OLD TOWN

The Old Town is truly heart of Scotland's capital city and plays a significant role in all activities of the Nation and in the life of the City of Edinburgh.

For a more rewarding experience discover the less obvious streets, down George IV Bridge past the new Scottish Parliament, the National Library of Scotland and the Edinburgh Central Library on to Greyfriars Bobby and Greyfriars Kirk. Take a right turn down Candlemaker Row to the edge of the Grassmarket then turn right again into the Cowgate through to Mary Street, which offers a vast array of shops, pubs and restaurants, leading across the Canongate to even more in Jeffrey Street. Further along Cowgate continues back under North Bridge to the foot of Cockburn Street with more shops and pubs back up to the High Street.

You could also walk under George IV Bridge and South Bridge. North Bridge offers incredible views over the city to the sea and hills, whilst at the historic Tron Kirk you can see the remains of streets buried for centuries under its foundations. South Bridge takes you to the Edinburgh University’s Old College, the oldest part of the university, the exciting festival Theatre and the superb museums of Chambers Street.

NEW TOWN

Built over 200 years ago, Edinburgh’s graceful Georgian New Town was the city’s response to the overcrowding Old Town. James Craig was awarded a certificate, a medal and Freedom of The City for his winning combination of marvelous city planning, architectural grace and practical housing provision.

Catch a glimpse of the original character of Edinburgh's Georgian era at the George Street which is adorned with two spacious garden squares at either end.

One the North side of one, Charlotte Square, is No. 7, Charlotte Square, "The Georgian House", the interiors of which has been restored to how it would have been in the 1790's when it was owned by the Lamont family.