New Town Shopping (Self Guided), Edinburgh

For the latest fashions no matter the season as well as upscale shopping experiences, take your wallet or purse over to the New Town district. This cosmopolitan part of the city is the main shopping and commercial district and it boasts a rich concentration of stylish boutiques, designer shops and department stores. Enjoy the cool, laidback vibe as you indulge in a welcome spot of retail therapy.

The principal shopping destination here is Princes Street, a major thoroughfare at the foot of Edinburgh Castle and bordering the picturesque Princes Street Gardens. Among the many stores here are the most popular UK high street brands and Jenners, the oldest department store in Scotland. It is housed in a grand old building and has been here since 1838. For most of the time, the street is closed to private cars, allowing for a more leisurely shopping experience and freeing up the area for public transport. The south side of Princes Street has hardly any buildings, which means there are uninterrupted views up to the castle. Enjoy the vista from a café or from the gardens.

After Princes Street, turn your attention to George Street, which is framed by squares at each end. Look through the stores selling luxury clothing and jewelry by international designers and stop for a drink in one of the swish bars.