23 Best Places to Shop in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

Just a two-minute walk from Grassmarket, Armchair Books is a chaotic but characterful bookshop heaving with secondhand and antiquarian books.

Edinburgh's most iconic Scotch shop, Cadenhead's has an incredible selection of whisky to purchase (including rare bottles from closed distilleries), and also offers tasting sessions. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you pick out the perfect whisky to suit your palate.

Jenners, a long-standing Edinburgh landmark that is now part of the U.K.-wide House of Fraser chain, specializes in traditional china and glassware, as well as Scottish tweeds and tartans—though you'll find everything else you'd expect from a large department store, too. Its famous food hall, run by Valvona & Crolla, stocks traditional culinary delights including shortbread, marmalade, and honey.

First established on the Isle of Skye, Ragamuffin's Edinburgh outlet sells some of the funkiest, brightest, and most elegant knitwear produced anywhere in Scotland.

As much art gallery as jewelry shop, designer Sheila Fleet's store in Stockbridge displays a variety of stunning jewelry inspired by her native Orkney, from wind and waves to Celtic spirals to island wildlife.

This Victorian basement is crammed with fascinating antiques, including artworks, ornaments, silverware, and other such curios.

Opened in 1934, this Scottish-Italian institution run by the wonderful Contini family is the best place in Scotland to pick up your Italian culinary supplies, from wines, salami, and cheeses to conserved antipasti, bread, deli counter treats, and even imported produce like artichokes and friarielli greens. There's a cafè-bar-restaurant out back serving classic bel paese dishes.

One of the more imaginative Scottish knitwear designers, Bill Baber's creative and colorful pieces are a long way from the conservative pastel woolies sold at some of the large mill shops.

A family firm, Clarksons handcrafts a unique collection of jewelry, from Celtic to contemporary styles. The pieces here are made with silver, gold, platinum, and precious gems, with a particular emphasis on diamonds.

For an eclectic mix of quirky knitwear and accessories, dive into Concrete Wardrobe. You can also find vintage furnishings and other crafty items.

This specialist chain store sells outdoor clothing for all weather, as well as accessories, maps, and guides. The staff are invariably helpful and informed.

This lovely shop, tucked down a tiny alleyway, stocks a mixture of high-quality antiques, toys, and militaria.

This wee boutique in trendy Stockbridge, northwest of the New Town, is crammed full of vintage threads for women and men. The finds span the 20th century, but most are from the '40s to the '70s. The friendly owner is happy to share her knowledge of the many elegant and quirky outfits on her rails. For a very different yet entertaining vintage clothing experience, make an appointment with high-end fashionista Joanna's Miss Bizio up the street at no. 41.

This shop can clothe you in full Highland dress, with high-quality kilts made in its own workshops.

Established in 1866, this jeweler is worth visiting not only for its gold and silver pieces, but also for its late-Georgian interior. Designed by David Bryce in 1834, it's all columns and elaborate plasterwork.

Affectionately known as Harvey Nicks, this high-style British fashion chain has its Scottish outpost on St. Andrew Square, carrying the store's chic, upscale style options. Feeling peckish? Enjoy a meal with a view at the excellent Forth Floor Brasserie and Bar.

This secondhand clothing store is where cashmere twinsets and classic luxe labels are sought and found.

John Lewis specializes in furnishings and household goods, but also stocks designer clothes. It's part of the recently refurbished St. James Quarter. The top-floor features a restaurant, The Place to Eat, with so-so food and drinks, but the seated views are wonderful.

Tucked behind George Street, Joseph Bonnar stocks Scotland's largest collection of antique jewelry, including 19th-century agate jewels.

This bibliophile's haven is stacked high with obscure first editions and bargain tomes. It also hosts regular literary events.

Fairly priced, stylish clothes and accessories are on offer at Marks & Spencer. You can also buy quality food and household goods.

As well as being home to the Royal Yacht Britannia, this on-the-water mall also has an impressive range of big-name brand stores and independent craft shops, as well as bars, restaurants, and a cinema.

This sizable store stocks outdoor clothing, boots, and jackets ideal for hiking in the Highlands. It also sells tents and camping accessories for the truly hardy. There's a good little café inside, too.