Edinburgh doesn't have the biggest nor the most famous shopping areas, but the Scottish capital offers a powerful combination of boutique brands and charming atmosphere to welcome shoppers.

Even visitors who aren't big spenders enjoy a stroll down one of several cobblestone lanes lined with cosy cafes, hidden pubs, and shops with unique souvenirs and gifts. Some of the tourist shopping favourites found inside the Edinburgh city centre include:

	The Royal Mile Although full of noisy, repetitive souvenir shops, don't let that distract you from the gorgeous medieval architecture and a few great shops that call The Royal Mile home. The Royal Mile has it all - world-class visitor attractions, top notch pubs, and superb shopping.
	Princes Street Under the watchful eye of Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street is the city's big brand shopping. It is packed with pedestrians every day of the week checking out the latest deals and fashions in the city's main department stores.
	George Street Posh and pretty, George Street houses Edinburgh's higher end boutiques, as well a number of trendy restaurants and fabulous nightclubs. It has monuments and great views North and South as it makes a direct route from Charlotte Square to St Andrews Square.
	Victoria Street A local favourite, many tour guides claim this to be Edinburgh's most beautiful street. In one grand sweep, the cobblestones connect the Royal Mile to the Grassmarket.
	Multrees Walk (and St.James Centre) The city's most expensive brands have congregated in this neat and tidy lane off St Andrew's Square. A short lane but it is one of Edinburgh's nicest. Behind it is the busy behemoth known as St James Centre, imposing from the outside but full of great mall shopping inside.
	Further Afield There's more to be found further afield in the Scottish capital. More boutique shops are hidden away in the trendy neighbourhoods of Stockbridge and Morningside; there is a gorgeous, modern shopping plaza at Ocean Terminal in Leith, and you can find the city's traditional shopping mall out west in the Gyle.

Regardless of where you go Edinburgh, you'll be bound to find that perfect present for a special someone or a treat just for yourself.

Don't be put off by the loud and boisterous souvenir shops hawking the latest kilt towels and woollen scarves; by looking just that bit harder you'll see endless shopping potential everywhere in Edinburgh.

From shops full of local artists' work to specialist whisky sellers, no doubt you'll find exactly what you're looking for here in Edinburgh.

If you need help deciding what to do in Edinburgh, check out our sample tourist itineraries - they're customised for the length of your trip and bound to give you some great ideas.