As we all know Edinburgh is one of the most popular cities of the UK.
The historic places and amazing countryside close by have long been a huge attraction of the capital.
For the same reason, thousands of tourists pour into the city every year, but apart from the attractions, the city has more to offer you.
It can be the best place for holiday shopping from luxury brands to high street stores, you will find everything here. In simple terms, you can shop to your heart’s content depending on your style, taste and of course your budget.
Some of the places you must visit on your trip are:
Princes Street
It goes without saying that there will be no other city around the world, which gives a breathtaking view of a medieval castle when you are walking along one of the main shopping streets. On Princes Street all the shops are on one side and the pedestrians can enjoy the view of the Old Town on the other.
The street is home to some amazing brands like Debenhams, M&S, Frasers including Jenners, thus making it a hub for high street fashion. The street is a one-stop place for beauty and healthcare products with stores like The Body Shop, Boots and SuperDrug.
The street is near to the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market which takes place on Castle Terrace on Saturdays and the European Market which is part of Edinburgh’s Christmas is usually sited in Princes Street Gardens.
George Street
Parallel to Princes Street you will find George Street which has become a bit of a beacon of style. The street has a few hotels but consists mainly of upmarket retail stores. The street is famous for its Georgian architecture, and is flanked at either end by Charlotte Square home to the Edinburgh International Book Festival and St Andrew Square home to entertainment of all kinds all year round. Some other attractions you will find on the street are the city’s Assembly Rooms, The Dome and The George Hotel (yes George Clooney really did stay there apparently!)
The street incorporates some of the trendy and stylish brands for fashion lovers such as Karen Millen, Anthropologie, LK Bennett, Jack Wills and Rox Jewellers along with some restaurants like TigerLily, All Bar One Jamie’s Italian, the restaurant at The Dome and in Le Monde.
Multrees Walk
If you are looking for an exclusive luxurious shopping spot then Multrees Walk is it. Nespresso, Louis Vuitton and Harvey Nichols and some amazing fashion brands can be spotted here.
On this short street, you will also find luxury brands like Links of London and Mulberry and Reiss and Michael Kors.
The West End
The West End is a place you must visit on your trip. The quaint cobblestone streets are very attractive and has much to offer visitors with flowers, designer fashion boutiques and organic food as well as gift shops.
On William Street, you will find upmarket gift shops, boutiques and delis. If you are looking for jewellery, you can visit Lily Luna, for indie fashion, stores like Frontiers, Sam Brown and Just G hit the mark. Edinburgh Larder Bistro, Brass & Copper and others offer you a place to take a break and sip a cup of hot coffee or eat something delicious.
The Grassmarket and Victoria Street
If you are looking for a place to spend some time, then this is it. Whether you are looking for vintage or designer clothing, crafts or a restaurant or a pub this is the place to find them all within a short distance from one another. This is the place of Scottish artisans and designers to yummy gourmet foods to tickle your taste buds.
Mr Wood’s Fossils is great for people looking for something unusual, Fabhatrix for people who love hats, Mary’s Milk Bar for people with a sweet tooth and Cat Cafe Maison de Moggy for a quick bite with a feline.
Stockbridge
The Sunday Stockbridge Market is loved by locals as well as tourists looking for artisan bakers and fresh produce. If you are looking for second-hand products, jewellery or foodstuffs you will find it all here. If you want to relax for a bit then visit The Floatarium Spa for head massage reflexology and microdermabrasion.
Morningside and Bruntsfield
This place is one of the ‘posh’ neighbourhoods in the city. There are a number of cafés, pubs, individual shops and restaurants. If you are looking for some special treat for the dinner or some out of the box gifts, you are in the right place. A number of charity shops are also found here in particular we love the Salvation Army boutique.
The Royal Mile
If you are looking for gifts such as whisky, Scottish crafts and cashmere then this oldest spot of Edinburgh is your stop. You can shop at Scotch Whisky Heritage, Cranachan & Crowdie and Cadenhead Whisky Shop for the best gifts. If you are looking for some stunning handbags then have a look at Ness Clothing Co.
Shopping can sometimes turn out to be an expensive affair. So make sure that after looking around the show you look for discount deals from Dealslands for their online stores and get them delivered to your home.
This way you will be able to save for your next shopping trip to Edinburgh!
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
