Edinburgh’s Old Town Vs New Town

When you visit Edinburgh, you're not just stepping into Scotland's capital; you're walking through time. This city is a tapestry woven with history and modernity, bisected into two distinct personalities: the Old Town and the New Town. Each offers its own unique array of experiences that will enchant any traveller. If you're wondering where to head first and what to explore, our hotel staff will provide all the guidance you need.

The Bruntsfield Hotel offers the perfect location to explore all areas of the city. It nestles comfortably between the old and the new, offering easy access to both these enchanting parts of the city.

The Charm of Old Town

The Old Town of Edinburgh is the city's historic heart, pulsating with tales of the past and alluring architecture. Your first destination here will undoubtedly be Edinburgh Castle, precariously perched on Castle Rock—it's an imposing testament to Scotland's turbulent history and offers awe-inspiring views of the city.

Wander down the Royal Mile, the spine of the Old Town, and you'll be greeted by a cobbled road flanked by narrow alleyways, known as closes and wynds. This stretch teems with tourists, street performers, and shops selling Scottish memorabilia. You might even catch the tantalising scent of Scottish fudge on the downwind!

No trip to the Old Town is complete without a visit to St. Giles' Cathedral, the Mother Church of Presbyterianism. Its crown-steeple punctuates the skyline, and within, the stained glass windows brighten the hushed interior with multi-coloured light.

The Elegance of New Town

Travel to the New Town for a starkly different yet no less fascinating experience. Begin on Princes Street, Edinburgh’s premier shopping haven. You can shop for authentic Scottish cashmere or contemporary fashion and then sip a latte with a clear view of the Old Town across the chasm. You're shopping in one city and looking upon another - it's quite surreal.

Ascending the Scott Monument, a tribute to the novelist Sir Walter Scott, you're treated to a dizzying steep climb, but the reward is unparalleled views of both towns and the natural landscape beyond.

After you've descended, step into The Georgian House on Charlotte Square. Preserved like a capsule of time, this townhouse museum elaborates the lifestyle of the 18th century's upper crust with its antique furniture and décor.

Old Town or New Town? Why Choose?

Visiting Edinburgh needn't be a choice between old and new. You can experience the merriment of a pub crawl on the Royal Mile and on the very next day, find yourself scanning the contemporary art in the National Gallery on the Mound. From the legends etched into the stones of the Old Town to the carefully laid out streets of New Town, each pearlescent cobble and Georgian facade tells its own story.

Stay with History at Your Doorstep

To ensure you miss none of what Edinburgh has to offer, book into our hotel as your base. Whether you’re wooed by the antiquity of the Old Town or enamoured by the gracefulness of the New Town, this hotel ensures you have the best of Edinburgh at your fingertips.

Don't settle for less than the full Edinburgh experience. Book your stay now at The Bruntsfield Hotel, Edinburgh, and immerse yourself in the magic that is Edinburgh, where every stone, alleyway, and grandiose Georgian townhouse has a story waiting for you.

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