Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Best places to shop in Edinburgh

4 markets, malls and shopping districts in Edinburgh — what to buy, when to go, and the tourist traps to avoid at each one.

Last updated 2026-08-09

1. Royal Mile

The old town's spine from the castle to Holyrood — tartan, whisky, cashmere and souvenirs in the closes and shops along the way.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 09:00–18:00; longer in festival season
Cost: Budget–Luxury

Watch out'Scottish' woollens and tartan on the Royal Mile are frequently imported acrylic. Genuine Harris Tweed carries the Orb mark on its label, and real cashmere is sold by weight and ply — both cost several times the tourist version.

2. Grassmarket and Victoria Street

The curved, coloured street below the castle — independent bookshops, joke shops, cheesemongers and boutiques.

Where: Street Shopping
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 10:00–18:00
Cost: Mid-range

3. Princes Street and St James Quarter

The new town's main retail — department stores and chains along Princes Street, with the modern St James Quarter mall at the east end.

Where: Mall
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Daily 09:00–19:00; Sunday 11:00–18:00
Cost: Mid-range

4. Stockbridge Market and Armchair Books

The Sunday farmers' and craft market in Stockbridge, with the neighbourhood's antique shops and secondhand bookshops around it.

Where: Market
Map: Open in Maps
Best time: Sundays 10:00–17:00
Cost: Mid-range
Tip: Scottish whisky is best bought from a specialist merchant rather than a Royal Mile souvenir shop — the selection and advice are entirely different.

Best places to shop in Edinburgh

1. Royal Mile

2. Grassmarket and Victoria Street

3. Princes Street and St James Quarter

4. Stockbridge Market and Armchair Books

More about Edinburgh