Shopping in Edinburgh
Discover 49 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Valvona & Crolla
Its grey frontage looks unassuming, but step through the door into a wonderland of food, much of it sourced direct from Italy by the family that have owned and run this business since 1934. Appears in the Sunday papers more often than Sudoku. If you like the look (and smell!) of all the goodies but wouldn't know what to do with any of it, just continue to the back of the shop and hope to get a seat in the bright cafe. If you can't make it to the original shop, they also have a small concession in Jenners on Princes St.
19 Elm Row, Leith Walk Website -
Jenners
Until recently it was the world's oldest independent department store, now sadly part of the House of Fraser chain (there's another at the very west end of Princes Street, number 145), and has lost some of its character. Still an endearingly warren-like building, with the ''Great Hall'' at its heart an impressive sight, especially at Christmas-time. Has a franchise of London's famous ''Hamleys'' toyshop in the basement.
48 Princes Street Website -
IJ Mellis
Cheese paradise! If you like cheese at all you will struggle to walk past this place as the aroma will draw you right in through the door. Specialist cheesemonger with a range of artisan cheeses from all over Scotland, the UK and Europe. With the greatest customer service in Edinburgh, the friendly staff are always more than happy to offer you a wee taste to help you make up your mind what to buy.
6 Baker Place, Stockbridge Website -
St James Centre
This shopping centre just off the east end of Princes Street in a very unattractive building is now closed and will be demolished to make space for a new larger shopping centre to be completed in 2020. The directly adjacent '''[http://www.johnlewis.com/ John Lewis]''' department store remains open during the redevelopment.
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Vinyl Villains
Second-hand record shop of the type that used to be found in every town in the country. Vinyl Villains has survived due to maintaining high standards of service and always having plenty of interesting items in stock. Specialise in vinyl (duh!) but also CDs, T-shirts, posters, fanzines (including some football titles)
5 Elm Row, Leith Walk Website -
The Gramophone Emporium
Purveyors of vintage Gramophones and 78rpm discs. They sell original recordings of the greatest singers and instrumentalists from the late nineteenth and early years of the twentieth century. They stock an extensive range of rare classical, operatic & orchestral 78 rpm records. And gramophones of course.
12 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge 2PM-5PM Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 10:30AM-5PM, Sun 12:00noon-4PM, closed Mon & Tue Website -
Edina Lock & Key Co. Ltd.
Ironmonger & Locksmith. If you like the brass door furniture you've seen on the traditional townhouses in the New Town, this is the place to pick up the knobs, knockers, numbers and letter-boxes you need to make your own front door look just the same. A real treasure-trove of a shop.
10-12 Brandon Terrace, Canonmills 9:30AM-5:30PM Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, early closing 1PM Wed Website -
Villeneuve Wines
An excellent range of wines in stock at this branch of a small local chain. The knowledgable staff are always happy to help out with any advice you need. Good range of quality bottled beers too, and this is also a great place to buy Malt Whiskies with over 150 usually in stock.
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Harburn Hobbies
Family run business established in the 1930s. Specialises in model railways, including some items exclusive to this shop. Also die-cast model vehicles, Scalextric slot car racing systems and plastic and wooden model construction kits.
67 Elm Row, Leith Walk Website -
Country Life Edinburgh
Fishing gear and clothing. Friendly helpful service, advice given from fishing enthusiasts who are knowledgeable, pleasant and cheerful. Truly a pleasant shopping experience. And they go beyond the call of duty too, if it is needed.
229 Balgreen Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2RZ Website -
Hing Sing
Food items from across South-east Asia, as well as some crockery and cooking utensils. Great for those hard-to-find ingredients but even items also stocked by the mainstream supermarkets are usually significantly better value here.
310 Leith Walk, EH6 5BU -
Corstorphine
Originally a village on its own, but now part of Edinburgh. There are an assortment of chain and independent shops on St John's Road. Near this is a large Tesco (24hr supermarket) on Meadow Place Road, behind PC World.
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Ocean Terminal
A huge undercover shopping centre at with many of the usual High Street chain shops (Debenhams, Gap, Top Shop, Waterstones, etc.) and one or two more unusual options, plus bars, restaurants and a multi-screen cinema.
Ocean Drive Website -
Sheila Fleet
The well-known jewellery designer's first shop outside of her native Orkney. Fleet says that her original designs reflect the natural world around her in Orkney, and also the history and folklore of the islands.
18 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge Website -
Real Foods
The original Edinburgh "health food" shop which opened in 1975. Sells a wide range of loose and packet dried goods, some vegetarian ready meals and snacks and a small selection of organic fruit and vegetables.
