Princes Street is one of those places that you either love or hate.
On the south side of the street, you have the wonderfully manicured and landscaped Princes Street Gardens, interrupted only by the Doric columns of the National Galleries of Scotland.
On the north, a juxtaposed line of shops vary in architecture and aesthetic quality.
No matter how you look at it, though, it is one of the UK's most unique shopping destinations and a would-be shopper would be careless to not spending time here.
From Big Name Brands to Small Shops
Probably the most notable name on Princes Street today is Jenners, the oldest store in the city and one of the oldest department stores in the world. Its complex Victorian façade is seen on many an Edinburgh postcard, and inside you'll find gorgeous architecture, fashions, food markets, and even souvenirs.
But Princes Street has room for retailers large and small, and further along you'll find everything from bookstores, electronics shops, flowers and even herbal remedies.
Rose Street
Easy to miss, Rose Street was originally designed as a service alleyway behind Princes Street to the north. It houses many a pub (and many a bloke on a pub crawl) but also has additional shops, particularly on the west end of the street.
Many of the city's hiking and camping shops are in these lanes, so you can stock up on new gear before tackling Arthur's Seat. You'll also find one of the city's most popular discount music and movie shops, The Fopp, directly behind Jenners on the east end of Rose Street.
While You're Here
There is nothing better than relaxing in the gardens with the sloped grassy knoll to your back and the sunshine pouring down. But should the Princes Street crowds get too much for you, stop in for a quick drink on the east end of the street at Café Royal or the Caley Bar in the Caledonian Hotel on the west end of the street.
You'll also find mugs of hot coffee brewing at both Costa and Starbucks along your stroll - both are upstairs retreats away from the hustle and bustle, and both have great views over Princes Street Gardens and the castle. You'll also get a great view from the upstairs bar at the Rutland Hotel.
Don't miss any of our other Edinburgh shopping recommendations.
