INSIDER'S GUIDE
Discover Edinburgh's New Town
Georgian grandeur. Leafy crescents. And some of the city’s best spots to eat, drink, and disappear for a while. Edinburgh’s New Town is where classic meets cool, just minutes from the buzz of the city and the calm of Stockbridge. Here’s where to go.
SOMETHING TO EAT, SOMETHING TO SIP
Hawksmoor
Top-tier steak, old-school service, and sides done right. Hawksmoor nails the basics and makes it feel like a treat. Ideal for long lunches, big dinners, or just when you want an excuse to go out and celebrate something.
The Spence
Inside Gleneagles Townhouse, The Spence does all-day dining with serious style. Think seasonal Scottish produce under high ceilings and chandeliers, with martinis that mean business.
Café Calton
Up on Calton Hill, this glass-fronted café is all about relaxed plates and ridiculous views. Breakfast, lunch, or small plates, it’s a proper pause button with a wine list. Go for the food, stay for the sunsets.
Spry
A few steps outside New Town, but worth it. Natural wines, low-key plates, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Quietly one of the city’s best places for a solo glass or a chill evening.
HOTELS WITH CHARACTER
The Edinburgh Grand
An Old building bustling with modern energy. Apartment-style suites with hotel perks, smack in the centre. Five star quality without the faff.
W Edinburgh
Bold and dramatic, W Edinburgh is for those who like their stays with a side of style. Located in the new St James Quarter, its rooftop bar gives panoramic views across the city, a special spot.
Gleneagles Townhouse
As plush as you'd expect. Big beds, polished brass, and a wellness space that almost feels too nice for sweating in. Also, The Spence is downstairs, so you barely need to leave.
Kimpton Charlotte Square
Boutique feel, Georgian bones. A quiet courtyard and thoughtful design touches make this a bit of a retreat, even though you’re bang in the middle of town.
GALLERIES WORTH A VISIT
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
One of the most beautiful buildings in the city, Gothic on the outside, packed with people-shaped stories inside. Come for the staircase, stay for the history.
Ingleby Gallery
Understated and brilliant. Tucked away just off Queen Street, Ingleby delivers contemporary art with clarity, space, and surprises.
The Fruitmarket Gallery
A long-time contemporary art hub, now expanded and architecturally bold. Good exhibitions, even better bookshop and a very strong café game.
National Gallery
Classic European art at the heart of the city. Titan to Turner. Free, central, and full of masters. Ideal for a quick culture fix or a rainy day wander.
LOCAL FINDS & THOUGHTFUL GOODS
Grow Urban
Brushing the edge of New Town, Grow Urban is a must for plant lovers. A jungle of greenery in a chic space, You’ll find everything from statement houseplants to curated lifestyle goods, and some very Instagrammable corners.
Edinburgh Mercantile
A purveyor of "useful and beautiful objects", You won’t find a single touristy cliché in sight. Perfect if you want something for your home or someone else’s.
Antiques at 6A Howe Street
If you're into digging through the past for hidden gems, this independent antiques shop is the place to do it. Quietly brilliant. A low-key shop full of vintage treasure. Easy to get lost in, impossible to leave empty-handed.
Aetla Jewellery
Just a short walk into Stockbridge. Small, independent, and full of beautifully made pieces that feel personal. Ideal for a keepsake that isn’t shouting about itself.
