9 Best Shopping Malls in Edinburgh

Ocean Terminal is among Edinburgh’s largest shopping centres, offering more than 70 shops and services including a gym, spa, tons of cafes and restaurants and even the Royal Yacht Britannia. This yacht, moored outside the centre, is the former royal yacht of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and served through 1997. This centre is part of Edinburgh’s revitalisation of the waterfront district and offers a state-of-the-art complex for retail and leisure covering 45,000 square metres of space spread over 3 floors.

After a day of shopping, you can enjoy a full meal at any of the onsite bars and restaurants, or catch the latest blockbuster film at the 12-screen multiplex cinema. It’s just 15 minutes north of the city centre.

The Centre Livingston is an airy indoor shopping centre that’s among the largest in the United Kingdom and offers over 150 stores divided into 3 designated zones. The 3 zones correspond to the different eras of construction and are the Almondvale Walk, the original centre built in the 1970s; Almondvale Place, built in 1995 and marked by twin towers; and Elements Square, the Wintergarden and the Avenue that opened in 2008.

The Centre includes anchor stores Marks & Spencer and Primark. Other brands include Schuh, New Look, Asda, H&M, H.M.V., Waterstone’s and others. Tons of parking is available at the onsite car park. It’s in Livingston, about 45 minutes west of the Edinburgh city centre.

Fort Kinnaird retail park is located just off the A1 on the outskirts of Edinburgh and provides a wide range of shops, eateries, services and even its own cinema. This strip mall-style shopping centre has more than 10 high street fashion brands including Next and M&S, plus stores offering kids’ clothing, toys, electronics, gadgets, books, cards, jewellery, health and beauty supplies, appliances, housewares, shoes and even speciality mobile phones.

The centre also features numerous options for cafes, restaurants and fast-food eateries. For entertainment, you can stop by the onsite cinema to take in a movie. Like many strip malls, there is plenty of onsite parking available as well as all manner of convenience amenities.

Waverley Market is an indoor shopping centre located in the heart of the city centre and offering 3 levels of goods and services as well as restaurants. It’s directly adjacent to the Waverley railway station so it’s a prime location to visit when you want to get in or out of inclement weather or you’re waiting on your train. Here, you can check out casual and high street fashion brands, grab a few souvenirs or browse everything from shoes and jewellery to accessories and electronics, housewares and home décor.

For eats, the centre has a full food court with tons of takeaway booths serving all kinds of cuisine. What makes this one unique is that it’s all underground.

OMNI Centre is in the heart of the city centre near the junction of Leith Walk and Princes Street, offering entertainment and leisure opportunities. While shopping outlets are thin here, you will find tons of health and wellness services, tons of eateries, entertainment and leisure. The spot has a full fitness centre with over 100 machines for weight lifting, exercise, jogging and fitness as well as a swimming pool. You can even take workout classes. The facility’s many cafes, bistros and restaurants provide all the opportunities for good eats you like.

The onsite cinema allows you to catch the latest blockbuster film. Afterward, you can head to one of the 2 bars for a pint or a cocktail.

The Gyle Shopping Centre encompasses over 50 acres of space and offers more than 70 retail outlets and services from big box to boutique brands. Here, you can find just about anything you need, from necessities to gifts or luxury items. You’ll find most of the big names here, but also luxury and speciality stores that other retail parks and centres don’t carry, such as Austin Reed for haute couture fashion or Ortak jewellers.

The sheer number of options for eateries is also mind-blowing, providing options for health-conscious eaters as well as caffeine addicts and those who want takeaway fast food. It’s on the outskirts of the city’s west side but is served by a regular bus service.

St James Quarter is a contemporary and vibrant shopping centre in the heart of Edinburgh offering a wide variety of major retail brands, restaurants, cafes and bars. This shopping centre covers nearly 520,000 square metres of space spread over 4 floors in the heart of the city centre on Princes Street. Here, you’ll find beauty supplies, accessories, high street fashion, activewear, footwear, housewares, appliances, electronics, gadgets and gifts. It’s also home to the city’s first Everyman boutique cinema.

If that’s not enough, the space also hosts its own aparthotel where you can stay for a night, a week, a month or up to a full year if you like. This is a “meets all the needs” space.

Craigleith Retail Park is just 3 miles from the city centre and offers suburban-style shopping with fantastic retail opportunities and an escape from the hustle and bustle. This shopping centre provides tons of fashion retailers ranging from luxury high street brands to casual and discount wear alongside sportswear and activewear. You’ll also find electronics retailers selling gadgets and appliances as well as a DIY home improvement centre. This outdoor shopping centre also features a TK Maxx where you’ll find discount name brand clothing, housewares and home décor all in the same space.

The shopping centre also provides free parking and the retailers regularly showcase special sales and discounts. It’s a quiet excursion just outside of the city.

Meadowbank Shopping Park is a retail park offering tons of shopping opportunities, dining spaces and services all easy to access in one central location. A few of the big name brands you’ll find here are M&S Outlet, Poundland, TX Maxx, Sainsbury’s, B&M and Mecca Bingo. Here, you’ll find everything from discount fashion brands to housewares, appliances and electronics. Food outlets run the gamut from sit-down restaurants to a KFC, so you’ll have a range of options when lunch or dinner time rolls around.

The shopping centre provides a large car park with plenty of spaces and is served by public transport. It’s fully accessible to people with disabilities. It’s about 6 minutes east of the Edinburgh city centre.