The quiet and charming neighbourhood of New Edinburgh is just east of the downtown core and ByWard Market areas, bordered on the west by the Rideau River, to the north by the Ottawa River, and to the south by Beechwood Avenue.

The eastern border is less regular but is marked in part by Springfield Drive and Maple Lane. The area is well established and fairly affluent, though not to the same degree as neighbouring Rockcliffe.

Nonetheless, the Governor General of Canada's large residence (Rideau Hall) and grounds are located in New Edinburgh, as is 24 Sussex Drive (home of the Prime Minister of Canada).

In addition, the neighbourhood is home to several embassies and consulates, giving it plenty of character and architectural integrity. The area was established by Thomas McKay, one of the builders of the Rideau Canal lock system.

He bought the land at the junction of the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers in 1829 and created a village named for Edinburgh in his native Scotland. The streets in the neighbourhood were named after McKay's family.

A special act of parliament incorporated as a village in 1866, but it was annexed in 1887 by the City of Ottawa. OC Transpo offers bus service in the area, with routes 94, 106, 101, 95, 97, and 102 stopping within walking distance of most residences Confederation Station is also nearby, and provides OTrain service.