Victoria and Cockburn

For tweed, vintage and antiques in Grassmarket

Noteworthy for: These two nearby shopping streets in the Old Town offer some of the best independent shopping in the city away from the tourist tat of the Royal Mile or the high street stores of Princes Street.
A stunning downhill curved street with an elevated row of shops, Victoria Street is pretty enough to warrant a walk without any consumer urges. But if you're in the mood, you can stop off at Walker Slater (16-20 Victoria Street) for classic menswear from tweed blazers to brogues, Totty Rocks for womenswear with an equestrian edge or Mackenzie Bags for Scottish-crafted leather goods.

Cockburn has more of an alternative slant with vintage shops and edgy fashion. The Frayed Hem (45 Cockburn Street) has a particularly nice, well-priced selection of retro wear or try D L Cavanagh (number 49) for antiques from 50p postcards to precious jewellery.