Old Town Shopping Walk (Self Guided), Edinburgh

Go on a truly fascinating shopping expedition along the maze of cobblestone streets and through the narrow alleyways and courtyards that make up Edinburgh's Old Town district. Here, among the old stones and brickwork, you will find an area that is packed with specialist shops filled with traditional Scottish wares. Buy some tartan and oak aged whiskey and sample a slice of haggis. Browse the rich collection of shops on the Royal Mile, the main streets through the Old Town that run between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

Venture into the Grassmarket area which is the city's historic market place. Today, it is home to shops selling jewelry, rare books and vintage clothes. The Grassmarket also features one of the most unusual shops you’re ever likely to see, because it sells fossils. Also within the area is a stunning range of bars, cafés and restaurants, delightful watering holes that serve traditional food and drink as well as international fare. Shopping here is a pure unadulterated pleasure. First there are the independent shops, then there are the historic cobblestones, and finally the views of the castle sitting atop Castle Rock. And everywhere you turn, you feel the historic charm of the district.