Come for the shops, stay for the vibe – discover a side of Edinburgh you never knew existed at St James Quarter.
What do you think of when you think of shopping in Edinburgh? Cosy little shops on cobbled streets filled with traditional Scottish gifts like tartan scarfs, hand-crafted jewellery and shortbread in decorative tins? We’ve got all of that, of course, but Edinburgh isn’t just about heritage and history, it’s also home to one of the UK’s most exciting destinations for shopping and leisure: St James Quarter.
Right in the heart of the city, St James Quarter is a state-of-the-art retail and lifestyle centre that brings together the very best in fashion, food, fun and accommodation – all under one beautifully designed contemporary roof.
Whether you’re visiting the city, planning a family day out, or looking for a place to catch up with friends, here’s why you should make it your next stop.
Shop the world’s best brands
From high-street favourites to designer labels, St James Quarter is a shopaholics paradise.
You’ll find household names like Zara, Superdry and Next, alongside luxury offerings from Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade and Breitling. Beauty lovers can indulge in Rituals, Molton Brown, Boots and Space NK, while if you’re shopping for new tech, John Lewis, Samsung and Sky have you covered. And for the young – and the young at heart, don’t miss a visit to the Lego store. With over 80 retailers, and more opening all the time, there’s truly something for every taste, style and budget.
Year-round events for everyone
Events for all the family play centre stage at the Quarter, covering everything from food and drink to fashion.
Highlights include the popular springtime Edinburgh Seafood Festival, where visitors can enjoy live chef demonstrations, special seafood-themed meals and intimate supper clubs. In the summer, St James Quarter Sessions bring the centre to life with live music performances that turn the area into a buzzing stage. As the year winds down, the festive season arrives in full force with themed pop-ups and exclusive shopping events, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover no matter when you visit. Keep an eye on their events page or sign up to their newsletter to be amongst the first to hear latest announcements.
A foodie’s playground
Once you’ve shopped to your heart’s content, take a culinary tour without even leaving the building.
The centre is home to a vibrant collection of restaurants, cafes and bars tempting diners with everything from quick bites to indulgent meals. Try Bonnie & Wild, Edinburgh’s first food hall, for more than a dozen independent restaurants, bars and shops. Enjoy cocktails with a view at Duck & Waffle; savour the bold tastes of Ka Pao’s Asian dishes, feast on Scottish sourdough pizzas at east Pizzas, or indulge your sweet tooth with gelato from Joelato.
Whether you’re after a relaxed brunch, family-friendly options, or a romantic dinner, there’s a spot for every occasion.
Entertainment for all the family
St James Quarter isn’t just for shopping and dining – it’s also packed with entertainment.
Catch the latest blockbuster at Everyman Cinema, complete with comfy sofas and table service. Challenge friends to a round at Lane 7, the retro-inspired bowling arcade and crazy golf experience that’s perfect for all ages or hit the bullseye at Flight Club.
Stay in style
Make your visit last longer by booking into the stunning W Edinburgh, a luxury hotel located right inside the centre. With sleek modern rooms and a rooftop bar boasting jaw-dropping views of the city skyline, it’s the perfect place for resting your weary head after enjoying everything Edinburgh has to offer.
With all the comforts of home, but with all the niceties of a premium hotel, Roomzzz Aparthotels are ideal for those who want a bit more flexibility. Available for both short- and long-term stays, these spacious suites are so comfortable, you may never want to check-out!
St James Quarter is so much more than a shopping centre – it’s a lifestyle destination that redefines what it means to spend time in Scotland’s capital city. When are you stopping by?
Shop, shop, shop. From charming local neighbourhoods, to bustling city sites, you can shop all day long in Edinburgh. Explore shopping in Edinburgh.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
