Inspired by the lofty ideals of the Scottish Enlightenment, the neat and ordered grid of the New Town provides an elegant contrast to the labyrinthine design of the Old Town. The Georgian grandeur is home to a healthy selection of Edinburgh’s independent retailers, pubs, cafes and restaurants. Here are five suggestions of where to go, what to eat and how to get a glimpse of how the city’s wealthiest once lived.
National Trust for Scotland
Walk straight into the 18th century and experience all things luxurious and lavish. Part of New Town architect Robert Adam’s grand urban design, Charlotte Square and The Georgian House date back to 1796 during a time when inhabitants were moving from the cramped conditions of the Old Town to the fashionable New Town. The Georgian House is open all year round from 10am-5pm.
The Georgian House, 7 Charlotte Square.
Pubs have always provided the liquid inspiration for writers and the Oxford Bar is no exception. ‘The Ox’ was celebrated as the famous watering hole of Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus, and Rankin himself is known to frequent the joint. As well as the fabulous line up of cask ales on the bar, there’s a mean selection of whiskies.
Oxford Bar, 8 Young Square.
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Just around the corner from the Oxford Bar is one of Edinburgh’s numerous art galleries which is definitely worth a visit. With no admission fee and several must-see works within, you’d be silly not to go. From Mary Queen of Scots to Sean Connery, there are lots of familiar faces to see and even more unknown ones to discover.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery, 1 Queen Street.
This candle-happy New Town cellar is a bar/restaurant which combines top quality nosh and booze with a fun and quirky ambience. The fresh and locally sourced menu is ever changing and the line-up of beers is consistently solid. Given the name, you'd also be right in assuming there's a very decent wine selection (with knowledgable bar staff to pour it), and the Sunday evening jazz session is highly recommended.
Whighams Wine Cellars, 13 Hope Street.
Situated towards the east end of the rather grand Queen Street, The Stand offers no shortage of fantastic comedy. Descend down the stairs in to the rather grungy basement to see a vast array of themes and performances, from newcomers to more well known comedians testing their new material. Prices start at £2, large groups are welcome, and there's a great selection of booze and food to keep you going.
The Strand, 5 York Place.
See more things to do in Edinburgh from Time Out.