Old and New Towns of Edinburgh
United Kingdom ·
Description
Edinburgh is two cities in one. The Old Town stacks along the Royal Mile from Castle to Holyrood, with vertical alleys called 'closes' hiding dark stories. The 18th-century New Town unfolds Georgian elegance in perfectly planned streets. Between them, Princes Street Gardens separate worlds.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Edinburgh represents the unique juxtaposition of an organic medieval city and a planned 18th-century new town. Both preserve their distinctive character. The New Town influenced European urbanism.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For representing the unique juxtaposition of medieval city and planned Georgian new town.
It was inscribed in 1995 under criteria (ii) and (iv).
The Old Town's main street, from Castle to Holyrood Palace; 1.8 km.
In August; the Fringe is the world's largest arts festival.
Yes, it's Scotland's most visited attraction; book to avoid queues.