Old Town

Overview

Edinburgh's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most atmospheric historic quarters in Europe. Built on the dramatic ridge running from the Castle down to Holyrood, it retains its medieval street plan and many buildings dating from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Highlights

• The Closes and Wynds: Names like Advocate's Close, Riddle's Court, and Fleshmarket Close invite exploration — each narrow alley opens onto hidden courtyards and fragments of medieval Edinburgh.
• The Tenement Architecture: Edinburgh's Old Town pioneered high-rise living, with tenements reaching 14 storeys by the 17th century — the original skyscrapers.
• The Underground City: Beneath the modern street level, entire streets and rooms survive, preserved when the city was literally built over itself.

History

The Old Town grew along the spine of the Castle Rock ridge from the 12th century. By the 18th century, it was one of the most densely packed urban areas in Europe, with all social classes living in the same towering tenements. The construction of the New Town from the 1760s drew the wealthy northward, but the Old Town retained its character.

Visitor Tips

• Get Lost: The best way to experience the Old Town is to deliberately wander off the Royal Mile into the closes and side streets.
• Evening Atmosphere: The Old Town is at its most atmospheric after dark, when the closes are lit by lamplight and the tourist crowds have thinned.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.