If you have come to Edinburgh to shop, then you are sure to leave satisfied. A paradise for shoppers, the city has all the high street names and designer names that you will find in any cosmopolitan city, and many opportunities to buy something unique and a one-off from some of the city’s exciting young designers.

The Royal Mile and historic Grassmarket area is the location for local goods, all made in Scotland and great souvenirs to take home. You can find anything here from cashmere sweaters and the finest lambs wool, to antiques, Scottish music, traditional gifts and bagpipes and kilts.  Don’t go home without a few boxes of delicious Scottish shortbread or fine Scottish malt. With Edinburgh castle on its doorstep, this is also a popular area to sit and watch the passing tourists from a pavement cafés, restaurants and bars.

There is some serious style in the centre of the city; the only Harvey Nichols in Scotland is located in St Andrew's Square and has all the best designer names, Gucci, Stella McCartney and Prada amongst them. Multrees Walk is just a short walk and where you will discover Mulberry, Emporio Armani and Louis Vuitton.  The Multrees Walk is the city's version of London's Bond Street with big brands and stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry stores.

Princes Street has all the popular High Street names including Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencers, Gap and Frasers, and you get first row seats of the impressive Edinburgh Castle thrown in with the gardens below. Jenners in St Andrew Square is Edinburgh's first department store, open since 1838.

George Street offers a heavenly blend of classy stores and trendy bars, The White Company has exclusive home accessories, Space NK is the place to go if you are in need of some indulgement and LK Bennett has fantastic shoes.
If you like your shopping a little quirky then within walking distance from the city centre is The West End, there are some truly amazing shops here, especially on Stafford Street and William Street. The wide range of boutiques and shops includes Helen Bateman's exclusive shoes to the stunning jewellery of Ark Angle, Sam Thomas for clothes and Studio One for unusual gift ideas and home ware.

Edinburgh has a fine selection of second-hand clothing stores. Stockbridge in the New Town has an abundance of second hand shops and galleries; Herman Brown on West Port has vintage jewellery and handbags, while WM Armstrongs in the Grassmarket is full of funky pieces from the 1920s right through to the 1980s. You can find Americana retro gear at Flip of Hollywood on South Bridge.

On the eastern end of the street lies Leith, now a popular area for shoppers due to its newly transformed docklands and numerous bars, bistros, shops and attractions. Shop at Ocean Terminal for views over the Firth of Forth to Fife and choose from more than 70 stores, a 12 screen cinema and 15 restaurants and bars.

From stylish hotels in the heart of Edinburgh to rural retreats, if you are looking for somewhere to stay then there is plenty of options in the city. Choose to stay in an international hotel in the shadow of Edinburgh castle or get a self-catering apartment on the lively Royal Mile. Whether it is budget accommodation you require or something more upmarket then there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.

If you prefer to stay outside the city then there are plenty of country retreats and castle hotels, where you can unwind in luxurious and serene surroundings, perfect for a game of golf, fishing or spa treatment.