Shopping
Edinburgh is the perfect place to indulge in some serious retail therapy and pick up memorable gifts for family and friends — and as the city is so compact, you can easily explore on foot and in the meantime enjoy spectacular surroundings. Charming boutiques dot the picturesque Royal Mile, classy George Street is the place to go for designer labels, while high-end brands can be found on the prestigious Multrees Walk. Explore the hidden gems of the Old Town's narrow ‘closes’, where you can find unique artisanal crafts, antiques, and local treasures. And don't miss out on the vibrant markets and independent shops that showcase Scotland's rich heritage and contemporary designs — it is granted that you will not leave Edinburgh empty-handed.
Andrea Obzerova/shutterstockTraditional Scottish Souvenirs
If you're looking for traditional Scottish artifacts and souvenirs, head to the cobbled streets of the Old Town — the Royal Mile is packed with shops selling Scottish specialities such as luxuriously soft cashmere, the unavoidable kilts, bagpipes, and whisky.
JeniFoto / Shutterstock.comHeritage of Scotland
If you want to take a piece of Scotland home with you, then do not miss a visit to Heritage of Scotland, the ultimate store for all things Scottish. They have kilts, bagpipes, rugby shirts, Celtic and Scottish jewelery, suits of armor, and so much more.
Julietphotography / Shutterstock.comThe Marshmallow Lady
Claiming to be 'the first gourmet marshmallow shop', The Marshmallow Lady is a unique establishment selling these fluffy homemade treats crafted with love, using locally sourced ingredients. For the daring foodie, there's the adventurous beer-flavored marshmallow. If that doesn't tempt you, perhaps the enticing chocolate mousse flavour sounds more appealing. With a wide variety of flavors available, The Marshmallow Lady ensures there's something to please every palate.
Africa Studio / Shutterstock.comCloses
In Edinburgh's Old Town, the historic Royal Mile serves as the central axis connecting the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace. Branching off this iconic thoroughfare is a labyrinth of narrow alleys known as 'closes'. These charming alleys offer more than just picturesque backyards — they house hidden treasures such as cheese shops, jewelers, and kilt designers. Amidst your exploration, be sure to indulge in the quintessential Scottish treat of shortbread, available throughout the area.
Christian Mueller / Shutterstock.comVictoria Street
Just off the Royal Mile, lies Victoria Street, where brightly colored shops line up to sell all sorts of products to the city's visitors. Here, you can diskover a plethora of offerings, ranging from artisanal cheese and cutting-edge fashion to authentic Scottish design products. Should hunger strike, you'll find yourself spoilt for choice with the abundance of restaurants and pubs nestled within this lively area.
Justin Black / Shutterstock.comWaverley Market
Located right next to Waverley Station, Waverley Market is a shopping destination for both shopping fans and food lovers. It features authentic Scottish and popular high-street brands along with a wide range of small food venues and coffee shops.
Antoniodiaz / Shutterstock.comEdinburgh Farmers' Market
Every Saturday behind the castle, the bustling Edinburgh Farmers' Market takes place selling and serving an array of local delights, including meats, cheeses, baked goods, and craft beer, plus a diverse range of products such as candles, knitwear, and more.
Lucky Business / Shutterstock.comCadenhead Whisky
Discover the legendary Cadenhead Whisky, hailed as Scotland's oldest independent bottler. Prepare to be amazed by their extensive collection of whiskies, rums, and gins sourced from every corner of the world. The staff is very knowledgeable and will give you a great insight into all the different options and guide you through your choice.
Donfiore / Shutterstock.comGrassmarket
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, lies the enchanting Grassmarket — a place so picturesque it could be plucked from the pages of a fantasy novel. Here, amidst its original and quaint shops, artists and artisans showcase their wares. The area itself is very lively, making it a great place to stroll around and do some shopping.
Chrisdorney / Shutterstock.comFudge Kitchen
Indulge in a fudge lover's paradise, where delectable treats await at every turn! While salted caramel and peanut butter reign as crowd favorites, the assortment of handmade fudges goes far beyond these classics. If you’re not sure that these are your cup of tea, you can first try a small piece before committing. And the icing on the cake? You can even make your own fudge!
CKP1001 / Shutterstock.comDoodles
Discover the joy of creativity at Edinburgh's longest-established 'paint your own' pottery workshop. Immerse yourself in a world of possibilities as you choose from a delightful range of white, unglazed pottery items, including mugs, plates, and bowls. With over 80 under-glaze colors at your disposal, you can let your imagination run wild and paint, splash, splatter, doodle, and brush your unique design. Leave your masterpiece in their capable hands, and in just a couple of days, your item will be transformed with a clear glaze and fired to perfection, ready for you to cherish.
Nadezhda Kulikova / Shutterstock.comSheila Fleet
Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Stockbridge, just a short stroll away from the vibrant Princes Street, you'll discover a boutique gallery showcasing the exquisite creations of Sheila Fleet, renowned as one of Scotland's top designer-makers of gold, silver, and platinum jewelry. With a deep-rooted inspiration drawn from the sea, sky, and Scottish landscapes, Sheila's jewellery effortlessly captures the beauty of nature. From necklaces to rings and earrings, her designs are sure to captivate your heart.
Senk / Shutterstock.com