A few months ago, we shared our guide to Old Town Edinburgh. Today, we’re focusing on New Town Edinburgh. This area of the city was designed and built in the late 1700s to keep the wealthy from leaving Edinburgh, who were sick of the tight quarters and poor living conditions that were found in Old Town. New Town was designed to have wide streets and sidewalks, many small parks, and an organized layout compared to the many wynds (pronounced wine-d) and closes (tiny courtyards) in Old Town. We love heading down the hill from Old Town to spend countless hours shopping, perusing the many museums, and sipping cocktails from some of the most imaginative bar menus we have seen!
Here are some of our top places to eat, sip, stay, and play in New Town Edinburgh…
xxx Ivy & Eve
TIP: Check out all of our top New Town picks on our shared Google Map HERE!
Eat
Urban Angel- $$ We discovered this gem back in 2014 on our first trip to Edinburgh as adults. Urban Angel specializes in seasonal, Scottish flavors and is our ABSOLUTE favorite place for breakfast in the whole city. The front has a coffee and bakery counter if you just need a quick pick-me-up or to grab a warm drink while you wait to be seated (it gets busy so you might have to wait a few minutes). Some of our favorite items on the menu are the french toast, baked eggs, and the hot chocolate (seriously good).
Cafe Royal- $-$$$ As Scotland’s oldest oyster bar (opened in 1863), this historic bar and restaurant hidden just behind Princes Street is a must for fresh oysters, traditional Cullen Skink (smoked haddock soup) and a bottle of our favorite bubbly, Lanson. The decor is all original Victorian with a large circular bar, dark wood, stained glass, and Royal Doulton ceramic tiles of Scottish inventors. Perfect for a quick pint or a leisurely lunch.
La P’tite Folie and Le Di-Vin- $$ Don’t be fooled by the Tudor style exterior. La P’tite Folie is perfect for some seriously tasty French food in a comfortable, stylish setting. Check out Le Di-Vin next door which is an amazing wine bar featuring french wines and small bites. On one of Edinburgh’s sunny days, be sure to sit out on the terrace. It’s a perfect place for sipping wine, and people watching.
Wellington Coffee- $ Located on George Street, one of the main shopping streets, we usually head here for a cup of coffee and a sweet treat to keep us going. They also have great cheese scones, served with a big pat of tasty Scottish butter.
Ben’s Cookies- $ A UK cookie favorite, this tiny shop on Princes Street is one of our guilty pleasures. We find ourselves making excuses to walk past several times on our trip to buy any flavor that has just been taken out of the oven!
Yo! Sushi- $ We swear we don’t just go to chain restaurants, but Eve went to grad school in the UK and and was on a serious budget, so we have developed a few cheap eat favorites we have to go to when we are in the UK. YO! Sushi is one of them. Come to this location on Princes Street for an awesome view of the Castle and some quick and cheap food. Who doesn’t love conveyor belt sushi?! It’s so fun!!
The Ivy On The Square- $$$ Looking for a nice place for afternoon tea? Look no further than The Ivy On The Square. This Instagram-worthy British brasserie has one of the best Afternoon Tea menus in New Town.
Cafe St. Honore- $$-$$$ This classic French bistro was first introduced to us in one of our favorite book series set in Edinburgh, 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith. The atmosphere is super cozy and “French” while focusing on using local and sustainable Scottish ingredients. Order from one of their prix fixe menus for an affordable indulgence.
Sip
Veeno- $$ If you find yourself wandering down Rose Street and need to warm up, head into Veeno to enjoy a flight of wine and a bite to eat. Veeno is special because they pour their own Sicilian wines and authentic Italian spuntini (nibbles).
Panda & Sons- $$ Disguised as a barber shop in a mostly residential area of New Town, Panda & Sons has long been our favorite cocktail bar in Edinburgh. The bartenders really know their stuff and will whip you up a tasty cocktail on or off the menu that you will be sure to enjoy!
Cumberland Bar- $ Another location we we first introduced to though the 44 Scotland Street book series. We love the Cumberland Bar for its casual and authentic atmosphere. It isn’t trying to be anything extraordinary and that is exactly why it is extraordinary! Find a cozy corner and settle down for some tasty pub fare and a pint of two. In the summer, they have a nice outdoor beer garden.
Black Cat- $ This classic independently owned pub on Rose Street is a gem hidden in plain sight. Stop by for a dram or a bite to eat while shopping or check out one of their live music sessions as well known trivia nights!
Edinburgh Gin Distillery- $-$$$ Take a break from whisky and tour Edinburgh’s own gin distillery! After the tour, enjoy a gin and tonic or two in the intimate lounge. We love their gin liqueur in fancy flavors such as rhubarb and ginger!
Hoot the Redeemer- $-$$ Another hidden bar, you must pass the arcade fortune teller on your way into the basement bar. Enjoy your alcohol in the form of a slushy, ice cream, or play the claw machine to pick your drink! This place is really a playground for fun-loving adults.
Stay
The George Hotel- $$ A classic Edinburgh hotel, The George has been welcoming guests since 1881. Here you will enjoy exceptional service, comfortable rooms, and a great bar and restaurant.
Nira Caledonia- $$$ Located on a quiet residential street this boutique hotel is really something special. You will be welcomed by staff as if you have just returned home. Head up to your room with wonderful views north and a waterfall shower before enjoying a perfectly crafted Scottish gin and tonic in the cozy lounge.
Motel One- $ ($90/night) Tucked just behind the east end of Princes Street, this sleek budget hotel has great views over Waverly Station towards Edinburgh Castle. They might not have in-room phones but they do have incredibly fast WiFi, smart TVs, and some of the fluffiest comforters.
Airbnb- $-$$$ There are so many great options In Edinburgh on Airbnb. We used to be hotel people but lately we have realized how nice it is to be able to cook breakfast and do a load of laundry!
Shop
Check these shops out for some authentic Scottish souvenirs and shopping!
Unicorn Antiques- A treasure trove of antique art, home wares, and trinkets.
Anta Scotland- Classic Scottish homewares. We love their adorable hand painted tartan ceramics and hope someday to furnish our Scottish home with Anta furnishings.
Covet- A great independent boutique with Edinburgh designed handbags and other great hand picked European labels.
Play
Scottish National Portrait Gallery- Take a wander inside this sandstone palace filled with wonderful artworks. A few of our favorites are the death masks in the Victorian Library and the paintings of sporting scenes in the main galleries.
The Georgian House- One of two National Trust for Scotland’s historic homes in Edinburgh, the Georgian House gives its visitors a look into how Edinburgh’s wealthy residents would have lived in the late 1700’s when New town was, well, new!
Princes Street- On one side of the street is the beautiful and expansive Princes Street Garden and the other side is the main shopping drag. Here you will find all the high street shops like TopShop, New Look, H&M, and Primark. Also located here is Marks and Spencers, our favorite store to buy groceries. It’s a bit more pricey than others but the quality is high. Weird, but we always stock up on their rose scented tissues when we are in the UK. They also have amazing grab-and-go options.
Calton Hill- Take a quick “hike” up the hill for some stunning views of Edinburgh. We recommend heading here either early morning or evening to beat some of the crowd.
George Street- Here you will find the best of the best of Edinburgh’s luxury retailers, hotels, and higher end bars and restaurants.
Rose Street- Here you will find great little independent shops mixed in with more familiar stores and LOTS of places to stop for a bite to eat or drink when you need a break . Veeno and Black Cat Bar (as mentioned in Sip section) are located here as well.
