A Shopaholic’s 8 Best Spots for Shopping in Edinburgh (Budget-Friendly Options Included!)
I absolutely love Sex and the City, and my favourite character is, you guessed it, Carrie Bradshaw. Her love for shopping and fine taste in fashion has always inspired me to revamp my outfits over the years, but I find ways to keep things within my budget.
If you ask me where I get the best deals on clothing or where I like to occasionally splurge on luxury items, this list is my answer. This includes malls and markets that cater to different needs, tastes, and budgets.
So, if you’re thinking about running a few errands, grabbing a few groceries, or beating stress with some retail therapy, here are the best places for shopping in Edinburgh!
St. James Quarter
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Address: St James Cres
Contact Details: +44 131 290 1118
Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best for: General shopping, homeware, fashion
If there’s one spot in the city that’s heavily associated with shopping, it’s undoubtedly St. James Quarter. Although the mall itself was just opened in 2021, the area has been a bustling hub for commerce and trade since the 1700s.
There are over 80 stores inside this shopping mall, ranging from local household names to international brands. I love to go shopping for Christmas gifts here because they essentially have everything you may need, from bags to shoes, clothes, and toys.
Tips:
- The whole shopping area is open air, so in the winter, it can get pretty chilly. If you’re visiting in the winter, I highly recommend putting on some extra layers to keep you warm while you shop.
- While shopping during the day is preferred (because there are fewer crowds), I still recommend you visit the mall at night as well. The halls light up thanks to multiple light installations, adding a pretty twist to your shopping spree.
Waverley Market
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Address: 3/48 Waverley Bridge
Contact Details: +44 131 557 3759
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Best for: General shopping, casual dining, fashion
Waverley Market was my go-to during my college years because of its central location and easy access from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. I would drop by after or even between classes to get myself a snack or buy supplies I needed for classes.
To this day, I find myself dropping by for any essentials I may need on my way home from work.
It also helps that the mall has direct access to Princes Street, so after strolling around the shopping mall for essentials, I can head out into the street for late night grubs with my husband.
Tips:
- If you’re a tourist, don’t miss out on exploring Princes Street Garden from the mall. It’s accessible from the mall, and you can easily explore all the other establishments around Princes Street if you have the extra time and money after your shopping spree.
- If you need a restroom break, head to the lower level near the food court, where you’ll find toilets with accessible and baby-changing facilities. Just keep in mind there’s a 30 pence fee when you enter.
Multrees Walk
– Media from multreeswalk
Address: Multrees Walk
Contact Details: +44 131 557 0050
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best for: Luxury goods, high-end fashion, luxury retail, fine dining
Now, I don’t usually have the budget to shop at Multrees Walk every week, but boy does it feel nice to unleash my inner Carrie Bradshaw once in a while!
This shopping street is famed for its rows of household names in luxury fashion and retail, so if you have the appetite for glamorous spending, you really need to keep Multrees Walk on your radar.
Aside from brands like Louis Vuitton, MaxMara, Gucci, and Burberry, Multrees Walk also has a number of dining spots that offer excellent wine, gourmet food, and more.
Tips:
- Take note that Multrees Walk doesn’t have any toilets. If you can, do your business before doing your shopping. However, if access to a toilet is important, there are some restrooms located inside Harvey Nichols or the bus station nearby.
- To really take your shopping experience up a notch, I recommend hiring Harvey Nichols’ personal shoppers to help you do your shopping. They can arrange fitting appointments and even help you choose items for gifts. If you need any recommendations on what to buy, they are ready to help you out.
Ocean Terminal
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Address: 74 Ocean Dr, Leith
Contact Details: +44 131 555 8888
Operating Hours:
Monday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Saturday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best for: Casual dining, general shopping, cinema
If you’re looking for a shopping mall that is relaxing and packed with options, Ocean Terminal should be on your radar. It has a great blend of retailers, ranging from high-end brands to local stores and a handful of dining spots.
I used to visit this place often with my husband because he loves dropping by the Royal Yacht Britannia (which is just within reach from the mall).
Nowadays, I drop by for a relaxing time window shopping and a visit to the cinemas to catch the latest blockbuster movies.
