best parts.
Eastern boundary of the New Town - Calton Hill
Calton Hill is an important part of Edinburgh New Town as well as one of the city's seven hills. Buildings like St Andrew's House, the Royal High School, the monuments on top of Calton Hill and Regent Road and the streets winding around it turn it into the distinctive landmark that forms the Eastern boundary of the New Town.
Western boundary of the New Town - St Mary's Cathedral
Edinburgh New Town extends to the South West, hugging the western boundary of the historic Old Town, tucked away behind Castle Rock. The New Town spreads westwards to Shandwick Place with its red sandstone Caledonian Hilton Hotel, Rutland Place and further out to St Mary's Cathedral, surrounding crescents and Queensferry Road.
Northern boundary of the New Town - Royal Botanical Gardens
To the North of Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town does not follow a straight line. The water of Leith forms a natural boundary to an area which features the most fascinating of residential areas, Moray Place and Ainslie Place, both exclusive and grandiose. The slopes of the New Town then take you to the Botanical Gardens.
>> Back to New Town of Edinburgh guide index
More Edinburgh New Town information:
Area covered by Edinburgh New Town Overview of the boundaries of the New Town with mention of the most important places.
Highlights of the New Town Description of must-see places in the New Town of Edinburgh.
Tips for visiting New Edinburgh Tips and advice for visitors wishing to experience Edinburgh New Town.
Pictures of Edinburgh New Town Pictures of places of interest in Edinburgh New Town.
Attraction Details - New Town of Edinburgh New Town tourist information including opening times, tickets and contact details of attractions in the area.
New Town on the web Links to other web pages related to the New Town.
>> Back to Princes Street guide index
All Princes Street articles:
Edinburgh New Town introduction Overview of the New Town including best places to visit plus tips and advice.
Princes Street highlights Visitor information about the shops and attractions on Princes Street.
Princes Street Gardens Overview of the most popular green space in Edinburgh.
Scott Monument Information about the unmistakable neogothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.
National Gallery of Scotland Information about the top free attraction in Edinburgh and one of the finest art galleries in Britain.
Calton Hill While not at the end of Princes Street itself, Calton Hill plays a very big part in the distinctive Edinburgh panorama but also as an excellent viewpoint.
Ramsay Gardens Although at the top of the Royal Mile, Ramsay Garden is a distinctive part of Edinburgh's skyline that can be seen from Princes Street.
Pictures of Edinburgh City Centre Picture gallery of Princes Street, the gardens, Scott Monument, the Balmoral Hotel, Calton Hill and the New Town.
Attraction Details - Princes Street Princes Street tourist information including opening times and contact details of the Tourist Centre and attractions on Princes Street and Edinburgh City Centre.
Princes Street on the web Links to other web pages related to Princes Street, the Gardens and the heart of Edinburgh.
Also see:
Hotels near Princes Street Ideas for accommodation close to Edinburgh City Centre.
Edinburgh attractions and sightseeing All of the best attractions in Edinburgh plus pictures and sightseeing tips.