Edinburgh Shopping Guide

Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
Princes Street, Edinburgh - © Green Lane

The Edinburgh Shopping guide outlines the various options open to shoppers in Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is a favourite destination for visitors from the UK and abroad, in recent years Edinburgh has become an increasingly popular short break destination, shopping trips here are also popular the historic streets have plenty of character and Scottish charm offering visitors a great place to shop.

There are a range of shops in Edinburgh, the famous shopping streets such as Princes Street and George Street offer famous high street brands along with smaller retailers. There are smart designer outlets and boutiques along with shops offering more budget friendly merchandise. Whether you are an occasional shopper, a fashionista or like window shopping there is plenty in Edinburgh to see and do.


Shopping Facilities


The Princes Street Shopping centre is a two floor mall located on Princes Street among the best known shopping streets in Edinburgh. There are retailers catering for clothing and fashion, gifts and accessories, travel, health and beauty, in addition there are cafes and outlets for sandwiches and food. Currently this is the only shopping centre on Princes Street and offers a place for shoppers to browse through shops in a relaxing environment.

The Princes Street mall is open 7 days a week, however individual store times vary.

Car parking is available at the St James Centre located close by.

The closest train station is Waverley Station a short walk from the mall. The local bus network offers services to Princes Street where the mall is located.


St James Shopping Centre is situated in Edinburgh city centre. There are a wide range of stores to choose from for shoppers including John Lewis, River Island and Next. There are shops offering a range of goods and services here including for clothing and fashion, gifts and accessories, jewellery, travel and leisure, footwear and electrical. When shoppers need to relax and take a break from shopping there are a number of cafes serving drinks and snacks where shoppers can refresh themselves before hitting the shops again.

St James is open 7 days a week, however individual stores may have varying opening hours.

Car parking facilities are available in the car park, the car park is also useful to use when visiting other Leeds shops in the city centre.

The closest train station is Waverley Station it is approx 5 minutes walk away. St James is located on the eastern side of Princes Street with 2 NCP car parks close by, Leith Street and Greenside Place. Lothian buses run bus services to Leith Street and St Andrew's square close to St James.


Gyle Shopping Centre is located to the west of Edinburgh city centre. Well known retailers such as Marks & Spencer can be found here along with a range of retailers catering for health and beauty, electrical and technology, gifts and accessories, clothing and fashion and jewellery among others. The food court offers a range of snacks and meals for shoppers including offerings from Pizza Hut, Spud U Like and Burger King. There are also Crèche facilities at Gyle where children can play under supervision with plenty of activities to keep them amused.

Gyle is open 7 days a week, however opening hours for individual stores do vary.

There are car park facilities for the shopping centre.

The closest train station is South Gyle Station with Edinburgh Park Station a bit further away. Bus services from First Bus run to the shopping centre form Edinburgh.


Ocean Terminal is a shopping and leisure complex located approx 3 miles from Edinburgh next to the waterfront. There are over 70 shops for shoppers to enjoy here ranging from department stores such as Debenhams and Bhs to stores catering for electrical and technology, clothing and fashion, gifts and accessories and health and beauty.

With its waterfront location there is a nice laid back atmosphere and feel here, more relaxing than the hustle and bustle of the high street but plenty to offer shoppers nonetheless. There are is a multi-screen cinema showing the latest films along with a number of bars and restaurants where shoppers can relax with a drink and enjoy a great meal after a day of shopping.

The Ocean Terminal is open 7 days a week, with individual shops may have varying opening times. The entertainment (bars, restaurants and cinema) are open later than is the case for the shops until midnight.

For car drivers there is free parking on site at the Ocean Terminal.

For public transport, Lothian Buses run regularly services from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal.


Edinburgh is well known for its shopping on its famous High Streets, these include Princes Street in the city centre where shoppers will find an array of department stores such as Marks & Spencer, Debenhams and Bhs. The famous department store Jenners is also located on Princes Street. The street is much more than just a shopping street from one side visitors can see the spectacular sight of Edinburgh Castle, among the most popular and most recognised tourist attractions in the UK.

On George Street there are plenty of shops to get fashionistas excited, with a range of designer shops and boutiques there is plenty for the discerning shopper to view and those with a keen eye on fashion. There also a number of fashionable bars and restaurants here.

St Andrew's Square contains shopping icon Harvey Nichols and around the area are a number of upmarket designer stores and boutiques for well known names such as Armani and Mulberry.

The Grassmarket area of Edinburgh is located to the south of Princes Street and is a great place for shoppers to vintage goods, second hand books and antiques. The area has a laid back feel an offer smaller and independent designers and retailers a chance to showcase their offering to shoppers. There are plenty of unique and unusual shops and offerings here, making for an interesting visit. The area also has a number of pubs, bars, bistros and restaurants, the area has plenty to offer visitors.


Edinburgh Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 9am to 2pm, the market is situated at Castle Terrace and visitors will also see the splendid sight of Edinburgh Castle here. There are a wide range of specialist producers at the market primarily selling produce they have grown themselves. There are a range of meats available, along with cheeses, eggs, dairy and fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. Fro fans of organic produce there are plenty of organic offering here too.

There is car parking close by on Earl Grey Street in addition to Castle Terrace itself. The market is assessable by bus routes on Lothian Road whilst the train stations at Waverley and Haymarket are a short walk away.


Maps


Use the Markets Search map to find the location of Edinburgh's shopping facilities. The markers on the map show the shopping facilities mentioned above. You can also use the local search for restaurants, Bars, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Tourist Attractions and more. There is also a place finder and phonebook to help your search. To view click on the Edinburgh Shopping search link below and ensure your browser is pop up enabled: Edinburgh Shopping Map


Tips & Other Considerations


There are variations on the hours shopping centres and individual shops are open for depending on the shops and the particular day of the week.

Visitors will hopefully have a great time shopping in Edinburgh, however you should be aware of crowds and your surroundings and follow common sense measures to ensure your safety and that of your valuables.

Ensure you are always aware of your belongings especially your wallet/purse and valuables and ensure they are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to snatch your bag.

Do not leave your bags/shopping bags unattended. This helps to prevent losing the bags or being a victim of theft.

If you are travelling by car ensure you park in designated car parks or official street parking. Carefully check over parking rules & regulations to ensure you understand them fully. If you are unclear of the rules it is safer not to park there, beware of possible fines and other sanctions that can be used if you park illegally or not in accordance with the rules.




AddThis Social Bookmark Button




Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Essential Travel Guide Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any means without our written permission.