Tips:
- Currently, the mall is undergoing maintenance work to improve its services. You may encounter closed stores and construction work around the area. If you want to check out what areas are already open to the public, see this page.
- If you’re planning to visit the Royal Yacht Britannia, keep in mind that ongoing construction on the ground floor means the usual entrance is blocked. You’ll need to head upstairs first and take the lift from the opposite side to get down. It’s a bit of a roundabout way, but it’s worth it for the experience.
Fort Kinnaird
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Address: 32, Fleming House, Newcraighall
Contact Details: +44 131 669 9090
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Best for: General shopping, all-day dining, family-friendly leisure
What my family loves about Fort Kinnaird is the multiple dining spots and the myriad of promotions they offer to visitors. We frequent the mall for brunch or dinner, and we try not to miss out on great deals at some of our favourite restaurants.
While it’s also a sprawling complex for retail therapy, the restaurant options here are vast. My personal favourite is Frankie & Benny’s, especially during the holiday season when they offer massive discounts on brunch or dinner specials!
Tips:
- If you need a wheelchair while visiting, there’s a loan service available near Curry’s. Both manual and electric options can be borrowed, but you’ll need to register first with a photo ID and proof of address.
- If you’re out shopping with little ones and need a break, there’s a kids’ play area right outside Caffe Nero. It’s a great spot to let them burn off some energy while you enjoy a coffee nearby.
OMNI Centre
– Media from omniedinburgh
Address: Greenside Row
Contact Details: +44 131 524 7770
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 am to 1:00 am
Best for: General shopping, all-day dining, family-friendly leisure
When I think about OMNI Centre, games and escape rooms are what pop into my head. That’s because this mall has two entertainment venues that offer themed escape rooms to unleash your inner detective and a bar that offers games and axe throwing.
I like to come here with friends and my husband whenever we have some spare time in the evenings to just enjoy a pint of ale. If my kids are tagging along, we head to The Vault to check out the latest film releases.
There’s a lot you can do outside of just shopping here, and it’s what honestly makes OMNI Centre one of our family’s favourite malls.
Tips:
- If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you’ll find 20 convenient charging points at the car park’s entry level. Just plug in your car and tap your contactless card at the nearby payment terminal to start charging your car.
- Stay tuned to their Instagram page for updates on ongoing promotions on food, retail, and even leisure activities. They also post promotions and deals on their website, but I find that I get the latest updates faster when I subscribe to their social media pages instead.
Westside Centre
– Media from westside_centre
Address: Westside Plaza Shopping Centre, Wester Hailes Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 442 3123
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Best for: Budget-friendly shopping, home shopping, bingo
My parents absolutely love Westside Centre, and it’s not just because this is where they get to do budget shopping but also because there’s a Gala Bingo here. They don’t go here as often as they used to, but they still find the time to enjoy bingo.
The mall is best known for its budget-friendly retail and dining spots.
There’s a supermarket that has essentially everything you may need, a cinema complex, and even a Home Bargains where you can find home decor, beauty items, and more for cheap.
Tips:
- No need to worry about using up your data—free WiFi is available throughout the mall, so you can browse, stream, or check messages while you shop, grab a bite, or take a break.
- If you need to send off a parcel or take care of errands, the Post Office here is a convenient stop.
The Grassmarket Market
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Address: Central Reservation, Grassmarket
Contact Details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating Hours: Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best for: Local bakes, sweet treats, handmade gifts
The Grassmarket Market has become my go-to Saturday ritual for local shopping. There’s something about the mix of freshly baked bread, handcrafted Scottish keepsakes, and locally grown produce that makes it impossible to leave empty-handed.
I end up leaving with a handful of new goods, and I love that my husband never complains because he, too, enjoys shopping here. Too bad it only pops up on Saturdays because if it were open daily, I would be heading home with baked goods every day.
Tip:
- If you’re driving in, skip the hassle and park at the NCP Castle Terrace for a better deal. Download the NCP Park Pass App ahead of time, and when you arrive, stop by The Olive Stall to pick up a discount code. A little planning goes a long way to saving a few extra pounds.