How to make the most of a shopping trip in Edinburgh

Boasting two shopping centres and historic streets lined with boutique stores, Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the UK outside of London to go to indulge in a spot of retail therapy.

Unlike London, in Edinburgh you can walk down the main shopping streets without stepping on other people's feet and getting barged about, making for a much more relaxing experience.

Many of the world's best designers have a presence in the city and along with its truly inspiring architecture and population of one-off indie stores, Edinburgh is definitely in the right place if a shopping trip is on the agenda.

From the Grass Market to the Royal Mile, Jenners department store, Princes Street and Multrees Walk - it is all within walking distance from hostels in Edinburgh.

Princes Street

Probably the most famous street in the Scottish capital, Princes Street is a stunning road unlike anything you will find in the rest of the UK.

Though it might have all of the same shops as any big high street, the amazing views across the train track and up to Edinburgh Castle are a constant reminder of everything else that the city has to offer.

Big-hitters including H&M, Zara, HMV and Marks & Spencer are all found on Princes Street, while the historic department store Jenners also features, having first opened on the street in 1938. It remains a true Edinburgh institution - despite being taken over by House of Fraser in 2005 - and its vast Victorian interior makes it worth visiting, if only to marvel at its splendour.

George Street

If you're looking for brand stores with a bit more clout, George Street that runs parallel behind Princes Street is a good start. The likes of LK Bennett, Coast, Jigsaw and Karen Millen are all found nestled in here among some great bars, restaurants and cafes if you need to take a break from the shops.

Running alongside it, you'll also find the small-yet perfectly-formed Rose Street and Thistle Street. Packed full of great little boutiques, the area's Jane Davidson was named in Vogue's 100 best independent fashion stores in the UK.

The Royal Mile

Rivalling Princes Street for the title of most iconic road in Edinburgh, the Royal Mile possibly shades it as it stands with the castle at one end and the Scottish Parliament at the other. In between these two landmarks are some of the best Scottish shops in the city.

While it definitely appeals more to tourist shoppers, it is the place to go if you want to find a genuine Scottish kilt, a shop devoted exclusively to whisky, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill or a wee souvenir.

Grassmarket

Sitting in the shadow of the castle is the Grassmarket, a wonderful quarter of the city where Edinburgh's creative side comes out to play. Just a couple of minutes walk away from Eurohostels Edinburgh, you'll find a plethora of wonderful independent stores along its cobbled streets. From unique and alternative fashion shops to vintage outlets and second-hand book stores – the Grassmarket has a bit of everything.

The area is lined with continental style bars and cafes too so is perfect if you fancy relaxing and having a coffee or glass of wine outside.

Multrees Walk

Lying off Saint Andrews Square at the end of George and Princes Street is Multrees Walk, without doubt the most upmarket shopping area there is in Edinburgh.

The home to some of the world's biggest fashion houses and luxury brands – Armani, Mulberry and Louis Vuitton all have stores there, as do the likes of Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Reiss and G-Star.

You'll also find a Kurt Geiger, Calvin Klein Underwear and Harvey Nichols among other retailers at Multrees, giving it the largest concentration of exclusive stores in Scotland.

St James Shopping

Just a few minutes' walk away from Waverly station at the end of Princes St is St James Shopping, one of the best malls in the city and an ideal place to escape if the weather does what it is famous for in Scotland.

Home to a wide range of high street names, including John Lewis, Accessorize, Next, Republic, River Island and Boots, SJS is a modern shopping centre at the very heart of the cosmopolitan capital.

Not only is it easy to access by public transport, it is right next to a National Car Park and boasts over 600 brands under its roof.

Princes Mall

A stone's throw away is Princes Mall, a smaller shopping centre that houses the likes of Warehouse, New Look, JOY and the Body Shop. Right next to the train station, it can successfully claim to be the only indoor shopping centre on Princes Street.

It also has a selection of high street take aways and cafes, including McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Costa.

The West End

The West End of Edinburgh offers boutique shopping at its best, and is great if you're looking to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Not far away from Princes Street behind Shandwick Place, you'll find Stafford Street and William Street – gorgeously cobbled streets that are home to some funky shops with a laid-back and distinctly bohemian feel to them.

It's a great place to pick up a one-off gift or some handmade jewellery or just browse some fantastic window displays.

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