From edinburghcitybreaks.com
Contents |
Edinburgh Shopping
Edinburgh doesn't worship shopping in quite the same way Glaswegians do, but the city is beginning to sweat its credit bravely. Partly it's the arrival of Harvey Nichols but there have always been some great little shops in the city.
Shopping in Edinburgh feels fun and intimate. So, whether you want to get the wallet out or not, you can still enjoy yourself just browsing the wide streets.
Antiques, jewellery & junk shops
Byzantium Two floors of popular collectables from the 40s to the 70s, as well as antiques and hippy chic. Good place to browse with a a cafe on the third floor. Open Mon-Sat 1000-1730, and Sun during the Festival. 9 Victoria St Tel: 0131-2251768
Just Junk Small, reasonably-priced range of stuff from the 50s and 60s. Open Mon-Sat 1100-1800. 34 Broughton St Tel: 0131-5576353
Utilities A real Aladdin's Cave where you could lose hours just browsing. Open Tues-Sat 1030-1830, Sun 1200-1600. 87 Broughton St Tel: 0131-5574385
Hamilton & Inches Grand old jewellers with a wonderfully ornate Georgian interior that's worth a peek even if you're not buying. Open Mon-Sat 0900-1800. 87 George St Tel: 0131-2254898
Joseph Bonnar Good range of fine quality antique jewellery. Open Mon-Sat 1030-1700. 72 Thistle St Tel: 0131-2262811
Books & Music
- James Thin Bookishop South Bridge
The Cook's Bookshop Owned by celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright with a wide selection of new and second-hand cookery books. Open Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sat 1030-1700. 118 West Bow Tel: 0131-2264445
FOPP Another record shop on a street full of them. Good for mainstream, indie and dance music. Open Mon-Sat 0930-1900, Sun 1100-1800. 55 Cockburn St Tel: 0131-2200133
Clothes & shoe shops
Goodstead Stunning unisex Streetwear and Footwear boutique. Sells brands such as Alife, Staple, Trainerspotter, AemKei, MHI alongside vinyl toys and art. A must see! 55 Bread Street EH3 9AH. Tel: 0131 228 2846 Mon-Sat 1000-1800 Sun 1200-1600
Jenners Stocks a wide range of men's designer labels. Princes St Tel:
Blacks Outdoor Leisure Good range of clothes and equipment for hikers, skiiers and ramblers. Open Mon-Wed and Fri 0900-1800, Thurs 0930-1900, Sat 0900-1730. 13-14 Elm Row Tel: 0131-5563491
Harvey Nichols You won't need an introduction to this glittering temple of brand name worship. Unless you can afford to, don't introduce your wallet to it either. Very expensive, very chic, but rather quiet. It will take time for Edinburgh types to grow so conspicuous as their Glaswegian cousins St Andrew's Square Tel:
Armstrongs Emporium of quality and often eccentric second hand clothes. If you want a real thibk military kilt cheaply, then this is the place to come. Incredibly good fun and fab clothes into the bargain. Don't miss it. Do say: I used to go on Sex Pistols tours Don't say: Do you have any Prada Grassmarket Tel:
Food & drink shops
Macsweens Simply the best place to buy haggis. 118 Bruntsfield Pl Tel: 0131-4402555
Valvona & Crolla Superb Italian deli importing fresh produce direct from Italy. Cafe at the back where you can linger and savour the delights on offer. Open Mon-Wed and Sat 0800-1800, Thurs/Fri till 1930. 19 Elm Row Tel:
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre Finding alcohol isn't a problem in Edinburgh, but here you can sample the stuff before parting with your cash. Open daily 0930-1800 (from 1230 on Sun). 354 Castlehill Tel:
Gifts & souvenir shops
McCalls of the Royal Mile For those wishing to hire a kilt or have one made. 11 High St Tel: 0131-5573979
Round the World For those looking for something a bit different... 82 West Bow Tel: 0131-2257086
The Cashmere Store Need we say more... 2 St Giles St Tel: 0131-2254055