Shopping in Edinburgh

Luxury brands, high street stores and beautiful boutiques, we have it covered. Shopping in Edinburgh is a fantastic experience catering to all tastes, styles and budgets.

Shopping neighbourhoods

Princes Street

There aren’t many cities in the world where the foremost shopping thoroughfare boasts an uninterrupted view of an ancient castle, but Edinburgh’s Princes Street does just that!

Its uniqueness is that shops line only one side of the street, leaving the opposite side a lush and verdant green space giving shoppers breathtaking views of the Old Town cityscape. 

Home to destination and flagship stores such as Marks and Spencer, Primark, Clarks and Dr Martens, Princes Street is the place to be to keep up with High Street fashion. 

Tech enthusiasts will also be in their element, with the Apple Store and Three and EE, while health and beauty brands are also all present and correct, including Boots, Superdrug and Lush.

Located at the east end of Princes Street, you’ll find the newest edition to Edinburgh’s shopping centres – St James Quarter. From beauty to clothing, electronics to footwear, this 4-storey centre has brands in Scotland for the first time, such as & Other Stories, Stradivarius, Bershka, and Pull&Bear. The 1.7 million square feet also includes restaurants, cafés, bars, public spaces, leisure venues and a five-screen cinema. Why not make a stay of your trip – the centre also accommodates Roomzzz Aparthotels and the stylish 12-storey hotel, W Edinburgh.

St James Quarter’s car park contains 1,600+ spaces, including 70 disabled parking bays, 45 electric car charging bays, motorcycle and scooter spaces and dedicated parking spaces for families. There are also bicycle racks located in areas near the Quarter.

Princes Street Gardens is the venue for seasonal markets including the traditional Christmas Market while the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market selling fresh home-grown produce is held every Saturday from 9am to 2pm in nearby Castle Terrace.

You can also find a wide variety of shops and food outlets, with access directly into Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, at Waverley Market – open seven days a week. 

George Street

Running parallel to Princes Street is its stylish sibling, George Street. Home to many upmarket retail stores and hotels, George Street is linked to Princes Street via Hanover Street, Frederick Street and Castle Street.

The street is one of the grandest in Edinburgh, with a wide thoroughfare, stunning Georgian architecture and bookended by the beautiful St Andrew and Charlotte Squares. There are also several notable buildings along the length of George Street, including InterContinental Edinburgh The George, The Dome and The Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Georgian splendour of the Assembly Rooms should definitely not be missed – this unique venue hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, from business conferences and exhibitions to cultural events including concerts and festivals. Discover more about this elegant building and its history in our guide to Edinburgh’s Live Music Venues.

George Street is a chic fashion hub, with stylish and on-trend brands including Anthropologie, Hollister, Hobbs, Gant and Rox Jewellers rubbing shoulders with fashionable bars and restaurants such as All Bar One, TigerLily and Le Monde.

Multrees Walk

Multrees Walk: The definition of luxury shopping in Edinburgh. Home of Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols and Louis Vuitton stores, along with many other exclusive fashion brands, the Multrees Walk shopping experience is second to none, with luxury labels like Mulberry, Burburry and Max Mara catering for the most discerning fashionistas.

Discover more about Shopping in Edinburgh’s New Town.

The West End

A stroll down the quaint cobbled streets of Edinburgh’s West End is an absolute must. Situated only a few minutes walk from Princes Street, a delightful mix of designer fashion boutiques, organic food retailers, gift and flower shops await.

The area’s William Street is a chic enclave of upmarket boutiques, gift shops and delis. Here you’ll find a variety of galleries and elegant fashion boutiques, including Gallery Ten, Oska, Frontiers Man and Frontiers Woman. If you’re looking for designer jewellery then head over to Lily Luna or Liam Ross Jewellery. In need of a quirky card? – Paper Tiger is a treasure trove of cards and gifts for all occasions. 

Discover more about the delights of Shopping in Edinburgh’s West End.

The Grassmarket and Victoria Street

Edinburgh’s Grassmarket and Victoria Street are the perfect places to spend the day, exploring independent shops and fashion boutiques, from cutting edge designer to retro and vintage.

A buzzing restaurant, pub and shopping area beneath Edinburgh Castle, the area is brimming with talented designers and artisans selling crafts, vintage clothing and antiques, as well as gourmet food in a vibrant al fresco setting. 

With its cobbled and twisted appearance, many Harry Potter fans think the area’s delightful Victoria Street resembles the book’s magical Diagon Alley. What do you think?

Read more about the boy wizard in our Ultimate Harry Potter Guide to Edinburgh 

A narrow, winding road with high shops on either side, Victoria Street offers a variety of independent shops that are great for browsing. Don’t miss The Red Door Gallery, a one-stop shop for local artists selling original work, prints, jewellery and crafts, Museum Context, which is packed to the gunnels with all kinds of Harry Potter merchandise and The Whisky Shop, which stocks a range of Scottish and worldwide whiskies. Looking for some iconic traditional Scottish tweed? Be sure to pay Walker & Slater a visit. 

The Grassmarket is also home to some more quirky shops, which are great places to shop for that unique birthday gift. For the beautiful smell of old books, be sure to make time to visit John Kay’s Shop, while Mr Wood’s Fossils is the place to go for fossils, minerals, meteorites and jewellery. Fabhatrix specialise in high quality hats that you simply won’t find on the high street and Swish stock a stylish range of gifts and accessories for all the family. 

Once you’re all shopped out, enjoy a well earned rest at Maison de Moggy, Scotland’s first Cat Cafe, for a cuppa and some feline company or Mary’s Milk Bar for some exceptionally tasty homemade gelato.

