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Two Days In...
Two Days in Edinburgh’s New Town
Our extended tours of Scotland include at least two nights in each place. Here is a travel guide to staying in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Arrive – We transfer you from your arrival point to your hotel. One if the hotels we love in The New Town is the Apex Hotel, Waterloo Place. (Doubles from £171.00 per night inc breakfast) https://www.apexhotels.co.uk/destinations/edinburgh
Stroll along George Street and take in the Georgian splendour of the buildings around you, to Charlotte Square. When it comes to Georgian Architecture this elegant square is world class. The Square was named in 1786 after George III’s Queen and first daughter and was the last part of the New Town to be completed in 1820. It was originally intended to mirror St Andrew’s Square at the other end of George Street. However, James Craig’s design for that square was not deemed grand enough, so the much-celebrated architect, Robert Adam was brought in to add that touch of splendour. On the square you can visit the Georgian House for a glimpse into upper class Edinburgh Georgian life. The Georgian House | National Trust for Scotland (nts.org.uk)
After your visit wander into the West End and explore this quieter part of the New Town. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Edinburgh and worth a visit. A wonder along William Street is great for local and independent shops.
1.00pm – Pop into Cairngorm Coffee, 1 Melville Place, for a fabulous light lunch, great cake and amazing coffee! Cairngorm Coffee
After lunch wander through the little gem that is the Dean Village. This beautiful slice of serenity sits just on the west of the New Town and has lots of lovely little streets and lanes to wander around. The Water of Leith runs through the village and you can follow the path up to The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The collections are always worth a visit and the grounds are perfect for a wander too. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art | National Galleries of Scotland
After your visit, retrace your steps to the Water Of Leith Pathway and the Dean Village walking up Bells Brae to admire the view from the Dean Bridge. Walk back up to the West End and walk along Princes Street and into Princes Street Gardens, where you will enjoy amazing views of Edinburgh Caste.
7.30pm – Dinner and drinks at The Café Royal, an Edinburgh institution. Cafe Royal, West Register Street, Edinburgh (caferoyaledinburgh.com)
After breakfast at your hotel, take the relatively easy hike up Calton Hill for amazing views of the city of Edinburgh. From this vantage point, you will get clear and up close views of The Old Town (including that famous view of Princes Street, The Balmoral Hotel and Edinburgh Castle), The New Town and the port of Leith, on Edinburgh’s north side.
Make your way to Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s hip neighbourhoods, if you can get here on a Sunday, wander the gorgeous Stockbridge Sunday Market. Pick up lunch on the go from the market and enjoy amazing coffee from one of the artisan roasters here. Stockbridge has many locally owned shops and there are also fabulous charity shops for you to peruse. The photo of the moment in Edinburgh, is at Circus Lane. This picturesque little street of flower fronted Mews houses is just gorgeous and will lighten up any Instagram feed!
At Hectors Bar, follow St Bernards Row onto Arboretum Avenue, with the Water of Leith and the old Stockbridge colonies housing on your right, to The Royal Botanic Gardens. Ranked in the top 5 of botanic gardens of the world, these gardens are well worth a visit. The Views to Edinburgh castle from the rock garden is stunning. Leaving the gardens from the east gate, jump on the No.27 or No.23 bus back to Princes Street to visit the National Galleries of Scotland complex. Our National art galleries have a vast and amazing collection of art. On the east side of Princes Street Gardens there is the much-loved Sir Walter Scott Monument. You won’t miss it!
7.30pm – Dinner in Stockbridge. We love this place! Choose from The Stockbridge Restaurant Award Winning Restaurant Edinburgh - A La Carte - Fine Dining (thestockbridgerestaurant.co.uk) Purslane Purslane Restaurant - Edinburgh's Casual Fine Dining Scran and Scallie Home | Scran & Scallie (scranandscallie.com) Rollo ROLLO (barrollo.com)
We offer eye opening tours of Edinburgh’s New Town including more hidden gems and local food and drink places. We offer specialist, historic and cultural tours across Scotland.
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