Edinburgh may lack all of the shopping options available in Glasgow, but it has a combination of newfangled boutiques, souvenir shops, and traditional department stores, such as the classic John Lewis. With the addition a few years ago of the fashionista's favorite, Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh is certainly challenging the more style-conscious city to the west. New Town's Princes Street is a primary shopping artery in the Scottish capital, with leading department stores, whether the homegrown Jenners or the British staple, Marks & Spencer. But for the posher shops, such as Cruise or Laura Ashley, George Street tops the lot. For tourists, Old Town's Royal Mile can present the mother lode of Scottish souvenirs, whether it is tartan or trinkets.
The Shopping Scene -- For visitors from abroad, prices in the U.K. may seem high. In recent years, the British currency has been strong relative to other major currencies, such as the U.S. dollar or the euro, which is, of course, now used by most countries in the European Union. Still, the prices for most retail goods in Scotland have not soared since the mid-1990s. Actually, in some cases -- for example, clothes -- costs to the consumer have come down in real terms. Nevertheless, many items carry the same numerical price in pounds as they would in American dollars. For example, a pair of hiking shoes that cost $100 in New York might well be priced £100 in Edinburgh, making it 50% to 100% more expensive.
Shopping hours in central Edinburgh are generally from 9 or 10am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday and on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, shops open at 11am or noon and close around 5pm. On Thursdays, many shops remain open until 7 or 8pm.
Best Buys -- Although you may find a bargain at the tourist-oriented shops along the Royal Mile, unique gifts are perhaps best found at the shops in the city's various national galleries or the one in the Museum of Scotland. Also, shops curiously tend to close earlier in the city center than the shopping malls in outlying districts.
Bring That Passport! -- Take along your passport when you go shopping in case you make a purchase that entitles you to a VAT (value-added tax) refund.
