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New Town East and Gayfield in Edinburgh

Things to Do in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

Edinburgh's eastern Georgian New Town, climbing from Broughton Street toward Calton Hill. Gayfield Square and elegant terraces create the residential frame, while the Edinburgh Playhouse, St James Quarter, and hilltop monuments place cafés, theaters, and sweeping skyline views within a few compact blocks.

Edinburgh's eastern Georgian New Town, climbing from Broughton Street toward Calton Hill. Gayfield Square and elegant terraces create the residential frame, while the Edinburgh Playhouse, St James Quarter, and hilltop monuments place cafés, theaters, and sweeping skyline views within a few compact blocks.

  • Life StoryLife StoryHome Goods
  • Typewronger BooksTypewronger BooksBookstore
  • PicklesPicklesWine Bar
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By TripSapien · Updated September 3, 2026

Top things to do in New Town East and Gayfield

  • Life Story in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Life Story

    ★ 4.9 · 139
    Home Goods

    A carefully curated independent retail shop in Edinburgh, it offers a selection of handmade items, international brands, and Scandi treasures including cups and candles.

    Mon–Wed
    10 AM – 6 PM
    Thu
    10 AM – 6:30 PM
    Fri
    10 AM – 6 PM
    Sat
    10 AM – 6 PM
    Sun
    10 AM – 6 PM
    Website ↗Map ↗
  • Typewronger Books in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Typewronger Books

    ★ 4.9 · 484
    Bookstore

    A not-for-profit community interest company that operates a bookshop, events space, print studio, and workspace for writers in residence.

    Every day
    11 AM – 9 PM
    Website ↗Map ↗
  • McNaughtan’s Bookshop in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    McNaughtan’s Bookshop

    ★ 4.8 · 196
    Bookstore

    Cozy, long-standing antiquarian bookstore for old, hard-to-find & unique titles, plus original art.

    Mon–Wed
    11 AM – 5 PM
    Thu
    11 AM – 8 PM
    Fri
    11 AM – 5 PM
    Sat
    11 AM – 5 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 5 PM
    Website ↗Map ↗
  • 5th Season Vintage in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    5th Season Vintage

    Flea Market
    Website ↗Map ↗
  • Curiouser in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Curiouser

    Specialty Store

    A gift shop offering a selection of greeting cards, posters, postcards, and unique gift ideas, also providing a framing service.

    Mon–Fri
    10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sat
    10:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Sun
    11 AM – 5 PM
    Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in New Town East and Gayfield

  • Pickles in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Pickles

    ★ 4.8 · 859
    Wine Bar· £20–30

    Relaxed spot pairing a bar with cider, cheese, charcuterie and pickles in rustic digs with a patio.

    Mon–Thu
    4:30 PM – 11 PM
    Fri
    4 PM – 12 AM
    Sat
    12 PM – 12 AM
    Sun
    12 PM – 11 PM
    Website ↗Map ↗
  • Mamma Roma in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Mamma Roma

    ★ 4.6 · 2.9k
    Italian· £20–30

    Relaxed Italian restaurant set in 2-storey townhouse with exposed-stonework and classical murals.

    Mon–Thu
    12 PM – 9:30 PM
    Fri
    12 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sat
    12 PM – 10:30 PM
    Sun
    12 PM – 9:30 PM
    Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
  • Ada Restaurant in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    Ada Restaurant

    ★ 4.5 · 1.6k
    Turkish· £20–30

    Traditional Turkish dishes such as bayildi, moussaka and grilled meats served up in simple style.

    Every day
    12 PM – 11 PM
    Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
  • L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar in New Town East and Gayfield, Edinburgh

    L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar

    ★ 4.7 · 591
    French· £50–100

    Upbeat, French bistro with white walls and posters for a classic French menu using local produce.

    Website ↗Map ↗

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New Town East and Gayfield map

Ranked using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.

Map of New Town East and Gayfield with pinned top attractions (1 through 9)
  1. 1Life Story
  2. 2Typewronger Books
  3. 3Pickles
  4. 4Mamma Roma
  5. 5Ada Restaurant
  6. 6McNaughtan’s Bookshop
  7. 75th Season Vintage
  8. 8Curiouser
  9. 9L'Escargot Bleu Restaurant and Wine Bar

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