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Fort Kinnaird
A massive out of town retail complex (supposedly the biggest of its type in the UK), next to the A1 dual carriageway as it heads out of town to the south-east. Lots of mainstream chain shops.
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Edinburgh Farmers Market
A variety of delicious food like freshly made burgers, hog roasts and local bakery products is offered, as well as Scottish produce such as cheese, beer, fish, meat and fruits/vegetables.
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Concrete Wardrobe
An independent shop set up by two Scottish textile designers to showcase artisan products from Scotland. Home furnishings, clothes, jewellery and gifts. A lovely place to browse.
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Leith Cycle Co
Excellent local bike shop with a range of bikes, spares and accessories. Repair shop in the back and a hire service starting at £12 for a half-day hire or £17 for a full day.
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Gyle Shopping Centre
An indoor shopping centre with Marks and Spencer and Morrisons as the anchor stores, and about 50 shops. Located at the Western edge of the city, near the Gogar roundabout.
South Gyle Broadway, EH12 9JY Website -
The Laurel Gallery
This store offers high quality pieces of Scottish art, jewellery and gifts at reasonable prices although small it is well worth having a look around.
58 St Stephens Street Website -
Gamesmaster
Second-hand video games. All the recent titles but it's the retro games that will really excite gaming fans in this good-value box of delights.
287 Leith Walk -
Crombies
Award-winning family-run butchers shop, now in it's 3rd generation. Great quality local meat, best known for their amazing range of sausages.
97-101 Broughton Street -
VoxBox Music
Edinburgh's newest independent record shop. They sell a range of collectible records. Mainly used vinyl but also some new CDs and box sets.
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Slater Menswear
Eastern outpost of the famous Glasgow institution. Broad range at keen prices - attentive service.
100 George Street Website -
Joey D
Edinburgh fashion designer creating unique items from vintage fabrics. Mens and womens ranges.
54 Broughton Street Website -
Stockbridge Market
Open air market selling upmarket produce. Also has food stalls selling ready-to-eat food.
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Beyond Words
A brilliant bookstore specialising in photographic titles. You will not be disappointed.
Cockburn Street Website -
Pine Tree Bakery
A very good Polish bakery, which offers a variety of loaves of bread and sweet pastries.
64 Home Street Website -
Princes Mall
Upmarket mainstream shops in an undercover centre next to the Waverley train station.
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Avalanche Records
One of the city's best independent music stores. Support your local record shop!
21 St Mary's Street Website -
Great Grog Bottle Shop
Nice selection of local and international beers; has wines and spirits as well.
2 Dalkeith Road Website -
Drinkmonger
They offer a very good selection of whiskies, wines, beers and other spirits.
11 Bruntsfield Place Website -
Brooks Brothers
The only UK shop outside London of this upmarket American clothes retailer.
57 George Street Website -
Red Door Gallery
Some of the quirkiest (and best) gifts in Edinburgh can be purchased here.
42 Victoria Street Website -
Armstrongs
A local institution, has all the vintage clothing you could ever want.
83 The Grassmarket Website -
Chandlers
Sells a large variety of modern, designer kitchenware and homeware.
68 St Stephens Street -
Whiplash Trash
As the name suggests, is one of the Old Town's more risque stores.
53 Cockburn Street -
Underground Solushn
A great little record store dealing mainly in dance/electro music.
9 Cockburn Street Website -
Crystal Chandelier Company
This store offers an interesting range of chandeliers and mirrors.
36 St Stephens Street -
The Dragonfly Gifts
Funky little shop with a lovely range of cards and gifts.
111a Broughton Street Website -
Sam Thomas
Designer clothes, shoes and accessories for ladies.
18 Stafford St and 5 William St Website -
Hog's Head Music
Store selling second hand music CDs and movie DVDs.
62 South Clerk Street, EH8 9PS Website -
Diana Forrester
Designer-led homeware, furniture and accessories.
22 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge Website
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Edinburgh: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Edinburgh is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Edinburgh's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 49 shopping spots in Edinburgh sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Edinburgh often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Edinburgh sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Edinburgh
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Edinburgh's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Edinburgh prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Edinburgh close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Edinburgh, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Edinburgh.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Edinburgh light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Edinburgh
The most meaningful souvenirs from Edinburgh are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Edinburgh
Like most cities, Edinburgh's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Edinburgh
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Edinburgh — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Edinburgh
Where to shop in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has 49 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Edinburgh.
What souvenirs to buy in Edinburgh?
The best souvenirs from Edinburgh are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Edinburgh?
Yes, Edinburgh has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Edinburgh?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Edinburgh. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Edinburgh as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Edinburgh is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Edinburgh.
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