Shopping in Edinburgh
Armstrong's
Armstrong's is an Edinburgh fashion institution (established in 1840, no less), a quality vintage clothes emporium offering everything from elegant 1940s dresses to funky 1970s flares. As well as retro fashion, it's a great place to hunt for 'previously owned' kilts and Harris Tweed, or to seek inspiration for that fancy-dress party.
Tel: 0131 220 5557
Address: 83 Grassmarket Old Town
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 12:00-18:00
Geoffrey (Tailor)
Geoffrey can fit you out in traditional Highland dress, run up a kilt in your own clan tartan, or just hire out the gear for a wedding or other special event. Its offshoot, 21st Century Kilts, offers modern fashion kilts in a variety of fabrics; celebrity customers include Robbie Williams and Vin Diesel.
Tel: 0131 557 0256
Address: 57-61 High St Royal Mile Old Town
Hours: Mon-Wed 09:00-17:30, Thu 09:00-19:00, Fri-Sat 09:00-19:00, Sun 10:00-17:00
Royal Mile Whiskies
If it's a drop of the cratur ye're after, head here. Named after the shop's location, these whisky enthusiasts have a thing for single malts. There is a vast selection on offer, in miniatures as well as full-size bottles. They don't turn up their noses at other whiskies either - you can also buy bourbon and blends.
Tel: 0131 225 3383
Address: 379 High St Royal Mile Old Town
Princes Street
The main shopping street is Princes Street, where on the north side you'll find all the main department stores such as Debenhams, Frasers, BHS, Marks & Spencers. And on the south side rests the scintillating gardens in the shadow of the castle giving the place an elegant feel. The independent department stores Jenners, is also on Princes Street.
George Street
George Street is the place extending the upmarket culture from Princes Street. This place is flooded with boutiques, bars, restaurants and inns ideal for all those who are looking out for fashionistas, as it's lined with chic clothes chops.
St Andrew's Square
The main shoppers stop at St Andrew's Square is Harvey Nichols which gave the place a new charm. On the eastern end of the street lies the Multrees Walk which has soon become the city's version of London's Bond Street which houses big brands and stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry stores.
Williams Street
William Street is the home to a wide range of boutiques and shops likes Helen Bateman's exclusive shoes to the stunning jewelry of Arkangle.
Grassmarket
Good places to look for second-hand and antique art, jewelry and books are around the New Town (St Stephen St, Northwest Circus Pl, Thistle St), Broughton St, Victoria St and the Grassmarket. Shopping hours are now more relaxed and many of the main city centre outlets are open till 1930-2000 on Thu and on Sun.
Cockburn Street
This street holds few music shops, there are three independent music shops here-Avalanche, Underground Solu'shn and the increasingly ubiquitous Fopp offer an alternative to the high street megastores.
Royal Mile
Don't dare to miss the fine Scottish malt at the Royal Mile Whiskies, here one can taste some really tempting whiskies. Other than that variety of knitwear on sale at the Geoffrey. So lot of things to look for here.