Edinburgh has some of the best specialty shops, from gourmet food and drink and luxurious knitwear, to cutting edge fashions, antique books and other great gifts. Visitors can find small shops that sell whiskies, liquors and wines, as well as tasty artisan cheeses. With so much to offer, Edinburgh promises some of the best shopping experiences a visitor can get. Check out the specialty shops in the heart of Edinburgh on this self-guided tour.
1) The Toddle-In
This sweetshop serves a fine selection of traditional sweets and assures high quality service and products. Its impressive range of sweets includes boiled sweets, bonbons, toffee, fudge, liquorice, lollipops, sherbet, coconut, aniseed and cinnamon, mints, rock candy, millions, chocolate, jelly beans, novelty sweets and old favorites. The clientèle is a delightful mix of locals, tourists and commuters that come here with a great desire for the tastes of childhood.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Sharon Donnelly
2) I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger
Cheese lovers are always welcome at I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger, a small shop located on Victoria Street. Guests can find a wide range of Scottish, English, Irish, French, Italian, Spanish, Welsh and Dutch cheeses. The staff is well-trained and helpful, encouraging customers to try the products before they buy. Besides the variety of cheeses, it also sells tea, biscuits and bread.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and xxxrmt
3) AHa Ha Ha Jokes & Novelties
This is a fantastic joke shop that attracts novelty lovers from around the world with its huge selection of funny items. It stocks a variety masks, hats, wigs, weapons, professional makeup, disguises, professional magic tricks, schoolboy tricks, inflatables and balloons. It has a very friendly and helpful staff and is a great place to shop for unique gifts, such as giant novelty combs, funny noses and many other interesting things. Those interested in fancy-dress costumes and different accessories can go to its sister shop, located nearby.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and gruntzooki
4) Red Dog Music
Red Dog Music, the city's largest instrument store, stocks a wide range of electric, acoustic and bass guitars, keyboards, recording gear, synthesizers, lighting equipment, PA systems and percussion. The staff is always helpful and ready to answer questions. The shop is located on Grassmarket, not far from Edinburgh Castle. Its dynamic range of products is appreciated by local musicians and is well-suited to their needs.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and susie.c
5) Watch
This charming little shop provides a wide range of watches and jewelry. Visitors often spend hours browsing the fashionable watches. It was opened in 1998 on Forrest Road in the Old Town district. The shop is irresistible to genuine design aficionados due to its large selection of fine watches and clocks. The staff welcomes any questions visitors may have and can offer advice if necessary.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and srqpix
6) Doodles
This shop sells great ceramic products. It also offers visitors the opportunity to try pottery and ceramic painting on mugs, plates, vases and teapots. The friendly staff is always on hand to help guests and point them in the right direction. It offers an enjoyable time for both children and adults where they can discover their creativity by hand-painting a variety of ceramic items.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and gutter