Explore more about Shopping in the Grassmarket.

Stockbridge

Stockbridge has a great mix of jewellers, galleries, second-hand and gourmet food shops complemented by cosy cafés and restaurants. The weekly Sunday Stockbridge Market is a focal point for residents and visitors alike with a feast of fresh produce, artisan bakes and handmade crafts.

The area is home to a wide range of delicious delis and food stockists, including I.J Mellis and George Mewes Cheese who both stock a mouth-watering range of farmhouse and artisan cheese. Artisan bread, preserved meats and wines can be found at Herbie of Edinburgh and The Pastry Selection have an exceptional range of sweet treats. 

Famed for its abundance of independent shops, Stockbridge is teeming with style thanks to Those Were the Days Vintage basement boutique, Treen and Willow Boutique. 

For beautiful jewellery inspired by Scotland’s landscapes try the Sheila Fleet Gallery. Bastion of old-school vinyl record shopping, Voxbox is a treasure trove of shopping delights, as too is Dick’s – a bonanza of specialist clothing, accessories and homewares. Need some tranquillity? The Floatarium Spa offers sanctuary through reflexology, head massage and microdermabrasion.

Read more about Shopping in Stockbridge.

Bruntsfield and Morningside

These attractive leafy neighbourhoods are one of the most affluent in Edinburgh. Heading south from the west end of Princes Street up Lothian Road and through Tollcross you’ll come to Bruntsfield with Morningside just beyond. It’s a friendly place with plenty of cafés, pubs, restaurants and quirky shops. If you want to find an unusual gift or something special to take home for dinner – make a beeline for this area!

On Bruntsfield you’ll find the shoe boutique Ooh Ruby Shoes and card shop The Bay Tree Company. Morningside boasts some of the best charity shops in Edinburgh – you never know, you might just find your next vintage piece!

Discover more about Shopping in Bruntsfield and Morningside.

The Royal Mile

This historic backbone of the Old Town is an old favourite for gifts including Scottish crafts, cashmere and whisky, alongside some of Edinburgh’s oldest taverns and eateries. 

While on the Royal Mile, why not pop into Cadenhead Whisky Shop or Ragamuffin which both stock Scottish produce that would be perfect for gifts.

Or, if you fancy discovering more about how Scotland’s national drink is made, The Scotch Whisky Experience should definitely be on your to-do list. They have have an excellent shop, which is ideal for souvenirs. 

While in the area, be sure to take a stroll down St Mary’s Street, which joins the Royal Mile at the junction with the Canongate. Here you’ll find small artisan shops such as Mackenzie Leather, makers of luxury bags; Scottish Textiles Showcase, specialists in luxury Scottish crafts, including knitting wool, blankets, throws and clothing; Gordon Nicholson Kiltmakers and Kilberry Bagpipes. After all that shopping, why not treat yourself to a delicious ice cream from the popular Moo Pie Gelato.

Read more about Shopping on the Royal Mile.

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Shopping centres 

There are lots of shopping centres in Edinburgh, each providing a wide range of high street brands both in the centre and on the outskirts of the city.

Ocean Terminal

At the heart of Edinburgh’s flagship waterfront regeneration, Ocean Terminal boasts 45,000 sqm of shopping and leisure activities on three floors. The mix includes an array of stores, bars and restaurants and a 12-screen cinema, not to mention stunning views over the Firth of Forth.

Nautical lovers should also head to Ocean Terminal to see The Royal Yacht Britannia, Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace for over 40 years, which is now permanently berthed in Edinburgh. 

The Gyle

Spanning 20 hectares with 27,870sq m of retail space, The Gyle is found to the west of Edinburgh city centre, close to the airport and city bypass. It has 2,500 car parking spaces and more than 600,000 people living within a 20 minute drive. The centre accommodates more than 45 shops and food outlets. 

Waverley Market

With direct access onto both Princes Street and into Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, Waverley Market is an ideally located shopping destination. It’s the perfect place to stop by for fashion, food and a last minute Scottish souvenir before catching your train. 

Fort Kinnaird

With over 70 branded and high street shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as a gym and cinema, Fort Kinnaird has all your shopping needs in one great outdoor shopping destination, which is also open late 7 days per week. About 25 minutes drive from the city centre, the centre has over 2,600 free parking spaces, as well as a number of bike parking locations. 

Craigleith Retail Park

On South Groathill Road, Craigleith Retail Park is easily reached by car, bike or foot. The park is well served by public transport, with Lothian Buses routes 24, 37, 38, 41, 42 and 113 all providing services to the park. The centre has a variety of home, fashion and food outlets. 

Cameron Toll

1½ miles from Edinburgh’s city centre, Cameron Toll has free parking, together with late night shopping on Thursday and Friday. You’ll find homeware, fashion and food retailers all accommodated here.

Straiton Retail Park

Around a 30 minute drive from Edinburgh city centre, Straiton Retail Park is full of inspiring homeware, fashion, food and lifestyle brands that have all the family’s shopping needs covered.

1,073 free car parking bays are available or choose to travel by public transport. Lothian Buses services 37, 47, X62 operate a regular service from the city centre.

Livingston Designer Outlet

Approximately 50 minutes drive from Edinburgh is Livingston Designer Outlet, Scotland’s largest designer outlet. Home to a wide range of stores, with up to 60% savings, from iconic brands such as Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger to high street favourites like M&S and Next, they’re sure to have something to suit all tastes and budgets.

It is also home to an 8-screen cinema, two 18-hole adventure golf courses and a range of restaurants and cafés.

The centre has two car parks, offering 1,775 parking spaces including disabled, parent and child spaces and EV charging. 

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