Discover St. Andrew Square, the Heart of Edinburgh New Town

At the east end of George Street in Edinburgh’s New Town lies St. Andrew Square, a cosmopolitan meeting place famous for its graceful Neoclassical architecture and scenic gardens. The square has served many roles since its initial stone was laid in 1772. First it was a key element of plans for the capital’s 18th-century expansion, then a fashionable enclave with some of the most sought-after residential addresses in town. Next the square became a commercial centre dominated by the banking and insurance trades. Now, it’s home to some of the finest Edinburgh New Town hotels, restaurants and designer stores. With the city’s main train and bus stations nearby, it’s also a transport hub for many. Whatever your reasons for visiting, discover the best ways to experience the cultural heritage of St. Andrew Square.

By the mid-18th century, Edinburgh’s original Old Town was becoming dangerously overcrowded. In an attempt to prevent a mass exodus of the wealthy upper class, plans were made for the development of a New Town. Scottish architect James Craig was just 26 when he was awarded the contract for the expansion, and his initial design was a simple yet elegant grid anchored by two garden squares. These two squares were connected by a central thoroughfare, George Street – named in honour of the reigning King George III – and flanked by two more streets: Princes Street to the south and Queen Street to the north.

St. Andrew was one of these squares, named after the patron saint of Scotland. Its mirror twin was meant to be named St. George Square after the patron saint of England – a tribute to the unification of the two neighbouring kingdoms in 1707. But, since a square of this name already existed in the Old Town, it was called Charlotte Square in honour of the queen to avoid confusion. The sophistication of Craig’s design, including St. Andrew Square with its grand Neoclassical façades, contributed to UNESCO’s decision to name the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

There are several must-see historical landmarks in St. Andrew Square. The first and most obvious is the Melville Monument, a fluted Doric column inspired by Trajan’s Column in Rome. It stands over 45 metres tall and is topped with a statue of Henry Dundas, the first Viscount Melville – a politician so powerful in the late 18th century that he was known as The Uncrowned King of Scotland. Dundas is not the only famous figure commemorated in the square. On the western edge stands a statue of James Clerk Maxwell, an influential Scottish physicist best known for taking the world’s first colour photograph. The most iconic listed building on the square is Dundas House, a Neoclassical showpiece commissioned as a private townhouse for Sir Lawrence Dundas that today serves as the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Previously intended for the exclusive use of surrounding property owners, the St. Andrew Square Gardens opened to the public for the first time after an extensive refurbishment in 2008. Now, they’re a place of tranquillity and relaxation where visitors can retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Princes Street and linger for a while amid the greenery. There are four entrances leading to a network of pathways that curve around the Melville Monument and its neighbouring reflective pool. Come for people watching and sunbathing in summer, to grab a caffeine fix from the pavilion’s Costa Coffee en route to a catch-up with friends, or to walk beneath trees illuminated by romantic mood lighting after dark.

If you have a taste for luxury, St. Andrew Square deserves a space on your Edinburgh shopping itinerary. The square’s northeast corner is occupied by Harvey Nichols Edinburgh, a designer department store featuring five floors of high-end clothing, jewellery, beauty products and accessories. There’s also Multrees Walk, a pedestrian shopping precinct that links the square with St. James Quarter, one of the city’s biggest and best galleria-style shopping centres. The Walk is lined with designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Michael Kors, Swarovski and TAG Heuer. For those who wish to branch out from fashion, there’s also Castle Fine Art and The Whisky Shop, both of which are great options for tasteful souvenirs.

Essential Information: Harvey Nichols Edinburgh

Location: 34 St. Andrew Square

Hours: 10am to 6pm (Mon to Wed), 10am to 7pm (Thurs to Sat), 11am to 6pm (Sun)

St. Andrew Square is also the start point for some of Edinburgh’s best bus tours. For hop-on, hop-off experiences check out Edinburgh Bus Tours, located on the north side of the square. The company offers several different itineraries including CitySightseeing Edinburgh which takes in Grassmarket, Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town and the Royal Mile; and The Royal Edinburgh Ticket including entry to the castle, The Royal Yacht Britannia and The Palace of Holyroodhouse. On the east side of the square, Red Bus Bistro offers afternoon tea tours in a vintage red Routemaster double-decker bus, accompanied by your choice of sparkling wine or gin cocktails. Both companies offer entertaining commentary so you can learn more about the city’s landmarks as you’re driving along.

If you’re wondering whether there are any special events and activities for travellers to enjoy in St. Andrew Square throughout the year, the answer is yes. For three days each June, Square Cinema hosts a series of free outdoor film screenings in the garden, ranging from family favourites during daylight hours to Hollywood blockbusters and cult classics each evening. Then from late November until the end of December, the square is transformed into a winter garden complete with festive lights and a 10-metre Christmas tree. Children can attend storytelling sessions with Santa and his elves, while Social Bite’s Festival of Kindness encourages people to drop gifts for the homeless at a special donation point.

Foodies will be pleased to hear that some of the best Edinburgh New Town restaurants are located in St. Andrew Square. For a unique blend of classic British and Asian-inspired menu choices, choose The Ivy on the Square Edinburgh – an upmarket spot with an Art Deco dining room and a mezzanine terrace overlooking the street. The Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie & Bar is another elevated sanctuary, offering magnificent skyline views and seasonal Scottish cuisine. Afternoon tea is a particular treat, complimented by an impressive list of wines and Champagnes.

Global dining choices range from Amarone (a modern option for gourmet Italian cuisine including fresh pastas and hand-tossed pizzas) to Dishoom Edinburgh. The latter is one of the most unique restaurants in St. Andrew Square, with a small plates menu inspired by Bombay comfort food and an intriguing list of nostalgic cocktails. If it’s a drink you’re after, try Tiles Bar. This high-ceilinged former public office features gorgeous, original tiling on the walls and floors, graceful arched interiors, and a wide choice of local whiskies and real ales on tap.

Essential Information: Dishoom Edinburgh

Location: 3a St. Andrew Square

Hours: 8am to 11pm (Mon to Wed, Sun), 8am to midnight (Thurs to Sat)

Of all the Edinburgh squares, this is one of the easiest to get to. On the east side lies the St. Andrew Square tram station, which connects visitors to a single line running in between the airport and Leith. This is the closest tram to Edinburgh Waverley train station (a five-minute walk away) and Edinburgh Bus Station (also located on the square’s eastern edge). The latter is the departure point for long-distance buses and coaches across Scotland. Finally, city buses pick passengers up and drop them off on the west side of the square (North St. David Street) and the north side (St. Andrew Square).

Now that you know how to get to the square (and what to do once you’re there), the only thing left to do is book your accommodation. The area is known for its 5-star hospitality, but if you’d rather save your money for shopping and dining by staying somewhere a little more affordable, consider ibis Styles Edinburgh St. Andrew Square. You’ll stay steps from the action in a peaceful, converted historic home with balcony rooms and a quirky bar and brasserie, and you can fuel up for the day’s adventures at the complimentary continental breakfast buffet.