1st: New Town

This area is a network of squares, streets, and terraces with unparalleled Georgian elegance. At its southern extent, Princes Street is the most famous artery and a main attraction. A key shopping street, it provides views of the Old Town and the green spaces that fill the gap between the two neighborhoods. A couple of blocks north lies George Street, another shopping district filled with high-end boutiques and pubs. Highlights of this neighborhood: Princes Street, George Street, Charlotte Square, and St Andrew Square.

2nd: Old Town (Royal Mile)

This is where Edinburgh began 900 years ago, and it still holds many of the city’s major tourist sites. Its spine is the Royal Mile, a medieval thoroughfare stretching for about a few miles from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The Grassmarket and Cowgate areas are known for their collection of pubs, clubs, and live music venues.
Highlights of this neighborhood: The Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament building, the Museum of Childhood, and Mary King’s Close.

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3rd: Southside

The area south of Old Town is largely occupied by the sprawling campus of the University of Edinburgh. It is a very vibrant part of town that caters to a youthful crowd. You will find a varied selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. The public park The Meadows is a key feature of this area.
Highlights of this neighborhood: University of Edinburgh, George Square Gardens, The Meadows, National Museum of Scotland, Festival Theatre, and Pleasance Theatre.

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4th: Stockbridge

Cut in two by the Water of Leith, Stockbridge was Edinburgh’s first suburb and is well-known for its rows of Georgian and Victorian townhouses. This well-heeled residential neighborhood sees much of its commercial activity along its high street, Raeburn Place.
Highlights of this neighborhood: The Water of Leith, Georgian and Victorian townhouses, Raeburn Place, St Stephen Street, and the Stockbridge Open-Air Market.

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5th: Canonmills

Formerly a small village, Canonmills is within easy reach of the City Centre and is just a stone’s throw from the Royal Botanic Garden. It offers its own restaurants, bars, and shops. The area is easily walkable from Waverley Station and Princes Street.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Royal Botanic Garden, local restaurants, bars, and shops.

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6th: East End

The East End, sometimes referred to as ‘Pilrig,’ is a bedroom community of Edinburgh. Georgian terraced houses are a common sight, and many restaurants are clustered on and around Leith Walk.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Meadowbank Shopping Park and Leith Walk.

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7th: West End (Haymarket)

The West End can be considered the city’s cultural center, as it boasts many of its arts venues. The northern half lies in Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site, with many buildings of great architectural beauty. Further west of the city center, you can find a major rugby stadium and a canal perfect for boating or walking.
Highlights of this neighborhood: Usher Hall, The Filmhouse, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, the Royal Lyceum, Traverse Theatre, Murrayfield Rugby Stadium, and the Union Canal.

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