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Curator’s statement
Edinburgh is one of the most charming cities I have ever visited. It has a unique blend of up-and-coming hot spots as well as timeless gems. After visiting, you will need to buy another suitcase, that's for sure! Here is my guide to shopping in Ediburgh, Scotland.
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Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Scotland
Cheval Old Town Chambers
Historic elegance meets modern luxury in Edinburgh's charming Old Town.
Apex Grassmarket Hotel
A stylish Edinburgh retreat, set against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, combining modern comfort with historic charm, offering panoramic views, upscale accommodations, and a prime location in the heart of Scotland's capital.
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
Modern Scottish luxury in Edinburgh just steps away from Edinburgh Castle and Victoria Street.
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$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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W Edinburgh
W Edinburgh is a chic, contemporary hotel offering stylish accommodations, innovative dining, and vibrant nightlife in the heart of Scotland's capital.
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100 Princes Street
Centrally poised, 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh, merges historic charm with contemporary elegance.
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Things to do in Scotland
The Royal Mile
This mile-long street is one of the main streets through the Old Town, and connects Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Up and down the street there are performers, quaint pubs and of course, lots of shopping! This is a great place to buy cheesy souvenirs for loved ones back home as well as keepsakes for yourself. Cheval Old Town Chambers is the best spot to stay right on the Royal Mile.
Grassmarket
Grassmarket is an area right at the base of Edinburgh Castle. Here you will find a bunch of restaurants and shopping. I personally loved the rooftop of Cold Town House! Just as its name suggests, Grassmarket does in fact become a market every Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. Be sure to stop by to shop local goods! Fancy a vintage shop? You can hit up Armstrong’s Vintage, one of Scotland’s oldest vintage stores. Right on the edge of this area is the Islander Handbag Workshop, where you can create a custom handbag with Harris Tweed. I bought a pre-made Islander handbag near Edinburgh Castle, and it is a magnet for compliments. Apex Grassmarket Hotel is in the heart of the Grassmarket area and is the perfect place to stay.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street is in the Grassmarket area and is the picturesque street with colorful buildings you have probably seen online. It is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s idea of Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. You can spend a whole afternoon browsing the shops here. They have a lot of smaller boutiques that specialize in one product, such as whiskey or cheese. Potterheads visiting the area will also find wizarding shops with Harry Potter merchandise! The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is right at the end of Victoria Street.
St James Quarter
Located in Edinburgh's New Town, this shopping center has everything from Zara to a bowling alley and darts club. There are also a ton of restaurants here where everyone can choose the cuisine they want. The W Edinburgh is a brand-new hotel, steps away from the shopping center.
Princes Street
Another main street in Edinburgh, running parallel to the Royal Mile between New and Old Town. I loved strolling through the gardens and reading my book at the Ross Fountain with views of Edinburgh Castle. This street has department stores mixed in with charming boutiques. It is unique to have shops lining one side of the street with gardens on the other side, all with views of the castle. The Princes Street Gardens are also home to the Edinburgh Farmers Market every Saturday from 9 am - 2 pm. Want to stay on Princes Street? 100 Princes Street is the perfect spot for your home base in Edinburgh.
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Goldrosen
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Scotland. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Michelle Souza's guide, A Foodie's Guide to the Best Restaurants in Glasgow.