New Town Sweet Treats and Coffee Tour

A two-hour afternoon tour of New Town's five independent coffee shops and bakeries, showcasing Georgian architecture and locally-roasted coffee. The route winds through tree-lined streets and squares, stopping at family-run cafés, modern roasteries, and heritage bakeries established decades ago. You'll sample handmade pastries, specialty coffees, and receive take-home shortbread samples, making this ideal for a leisurely afternoon activity. Best for coffee enthusiasts and sweet tooth travellers. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 2-16. You meet at Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square. Key highlights: Tastings at five independent coffee shops and bakeries, Specialty locally-roasted coffee from Edinburgh roasteries, Artisan pastries and baked goods at each stop.

Price: £38

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-16

Best for: coffee enthusiasts and sweet tooth travellers

Best time: Afternoon departure (2pm-3pm) works best as most cafés are fully operational by then. April-September has longest daylight for enjoying Georgian architecture. Avoid Sunday mornings when some independent cafés have limited hours.

Meeting point: Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet at Harvey Nichols on St Andrew Square, introduction to New Town architecture and coffee culture - St Andrew Square is a Georgian square with uniform architecture; guide explains the street layout and history.

First 25 minutes First coffee stop (typically specialty roastery) with specialty coffee drink and pastry tasting - Many stops feature local roasters; you'll taste single-origin espressos or filter coffees alongside fresh pastries.

25-50 minutes Walk through Georgian streets to second bakery, tasting of artisan bread or cake and coffee drink - New Town has consistent Georgian architecture; guide points out historic buildings and stories of former residents.

50-85 minutes Third and fourth stops continue pattern of coffee and cake/pastry sampling, slower pace allows conversation - By stop three, you've tried multiple coffee styles and multiple baked goods; tasting rather than consuming full meals.

85-120 minutes Final stop (often a historic teahouse or café) with final coffee or tea, introduction to take-home shortbread - Tour concludes with gift-wrapped shortbread samples; guide recommends favourite cafés for future visits.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square.

• Tastings at five independent coffee shops and bakeries
• Specialty locally-roasted coffee from Edinburgh roasteries
• Artisan pastries and baked goods at each stop
• Take-home shortbread samples
• Georgian New Town architecture and urban design history
• Knowledgeable guide on coffee beans and baking traditions
• Accessibility: Flat terrain in New Town with paved sidewalks; reasonably wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Some cafés may have steps; guide will identify accessible venues. All distances under 0.5 miles total.

What is included: Coffee drinks and tea at all five venues, Pastry and cake tastings, Take-home shortbread samples, Walking between venues with architectural commentary, Guide recommendations for future café visits.

Not included: Full meals or main courses, Retail coffee purchases (though guide recommends brands), Tips (gratuity not mandatory but welcome). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Small bag for take-home shortbread, Appetite for five coffee-and-pastry stops, Camera for Georgian architecture photography. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Afternoon departure (2pm-3pm) works best as most cafés are fully operational by then. April-September has longest daylight for enjoying Georgian architecture. Avoid Sunday mornings when some independent cafés have limited hours..

Tip: Perfect afternoon activity

Tip: Includes take-home shortbread samples

Accessibility: Flat terrain in New Town with paved sidewalks; reasonably wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Some cafés may have steps; guide will identify accessible venues. All distances under 0.5 miles total..

Operator: Sweet Edinburgh Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Princes Street Gardens (5 min south from St Andrew Square walk)
• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (15 min walk or short bus ride north walk)
• National Museum of Scotland (15 min south walk)

This activity is run by Sweet Edinburgh Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48 hours before; 50% refund 24-48 hours before; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Flat terrain in New Town with paved sidewalks; reasonably wheelchair accessible with advance notice. Some cafés may have steps; guide will identify accessible venues. All distances under 0.5 miles total..

Best time to go: Afternoon departure (2pm-3pm) works best as most cafés are fully operational by then. April-September has longest daylight for enjoying Georgian architecture. Avoid Sunday mornings when some independent cafés have limited hours..

How much coffee will I drink on this tour?

Five stops means five coffee drinks, though each is a standard cup or small specialty drink (8-12oz). Some people nurse their coffee while sampling pastries rather than finishing every cup. Inform the guide if you're caffeine-sensitive; they can suggest decaf or tea alternatives.

Are the pastries and shortbread homemade?

All pastries at each café are made on-site or sourced from local bakers within Edinburgh. The take-home shortbread is typically from Scottish shortbread companies like Walker's or Walkers; the guide confirms source at booking.

What if I have dietary restrictions (gluten-free, vegan, etc.)?

Most independent cafés in New Town offer gluten-free pastries and vegan milk alternatives. Inform the guide at booking so they can pre-notify venues and confirm options. Shortbread can often be substituted with alternative treats.