George Street, Edinburgh

George Street serves as the primary thoroughfare in the First New Town of Edinburgh, which was meticulously planned by James Craig in the 18th century. The street derives its name from King George III and spans from Saint Andrew Square in the east to Charlotte Square in the west.

Originally established in 1767, George Street was conceived as a residential area. However, during the Victorian era, all the residential dwellings gave way to a transformation into a bustling commercial district, featuring shops, showrooms, banks, small department stores, and hotels. Notably, numerous grand architectural structures in this vicinity were crafted by the renowned Victorian architect David Bryce, who happened to reside on this very street.

In the contemporary 21st century landscape, George Street still retains its Victorian charm, but there has been a shift in the nature of its commercial establishments. Many of the edifices now house an array of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and upscale clothing boutiques.