By the 18th Century the crowded medieval Old Town could no longer accommodate Edinburgh's population and it was clear that the city would have to be expanded. It was decided that a public competition for plans to develop the city should be held. The winner was 22 year old architect James Craig, his plan being an elegant neo-classical development to the north of the Castle. The result was the three parallel streets of Queen Street, George Street and Princes Street, bounded on each end by beautiful squares. This development proved so popular that several other New Town developments were added, making Edinburgh one of the most beautiful Georgian towns in the UK. Tourist attractions in the New Town include the National Gallery of Scotland, the Scott Monument and the National Portrait Gallery.

The picturesque Queen Street was part of Edinburgh's original New Town development. Named after King George III's wife Queen Charlotte, Queen Street, along with Princes Street and George Street, was part of the original New Town development built by James Craig in 1766. This is another of Edinburgh's excellently preserved Georgian roads and it has excellent views to the north of the city. Tourist attractions on Queen Street include the Royal Museum of Scotland and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Named after King George III, George Street, along with Princes Street and Queen Street, was part of the original New Town development built by James Craig in 1766. These three streets run parallel to each other and George Street is the central one which links the two squares at either end, Charlotte Square and St Andrew's Square. George Street is a wonderful example of well preserved Georgian architecture with the added interest of statues of various famous Scots dotted along the way. Buildings of interest on George Street include the Assembly Rooms and Edinburgh's Royal College of Physicians.

This elegant square, named after George III's wife Queen Charlotte, is the square that lies at the eastern end of the New Town development of Queen Street, George Street and Princes Street. The square was originally a much sought out residential area, however it is now predominantly commercial and administrative. One of the most important buildings in the square is Bute House which is the official home of the Secretary of State for Scotland. 

Also of interest is the refurbished Georgian House at number 7, which has been decked out as a typical 18th century Town House. As well as the usual collection of furniture, furnishings and crockery there is an interesting array of 18th century gizmos and gadgets. The Georgian House is open daily between April and October, entry costs around £4.

 However for tourists who have Scottish blood in them the most interesting buildings in Charlotte Square has to be the Scottish Record Office, housed in St George's Church. Here you will find everything from church records and property records to personal wills so it is a great source if you are trying to trace your ancestors. The Office is open from 9am to 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays. Admission is free. The centre of Charlotte Square is laid out with well kept gardens, the focal point of which is the Albert Memorial in the middle. An excellent example of Georgian town planning, even if you aren't visiting for a specific reason Charlotte Square is a delight to just wander around.

St Andrew's Square, which takes its name from the Patron Saint of Scotland, lies at the eastern end of the New Town development of Queen Street, George Street and Princes Street. In the middle of the square is the 37 metre high Melville Monument. This commemorates the 18th century Viscount Melville who was so influential in Scottish politics he was nicknamed "The Un-crowned King of Scotland. Unlike Charlotte Square, St Andrew's Square's architecture has not been preserved particularly well, with many buildings dating from this century. However it is still worth looking out for the impressive Royal Bank of Scotland building, an impressive 18th century mansion that hints at Edinburgh's importance as a financial centre.