Dean Village and the Edinburgh New Town Walking Tour
Dean Village enchants with its serene Water of Leith and historic mill houses, while New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases elegant Georgian architecture and the Enlightenment spirit of 18th-century urban planning.
Meeting Point
HM General Register House,
2 Princes St, Edinburgh EH1 3YY
Main Points of Interest
New Town and the National Gallery of Scotland.
18th-century neoclassical urban planning and works of Scottish Impressionism and Romanticism.
Dean Village
Picturesque neighborhood located on the banks of the Water of Leith river.
The Georgian House
A museum home that reflects the elegance of the New Town.
Duration and Schedule
Approx. duration: 3.30 hours
Start time: 2:00 PM
What’s Included
Spanish-speaking tour guide specialized in the history of Edinburgh and Scotland
Not included
Entry to the Georgian House, but if you prefer, we can reserve them for you.
Itinerary
Discover a different side of Edinburgh with this walking tour through the elegant New Town and the picturesque Dean Village. Far from the crowds of the Royal Mile, we’ll take you through quiet streets full of charm and Neoclassical architecture.
Admire open squares, sweeping crescents, and iconic landmarks such as Charlotte Square and the Scott Monument. These wide avenues offer a striking contrast to the narrow medieval closes of the Old Town.
Learn how the Scottish Enlightenment transformed Edinburgh into the “Athens of the North” and visit the Scottish National Gallery to explore its impressive art collection.
Walk the same streets once frequented by brilliant minds like David Hume, Adam Smith and Arthur Conan Doyle, whose ideas still shape the world today.
Step into the Georgian House in Charlotte Square and get a glimpse of upper-class life in 18th-century Edinburgh. This beautifully restored home reveals what daily life was like during the city’s golden age.
We’ll also reflect on the role of colonial wealth in Edinburgh’s expansion and uncover the hidden stories behind secret bars and underground clubs in the New Town.
Finally, wander through Dean Village, a peaceful riverside quarter that was once a bustling hub for millers, bakers and weavers. Today, it’s one of the city’s most photographed spots.
Get off the beaten path and join us for a tour of the New Town and the Dean Village. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites and charming neighbourhoods, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
- Explore the New Town’s open spaces, crescents, and iconic landmarks, such as Charlotte Square and the Scott Monument, which contrast with the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town.
- Learn about the Scottish Enlightenment that turned Edinburgh into the ‘Athens of the North’ and visit the Scottish National Gallery.
- Explore the streets walked by Scottish inventors, scientists, and writers including David Hume, Adam Smith, and Arthur Conan Doyle.
- Understand what life in a Georgian House was like with a visit to the National Trust’s property in Charlotte Square. The Georgian House offers a glimpse into 18th-century domestic life and Edinburgh’s Neoclassical architecture.
- Discuss the impact that colonialism had on the growth of the city.
- Discover the reason behind the establishment of secret bars in the New Town.
- Walk through the picturesque Dean Village, once a medieval industrial hub dotted by water mills, where bakers and weavers lived and worked.
Voucher
No need to print it – showing the electronic voucher/confirmation email will be enough.
Free Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the beginning of the tour. After this window has passed, a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
Reduced Mobility
This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. You can request a quote for a private tour tailored to your needs.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchair users, as some buildings along the route are not accessible. Strollers may be allowed, but we recommend bringing a baby carrier to access certain locations.
Please note that backpacks over 50 litres are not allowed inside Edinburgh Castle.
Pets
Not allowed.
What’s Not Included
Bus transportation, food and drinks
Minimum Group Size
A minimum of 4 participants is required to run the tour.
What they say about us
Read more on TripAdvisor and Google Maps
Are you ready to discover Edinburgh New Town & Dean Village?
Discover Dean Village, a picturesque haven, and explore the historic New Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.