Edinburgh’s Best Shopping Streets: From Luxury Brands to Vintage Treasures

The first time I set foot in Edinburgh, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with its shopping streets. Like many visitors, I was drawn by the silhouette of Edinburgh Castle, the cobblestones of the Royal Mile, and the gothic drama of the Old Town. But within days, I realized that Edinburgh’s shops—sprawled across historic streets, elegant Georgian boulevards, and tucked into quirky closes—tell their own story of the city. Shopping here feels less like an errand and more like an exploration, a chance to weave through layers of history, tradition, and modern creativity.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the streets where I spent hours browsing, trying, and sometimes splurging. From luxury brands on George Street to vintage treasures in Grassmarket, every corner offers a discovery. For first-time visitors, knowing where to shop can transform the trip into something unforgettable.

Princes Street: Edinburgh’s Commercial Heart

Standing on Princes Street feels like standing on the edge of two worlds. On one side, sleek shops and buzzing traffic; on the other, the green sweep of Princes Street Gardens rising into the Castle Rock. The views alone make this one of the most spectacular shopping streets I’ve ever walked.

I started at the west end, where John Lewis & Partners anchors the new St James Quarter. Inside, I wandered through four floors of everything from fashion to electronics. I’m not usually a department-store person, but this one had an energy—families testing tech gadgets, couples sniffing perfumes, tourists like me lost among the racks of Scottish knitwear.

Further along, high-street staples like Zara, H\&M, and Marks & Spencer line the road. I popped into Primark, where students were hauling baskets of affordable clothes. My prize from Princes Street? A soft wool scarf from Edinburgh Woollen Mill—affordable, practical, and Scottish to the core.

What to buy here: everyday fashion, knitwear, shoes, and souvenirs.

Tip: Arrive early in the day, before the crowds swell. And don’t forget to step into Princes Mall, an underground shopping arcade perfect for a rainy afternoon.

George Street: Elegance and Luxury

If Princes Street is practical, George Street is indulgent. Just a block north, this wide Georgian boulevard exudes sophistication with its symmetrical townhouses and leafy vistas. Walking here felt like stepping into another social class entirely.

My first stop was Harvey Nichols, a gleaming temple of fashion where luxury labels like Gucci and Burberry share space with champagne bars. I didn’t buy much—window-shopping here is already intoxicating—but I did pick up a small bottle of Scottish gin from their gourmet section.

Further down, boutiques like Kavelle Couture caught my eye. I stepped inside and was greeted by racks of bridal and evening wear, all shimmering under soft lighting. Not that I needed a gown, but it was impossible not to admire the craftsmanship.

At AllSaints, I tried on a leather jacket that fit so perfectly I nearly convinced myself it was a necessity. Across the street, Whistles and Jigsaw catered to chic professionals. George Street is also dotted with classy bars and cafés—perfect for taking a break between splurges.

What to buy here: luxury fashion, designer accessories, artisanal spirits.

Personal feeling: Shopping on George Street gave me the sense of playing dress-up in another life. I may not live in silk blouses or cashmere coats every day, but for an afternoon, I could.

Multrees Walk: The Home of Designer Labels

At the eastern end of St Andrew Square lies Multrees Walk, Edinburgh’s answer to Bond Street in London. The cobbled pedestrian lane gleams with glass shopfronts: Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Michael Kors.

I paused longest at Mulberry, where leather bags in warm caramel and deep forest green tempted me from their displays. The staff were warm without being pushy, offering to let me try on different styles. Next door, Harvey Nichols Foodmarket lured me back with its decadent shelves of truffles, rare whiskies, and handmade chocolates.

I eventually left with something small but meaningful: a silk scarf from Louis Vuitton. It wasn’t cheap, but wearing it later as I walked down the Royal Mile made me feel wrapped in Edinburgh’s mix of history and glamour.

What to buy here: handbags, luxury accessories, rare whisky, gourmet treats.

Tip: If you’re visiting in January, watch out for post-Christmas sales. Discounts can be substantial, even at high-end shops.

Grassmarket: Vintage Finds Beneath the Castle

The first time I descended into Grassmarket, the Castle looming dramatically above, I knew I’d found my favorite shopping district. Here, history mingles with bohemian charm. Stone buildings house vintage shops, quirky boutiques, and pubs buzzing with laughter.

My first treasure hunt began at Armstrongs Vintage Emporium. Inside, the air smelled faintly of leather and mothballs, and racks overflowed with sequined gowns, tartan kilts, and military jackets. I spent nearly an hour trying on eccentric hats, finally walking out with a second-hand tweed blazer that fit like destiny.

