Endless Holiday

If you’re headed to Edinburgh for a getaway or a long holiday, you may find yourself torn between New Town and Old Town. The two sections of this fascinating city are separated by Princes Street Garden and the Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. In the heart of the city is its crowned jewel; the famous Edinburgh Castle. Regardless of which section you choose, however, you’ll be pleased to know that both are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and each has something special to offer:

New Town

New Town is home to some of the city’s most spectacular architecture, and its neighborhoods boast creations from world-class architects. These stunning neoclassical buildings offer visitors tremendous photo-opportunities. New Town is also where Scotland’s First Minister had an official residence, which is Bute House.

A popular activity in New Town is a hike up Calton Hill, which offers amazing panoramic views. After hitting the crest, you’ll be greeted by the unexpected vista of a Parthenon-style structure, which is Scotland’s National Monument dedicated to the fallen soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars. Lack of funding halted the completion of its construction, but it’s still a sight to behold.

Calton Hill is also home to a Celtic Festival which is held to celebrate the beginning of summer each year. If festivals are your thing, you’ll enjoy another summer event in New Town as well, called the Beltane Fire Festival. At this event, you can watch fire dancers and drummers as they act out the classic tales of the May Queen and the Green Man.

If you’re visiting during winter, don’t miss the yearly Christmas market, hosted at Princes Street Gardens. Attractions such as craft stalls, a Ferris wheel, and wine vendors are all found at this enjoyable event. Additionally, the Gardens are home to another great architectural photo opportunity, the Scott Monument, dedicated to author Walter Scott. Another great landmark is the Balmoral Hotel, found at the end of Princes Street. It’s well known as one of the city’s most noticeable and famous buildings.

In New Town, you’ll find many fun shops and restaurants, as well as numerous clubs and bars from which to choose when planning a night out. New Town is also near to various bus stations and the central railway, making it an all-around great choice for an Edinburgh getaway.

Old Town

Not surprisingly, Old Town is Edinburgh’s oldest section and is peppered with 16th and 17th century buildings. The Royal Mile runs through Old Town’s center, and this impressive street slopes down from Edinburgh Castle all the way to the Palace of Holyrood House, which is the British monarch’s official Scottish residence.

Comedians and street performers pack the Mile every August, and therefore you should consider this month for a visit to Old Town if you enjoy such activity. Situated at the very bottom of the Royal Mile is The Witchery Hotel, which showcases the spooky, opulent architecture for which Old Town is known. Walk-in dressing rooms, four poster beds, and other era specific appointments are offered by this hotel, making it great for a special occasion.

Old Town is also chock-full of national attractions, such as Camera Obscura, a five-floor optical illusion experience, as well as the National Museum of Scotland. Old Town is the most historic of the two sections of Edinburgh, and is also centrally located to the railway station. It holds events all year long, so keep that in mind if you choose Old Town for your Edinburgh vacation.

Regardless of which section of Edinburgh, Scotland, you decide to visit, the best advice anyone could offer is to come back again to experience the other one! Both Old Town and New Town are unique in their own ways, and are equally deserving of your time.