There’s lots of history in Edinburgh. The capital of Scotland is a living museum with its immense Georgian buildings, narrow medieval closes, and cobblestone alleyways. However, there is a lively counter-culture that exists beyond the all-important historic sites such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, one that cherishes, preserves, and celebrates the past on a more personal level: a vibrant vintage scene. From the look of vintage leather jackets in the 1970s to the interior of old buildings, from vintage vinyl and everything in between, Edinburgh has many treasures for anyone in search of some good old-fashioned.
The narrow staircases and hilly streets of the Old and New Towns can easily wear you out even for the most enthusiastic shopper, particularly when you have heavy backpacks or shopping bags on your back. The best way to explore Edinburgh is to leave your big suitcases at a trustworthy company that provides luggage storage Edinburgh close to Waverley Station or Haymarket. With a service such as Radical Storage, you’ll be able to duck into the little underground boutiques, wander through the bustling flea markets and climb hills and stairs without being weighed down.
Exploring Grassmarket and Victoria Street: The Classic Vintage Route
One of the highlights of any vintage tour of Edinburgh is Victoria Street and the historical Grassmarket area. The winding cobblestone street, Victoria Street, with its brightly-coloured shop fronts, is often regarded as one of the most picturesque in Britain. At this place, independent merchants save one-of-a-kind collections, attracting style enthusiasts from all around the globe.
Right on Victoria Street, you will find Ah-Mazing Vintage (and nearby curio shops) that have a selection of well-chosen clothes, ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s. Even a short walk down into the Grassmarket will lead to Godiva, an independent boutique that’s a perfect mix of vintage with sustainable design from Scottish designers.
Typically, thrifters look for one of a few categories of iconic items while strolling these historic lanes:
- Retro Harris Tweed Jacket. Classic Scottish wool tailored coat, a fashion that never goes out of fashion.
- Kitsch 1960s & 1970s Dresses. Colorful prints and iconic 1960s and 1970s fashion silhouettes.
- Vintage Scottish Knitwear. Cashmere, wool and Fairisle sweaters preserved in pristine condition.
- Antiques and Curiosities. Antique pocket watches, brass trinkets, old maps and Victorian jewelry.
The vintage products that have lasted the test of time are a testament to the artisanal skills and longevity of Scottish Vintage shopping.
Stockbridge and West End: Upscale Thrifts and Hidden Gems
For a more bohemian neighborhood, take a turn northwest to Stockbridge, which is quieter. Stockbridge has a village atmosphere and Georgian terraces, and is renowned for its riverside walks along the Water of Leith and for the quality of the second-hand clothing, antique books, and vintage homeware.
A true fashion connoisseur’s place to visit is Edinburgh’s Saint Stephen Street, where Those Were The Days is likely to be the town’s top vintage destination. This chic little shop has neat items from the 1920’s to 1990’s, and is in a cozy basement. All garments are restored and exhibited in a museum-preserving approach. Vintage home accessories, mid-century pottery, or rare vinyl records are available nearby at Hermitage Antiques or the Stockbridge Market, held on Sundays.
When visiting the West End, be sure to visit one of Britain’s oldest vintage stores, W. Armstrong & Son, which has been open since 1840. Coming into Armstrongs is a journey in and of itself, as there is a sensory overload of retro military outfits, kilts, disco shirts, and velvet gowns being jammed into the aisles.
Cozy Vintage Cafés and Retro Tearooms
Shopping for retro treasures can work up quite an appetite. Fortunately, Edinburgh’s foodie culture has a few cafes that have embraced the “retro” look and can help you take a breath of fresh air in a retro setting.
Clarinda’s Tearoom (Royal Mile)
Go back in time and enter a traditional British country kitchen. The characteristics of Clarinda’s include lace-adorned tablecloths, floral china, antique teapots and walls decorated with historic portraits. They are renowned for their homemade scones, clotted cream and jam.
The Elephant House & Vintage Coffee Nooks
The Old Town is renowned for its literary associations, but it’s also home to a variety of independent coffee shops with mismatched mid-century chairs, warm amber lighting, and vinyl turntables offering jazz standards in the background. A flat white and a 1960s velvet armchair are the perfect way to rest.
Practical Tips for Vintage Shopping in Edinburgh
When you’re in Edinburgh, you’ll be spending time exploring the city’s independent shops and off-the-beaten-path locations, so here are some tips to help you make the most of your time:
- Shoe for Comfort: Edinburgh is well known for its hills, cobblestone streets, and hidden staircases (“closes”).
- Take a reusable Tote Bag: Eco-friendly shopping is encouraged in many small independent shops, and they charge higher prices for single-use plastic bags.
- Keep Heavy Luggage Early: It is not feasible to walk through tight aisles in old-fashioned shops carrying heavy luggage, and it can ruin delicate displays. Radical Storage offers you the ability to drop off your bags at local partner stores for a secure drop, complete with complete freedom of movement.
- Have some cash: Many stores will take cards, but some small ones like flea markets and charity stores will take cash for small sales.
With these simple tips in mind, you can enjoy the ride on the historic streets of the city without getting stressed out over the hassle of the drive, and instead concentrate on the fun of the hunt and possible rare retro items you may find!
Uncovering Edinburgh’s Retro Soul
Edinburgh is a city that honors its past and is one of the best places to explore the past in Europe. Whether it’s from the treasure trove of Stockbridge’s basement or the lively rails of Armstrong’s in the Old Town, every corner is a location where fashion and design are waiting to be reborn.
When you arrive at a Radical Storage location, you can check them in and wander without a care in the world along cobblestone wynds, finding secluded markets in courtyards, and enjoying the rich, nostalgic charm of Scotland’s capital.