Although directly next to each other, Multrees Walk and St James Centre couldn't be more dissimilar.
Multrees Walk is home to Edinburgh's top notch couture, and the lane is probably one of the cleanest streets in the city.
At Christmas time it is such a gorgeous sight, walking underneath row after row of twinkling Christmas lights.
Behind the lane is St James Centre, which doesn't win any prizes for curb appeal. However, once you get beyond its chunky grey façade, you'll find a number of interesting shops inside.
Multrees Walk
Multrees Walk is just behind St Andrews Square and has an unassuming entrance just between the Edinburgh Bus Station and the latest shiny addition to the square, Harvey Nichols.
Not only a premier department store, the upstairs bar in Harvey Nichols is said to have one of the best views in town. Back down on ground level, the Multrees Walk shops feature some of world's most well-known brands, with a few local names thrown in for good measure.
Be sure to stop in at Valvona and Crolla, widely considered one of the best specialist food shop and Italian Wine merchant outside of Italy - this location is both a shop as well as a small café with food, coffee and wine.
St James Centre
St James Centre has many of your standard mall brands but clustered together within easy reach indoors - it's hard to believe there are over 50 shops in what seems like a small space.
The mall is also home to Edinburgh's huge branch of John Lewis, one of the best places in town for fashions and gifts for the home. John Lewis extends all the way to the Picardy Place roundabout, where you'll find a large filmhouse, more pubs, and easy bus/pedestrian access to other parts of Edinburgh.
While You're Here
If champagne atop Harvey Nichols isn't in your budget, then have a pint and some hearty Scottish fare over at the Tiles Bar on St Andrews Square - it's a small place but with great Edinburgh ambience. Round off the night just across the street at The Burgh.
Don't miss any of our other Edinburgh shopping recommendations.
