And the large number of major developments currently proposed mean there is plenty more change soon to come.
The city centre, in particular, is likely to see a big transformation, not least because of the masterplan for the future of Princes Street, another masterplan for Waverley station and the scheme to make George Street a pedestrian and cycle zone.
Changes to individual buildings will also have a major impact on the city centre - such as the plans for new hotels in place of former stores, like Debenhams, on Princes Street; and the conversion of the old Royal High School to become a National Centre for Music.
Here’s a look at nine major developments that are set to change the face of the city centre.
9. National Centre for Music
The old Royal High School is to be turned into a National Centre for Music with a 300-seat concert hall in the space once earmarked to be the debating chamber of a Scottish parliament. Plans for the Grade A-listed building also to become a new home for St Mary's Music School have been abandoned because of escalating costs. There will also be spaces suitable for educational classes and workshops, performances, rehearsals and dressing rooms, as well as a new cafe-restaurant and bar and public garden. | supplied