Things to do in  New Town

See Scotland’s famous faces rendered in paint, pencil, marble, bronze, and on film, in this vast Venetian Gothic-style building. Famous Scots and well-known figures from throughout history, from Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charles to Tilda Swinton and Sean Connery, are all immortalized here in various forms.

Looming over Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Calton Hill is one of the seven hills that the Scottish capital is built on. Come here for 360-degree views that encompass Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and, on a clear day, the Firth of Forth.

Lined with shops on the north side, Princess Street is Edinburgh’s principal shopping street. To the south, this heavily trafficked thoroughfare borders the memorial-dotted Princes Street Gardens, a park overlooked by Edinburgh Castle. Princes Street is also known for being one of the principal venues for Hogmanay, Scotland’s famous New Year’s celebrations.

Set within an imposing neoclassical building, this museum presents an impressive collection of artwork spanning the Renaissance to the 20th century. Works by European masters, such as Titian, Monet, Rembrandt, and van Gogh, are complemented by a collection of Scottish works that includes pieces from Allan Ramsay and Sir Henry Raeburn.

One of Edinburgh’s most recognizable landmarks, the Scott Monument is a tribute to celebrated Scottish author and Edinburgh native son Sir Walter Scott. This imposing gothic tower stands 200 feet (61 meters) tall and dominates the skyline of New Town. Climb the 287 steps to the top for splendid views over the city.

Under the shadow of the mighty Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens offer a serene escape in the heart of Scotland’s bustling capital. Marking the boundary between the Old and New towns, the gardens comprise two public parks (East and West Princes Street Gardens), which both have plenty to offer.