Edinburgh is basically very good for shopping, but with specialty shops dotted all over town and certain neighborhoods specialising in certain things, it pays to know where to go first.

Souvenirs

The Royal Mile, around Edinburgh Castle is key for mass-market souvenir shopping (knick-knacks, t-shirts and tartans); while Victoria Street, just south, has a number of specialty shops that offer something more hand-crafted and unique: particularly art, crafts, toiletries, clothing, cheeses and whiskies.

Chain-stores

Edinburgh's big gathering of chain-stores have commanding views along Princes Street and between them cover pretty much everything. Upmarket stores, particularly clothing boutiques, tend to congregate on the next main street, George Street.

Budget shopping