In a city with such a diverse sense of style, it’s no wonder that there’s an abundance of top tier vintage shopping. Edinburgh’s vintage clothing emporiums are dotted all over the city, selling old-school-style garments that will vamp up your wardrobe and bring you second-hand joy. There’s nothing like the feeling of finding a gem in a vintage shop, especially when the price is an absolute steal. From the chic and stylish to 90s punk and everything in between, follow our guide for a walking tour of all the best vintage shops in Edinburgh.
Looking for a place to stay in Edinburgh? Check out St. Christopher's Inns in the heart of the city.
1. Pie In The Sky Ltd
47 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BS
Kick start this exciting tour just 2 minutes away from the St. Christopher’s Inn hostel by popping into Pie In The Sky on the renowned Cockburn Street. The street used to be home to a market filled with stalls rented by small businesses selling an eclectic mix of unique products, one of which was a stall set up by the original owners of Pie In The Sky. Years later, it is now a store located at number 47, priding itself on selling interesting and exciting items that you will be sure not to see on anyone else. They stock reworked indie clothing to exclusive vintage items from well-known brands, handmade jewellery and interesting accessories. So if you can't stand seeing other people in the same outfit as you or you fancy searching for some fun new vintage items to spice up your wardrobe, then start off this tour by heading to Pie In The Sky.
If you love shopping with independent businesses or simply enjoy discovering different things, then check out the rest of Cockburn Street while you’re there; you never know what might grab your eye!
2. Armstrongs Vintage
81-83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ
Next stop! Armstrongs Vintage, one of the UK’s oldest and most loved vintage clothing stores located bang in the heart of Edinburgh. Categorised by era, they offer all the bright swirling psychedelic patterns from the 60s, bell-bottom trousers and frayed jeans from the 70s to poof skirts and block-coloured windbreaker jackets from the 80s. Whatever style you’re going for, they have you covered. Head over for a fun try-on session or to bag yourself some seriously cool vintage finds. What’s more, most of their items are sold at totally reasonable prices with dresses and trousers ranging at around the £25 mark, you’d be silly to miss out!
3. Little Blue Door
25 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QG
Step through the Little Blue Door in Edinburgh Old Town to be transported back to the 80s and 90s. Their colourful collections comprising the best fashion from these two iconic decades/eras have been carefully thought out and hand-picked by the sisters who co-own the store. The wonderful customer service, atmosphere and array of stylish numbers will be sure to have you walking away with an LBD shopping bag in hand and feeling successful. Their clothing is only slightly pricier than some of the other stores, averaging at around £38 a dress and £22 for a shirt, but go on, treat yourself… besides, you won't find it elsewhere!
4. Black Moon Botanica
50 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE
Located in Candlemaker Row, the shop owner of this unique store has bought candle-making back to its roots. Having studied Herbology at the Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and possessing a love for natural magic and ancient traditions, her store is like no other. Stocking an array of natural skincare from independently-owned businesses, sustainably sourced healing crystals and her own gorgeous handmade artisan candles, you’ll be sure to find some amazing presents or indulgent treats for yourself. Black Moon Botanica also offers a tarot card reading service and an array of unique workshops where you can learn all about the art of tarot card reading, candle making and the study of herbology. Whether it sounds like your sort of thing or not, the history and magical feel about the store would be a real shame not to experience.
5. Carnivàle Vintage
51 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AH
Step into this vintage paradise nestled just under the castle in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the perfect location to find the best fashion items from over one hundred iconic eras. From Victorian, all the way to the 1990s you will be sure to come across some true gems. If you’re looking for an amazing fancy dress outfit or some trendy vintage pieces, this is definitely the place for you. Carnivàle Vintage is a little on the pricier side, with items selling for around £40-£200. However, it’s needless to say their quality is to an impeccable standard and will ensure that you achieve a truly chic look if that's what you’re going for. What’s more, while stocking vintage designer items and incredible jewellery items, it's not surprising the price tag is slightly higher. However, don’t let this put you off as they often have some brilliant bargains lying about from time to time, so don’t be afraid to have a browse.
6. Stockbridge
1-21 St Stephen Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AJ
When on a vintage tour of Edinburgh, a must-visit area is Stockbridge, known for all the unique vintage stores that are on offer. Take a trip down St. Stephen Street and pop into Those Were The Days Vintage Fashion Boutique for some fabulous feminine pieces, or Dick’s Edinburgh down Circus Place to find an array of fantastic vintage apparel for both men and women. If you feel like nabbing yourself some unique costume jewellery, you can’t miss Chic & Unique, which is stocked with all sorts of pieces for whatever style or price range you are going for! If your love for vintage goes further than your dress sense, make sure you check out GirCo for some super cool and rare vintage homeware. From antique Smeg fridges to quirky old lamps, you’ll have a field day wishing you had the space in your suitcase to take it all home.
7. Epoca Vintage Clothing Shop
365 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8SD
Finally, depending on how shopped-out you are, either walk directly from Stockbridge or head back to Belushi’s for a quick pit stop to refuel with a burger and fries and maybe a cheeky cocktail before venturing off on the final leg of this thrifting tour to the Epoca Vintage Clothing Shop. As well as being known for their incredible customer service, they have an incredibly high turnover of clothing, meaning they are both extremely popular and always on-trend. They pride themselves on providing customers with modern-era vintage clothing, so you can be confident in finding the trendy pieces you want rather than the bits that are vintage for a reason!
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