Nearby, Herman Brown offered curated vintage pieces that felt more like art than clothing. At Mr Wood’s Fossils, I browsed cabinets filled with ammonites and crystals, a perfect stop if you’re shopping with children or science enthusiasts.

What to buy here: vintage clothing, unique accessories, fossils, quirky gifts.

Personal moment: Sitting with my blazer in a paper bag at a pub table outside, I watched buskers perform against the backdrop of the Castle. Shopping here felt like stepping into a storybook.

Victoria Street: A Rainbow of Independent Shops

Curving like a ribbon just off the Grassmarket, Victoria Street is often said to have inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. The rainbow-colored facades make it irresistible to wander, camera in hand.

At The Red Door Gallery, I found contemporary prints by local artists—bold colors, witty designs, affordable enough to carry home. Next door, Museum Context drew me in with its Harry Potter memorabilia: wands, house scarves, and whimsical décor.

I couldn’t resist stopping at Walker Slater, famous for their tweed. I tried on a waistcoat that made me feel like a 19th-century scholar. They even offered tailoring services, and the staff spoke passionately about the fabric’s Scottish heritage.

Further along, I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger filled the street with the earthy smell of aged cheese. I bought a small wedge of smoked cheddar and nibbled it as I climbed back toward the Royal Mile.

What to buy here: local art, Scottish tweed, Harry Potter souvenirs, artisanal food.

Feeling: Victoria Street was pure magic—a place where history and imagination blurred.

The Royal Mile: Souvenirs and Heritage

Stretching from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile is touristy, yes, but essential. Every shop seems to sell tartan scarves, whisky miniatures, or shortbread tins. But if you take your time, gems emerge.

I ducked into Cranachan & Crowdie, where shelves brimmed with locally sourced jams, oatcakes, and gin. The staff insisted I try a sample of raspberry preserve, and I left with two jars in my bag.

At Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco, the air was thick with oak and malt. The staff offered detailed advice on single malts, and I bought a bottle of GlenDronach 12, wrapped carefully for my flight home.

What to buy here: whisky, Scottish food products, tartan accessories.

Tip: Don’t settle for the first souvenir shop you see. Wander a little deeper and you’ll find authenticity and better quality.

Stockbridge: Sunday Market Treasures

North of the city centre lies Stockbridge, an elegant yet bohemian neighborhood. On Sundays, its market becomes one of the city’s liveliest spots. Stalls groan under the weight of artisan bread, handmade jewelry, organic soaps, and vintage books.

I bought a silver ring from a local jeweler, its design inspired by Celtic knots. Later, I nibbled on warm pastries while strolling by the Water of Leith, watching swans glide through the water.

What to buy here: handmade jewelry, organic skincare, crafts, gourmet food.

Feeling: Stockbridge Market felt like shopping in someone’s extended living room—intimate, friendly, and full of surprises.

Morningside: Bookshops and Quiet Boutiques

South of the city, Morningside charmed me with leafy streets and slower rhythms. Here, I found second-hand bookshops filled with treasures—leather-bound classics, yellowing paperbacks, rare Scottish editions.

At The Hermitage Bookshop, I stumbled across a 1905 edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s poems. The owner wrapped it carefully, as though I’d bought a priceless artifact.

Nearby, small boutiques sold knitwear, stationery, and gifts. I lingered in The Cat’s Miaou, a shop filled with whimsical home décor.

What to buy here: vintage books, home goods, Scottish crafts.

Personal touch: This was where I shopped for myself, not for souvenirs—gifts that spoke to my own love of words and quiet corners.

Practical Tips for Shopping in Edinburgh

1. Timing matters. January and July sales offer excellent bargains.
2. Tax-free shopping. Non-UK residents can claim VAT refunds on certain purchases.
3. Plan for rain. Many streets are open-air—bring an umbrella.
4. Combine with sightseeing. Princes Street Gardens, the Castle, and Arthur’s Seat are all close to major shopping areas.
5. Booking platforms. For flights, I often use Skyscanner UK; for hotels, Booking.com or Expedia UK; for attraction tickets, GetYourGuide ensures easy entry.

Shopping in Edinburgh isn’t about ticking off brands or filling bags. It’s about slipping into the fabric of the city itself—touching wool woven in the Highlands, sipping gin distilled on the shores of the Forth, leafing through books older than your grandparents. Each purchase feels like a memory made tangible.

When I look at my tweed blazer from Grassmarket or my ring from Stockbridge, I’m not just reminded of the shops but of the city—the buskers, the rain-slicked cobblestones, the castle looming above it all. Edinburgh’s shopping streets are not just places to spend money. They are places to feel alive, curious, and connected to centuries of stories.