Princes Street, Edinburgh – probably the most prestigious shopping street in the whole of Europe and definitely the most scenic. The north side offers a plethora of some of the best names in shopping including Jenners, established in 1838 making it the world’s oldest department store, Marks & Spencer and Waterstone’s, one of the biggest chain bookshops in Britain.

The south side of Princes Street offers a bit of relaxation in the magnificent Princes Street Gardens with the Castle towering overhead. The “New Town” also offers George Street with Aitken & Niven - very much a local family-owned department store specialising in school wear, ladies fashions, Highland Dress, formal wear including Highland Dress and footwear – and the highly prestigious Harvey Nichols - “Harvey Nicks” as it is generally known - which opened its first Scottish venture here in Edinburgh in 2002. Hugely popular. Coast, French Connection, Karen Millen, Jigsaw & Escada are other popular shops in George Street.

The “Old Town” offers a completely different shopping experience based on the arts, antiques and souvenirs. Here, your shopping experience is steeped in history from the Castle to Holyrood down the Royal Mile and through the Grassmarket and Canongate. Try Byzantium in Victoria Street, the petite Cook’s Bookshop and Round the World both in the West Bow.

Jenners, Princes Street. New Town

Established in 1838 making it the world’s oldest department store. Quality products and professional perhaps old. For visitors to Edinburgh, this is a must because it is truly unique.

Aitken & Niven, George Street. New Town

Very much a local family-owned department store specialising in school wear, ladies fashions, Highland Dress, formal wear including Highland Dress and footwear.

Harvey Nicols, George Street. New Town

The highly prestigious “Harvey Nicks” – as it is generally known - based in Knightsbridge, London opened its first Scottish venture here in Edinburgh in 2002. Hugely popular.

Waterstone’s, Princes Street. New Town

One of the biggest chain bookshops in Britain, there are thousands of books on offer covering every imaginable topic.

Byzantium, Victoria Street. Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is the place for antique and souvenir shops. Byzantium is one of the best antique and “collectables” shops from the 40s to 70s.

The Cook’s Bookshop, West Bow. Old Town

Wonderful selection of new and second hand cookery books. Owned by celebrity chef Clarissa Dickson Wright.

Round the World, West Bow. Old Town

For something a bit different.

General Clothes and Fashion shopping on George Street:
Coast, French Connection, Karen Millen, Jigsaw & Escada.