Shopping in Edinburgh

Edinburgh offers a shopping experience like no other. Whatever your mood and whatever you're looking for, the city has something for you. From the High Street favourites of Princes Street to the funky boutiques of the New Town and West End, you'll be spoilt for choice. Go shopping in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile, for shops that stock goods made in Scotland, and as Scotland is famous for it's knitwear, you will find specialist shopping for the likes of Scottish cashmere sweaters, and the finest of Scottish lambs wool, offered by any shop in the country. You can shop for antiques, Scottish CDs, tapes and records, gifts made in Scotland, Scottish bagpipes, kilts and tartan woollen products all made in Scotland. A great inexpensive gift from Scotland is Scottish shortbread which you will see in shops all over Edinburgh. Luxury or budget priced you will find it all in the shops of Edinburgh. Shops in Edinburgh are generally open Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm; Thursday is usually late night shopping when most high street shops stay open until 8 pm. Supermarkets and small convenience stores are often open from 7 am until 8 pm or 10 pm every night. Lots of high street stores are open on Sundays as are most big supermarkets. Most large stores accept major credit and debit cards and use ‘chip and pin’ technology instead of a signature; small shops may prefer payment in cash.

The centre of Edinburgh is seriously stylish. Here you'll find Harvey Nichols, a shrine to style. Packed with designer names, Stella McCartney, Prada and Gucci to name but a few - this is a must for every fashionista! Just around the corner is Multrees Walk, home to some serious designer labels, including Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani and Mulberry. Just a short walk across St Andrew Square takes you to Jenners, Edinburgh's original department - a magnet for fashion lovers since 1838.

 

Princes Street

Princes Street offers a shopping experience with a difference - the perfect mix of shopping and sightseeing, with High Street favourites, such as Zara, Gap, H&M and Frasers on one side and the spectacular Edinburgh Castle on the other. Probably the most notable name on Princes Street today is Jenners, the oldest store in the city and one of the oldest department stores in the world. Its complex Victorian façade is seen on many an Edinburgh postcard, and inside you'll find gorgeous architecture, fashions, food markets, and even souvenirs. But Princes Street has room for retailers large and small, and further along you'll find everything from bookstores, electronics shops, flowers and even herbal remedies.

A block away from Princes Street is George Street. With it's divine mix of sophisticated shops and hip bars, this is one stylish street not to be missed! Visit Lime Blue for sparkling diamonds, The White Company for exclusive home accessories,Space NK for a spot of pampering and LK Bennett for a fantastic selection of shoes.

 

Boho Shopping

Some parts of Edinburgh are so different and quirky they are practically 'villages' in their own right. The West End, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield are all within walking distance or a short bus ride from the city centre and provide an ideal hunting ground for the more unique items. The West End, only a few minutes walk from Princes Street have two streets packed with remarkable shops - Stafford Street and William Street. Ark Angel and Sam Thomas are a favourite amongst the Edinburgh fashion shoppers, while Studio One is full of unusual gift ideas and home ware. If you love the boho village vibe, head to Stockbridge in the New Town - with an abundance of second hand shops and galleries. And a little further afield is Bruntsfield, with its young, hip vibe, you'll find everything here from scented candles in Halibut and Herring to the latest trendy board wear at Freeze Scotland.

 

Grassmarket

For some Scottish souvenirs, the best place to head to is the Grassmarket. Edinburgh’s vibrant and historic Grassmarket area, overlooked by Edinburgh Castle, offers a range of interesting things to see and do for the whole family. Browse through some of Edinburgh’s most unique and quirky shops, or watch the world go by from one of the many pavement cafés, restaurants and bars. Here you are spoilt for choice. Also not to be missed is the Royal Mile. From the finest cashmere in The Hawick Cashmere Company to modern Scottish interiors at Anta Scotland, to the first-class tartan of Geoffrey (Tailor) Kiltmakers and beautiful knitwear at Ragamuffin and original Scottish pieces at Ness Scotland.

If you are interested in vintage shopping, Edinburgh has a fine selection of second-hand clothing stores. Herman Brown on West Port has an unmissable selection of vintage jewellery and handbags, while WM Armstrongs in the Grassmarket is an Edinburgh institution - stuffed to the rafters with funky pieces from the 1920s right through to the 1980s. Flip of Hollywood on South Bridge sells Americana retro gear.

 

Ocean Terminal

Head down to the historic port of Leith to admire the newly transformed docklands. With its numerous bars, bistros, shops and attractions, it feels like a town in its own right. Ocean Terminal offers quality shopping with some fantastic views over the Firth of Forth to Fife. With over 70 stores, a 12 screen cinema and 15 restaurants and bars, there's plenty to keep you busy here. Just next door, you'll find the Royal Yacht Britannia docked, a 5 star visitor attraction worth a visit while you're there. Other top choices in the area include Kinloch Anderson Highland Dress & Retail Store on Commercial Street and Flux, specialising in Scottish crafts and Fair Trade gifts on Bernard Street.