Edinburgh is one of those cities that knows how to surprise you. It draws you in with its layered history and gothic beauty, then reveals its softer, more whimsical side through hidden courtyards, colourful streets, and little shops that feel like personal discoveries. Wandering through the Old Town, it’s impossible not to be charmed by places like Armchair Books, where towers of second-hand volumes create a literary labyrinth, or The Witchery Shop, a boutique so rich in atmosphere it feels like stepping into a different era.
Among tartan textures and the scent of old paper, you’ll find stores that go far beyond simple shopping. Take House of MinaLima, for example, a dreamlike gallery-shop dedicated to the graphic magic of the Harry Potter films, or the enchanting Museum Context, where fantasy and Scottish heritage blend effortlessly. On the quieter Cockburn Street, Mysaand Eden offer beautifully curated selections of homeware, gifts, and tiny treasures—perfect for a slow afternoon of browsing.
And then there’s the Tron Kirk Market, set inside a 17th-century church, where local artisans showcase their creations in one of the most evocative spaces in the city. Because in Edinburgh, every shop tells a story—and those stories are waiting to be found, just around the corner.
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📍Tron Kirk Market
The Tron Kirk Market in Edinburgh is a truly unique place, where history and local craftsmanship come together in an evocative setting. It is housed within the Tron Kirk, a 17th-century building located right on the Royal Mile, in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Originally, the Tron Kirk was a church—one of the most important in the city—but it ceased to be used for worship in 1952. Since then, it has served various purposes, including as a tourist information centre and a venue for cultural events, and it is currently the focus of a restoration and enhancement project led by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust.
In recent years, the interior of the church has been transformed into a craft market, where Scottish artists and artisans display and sell their creations. The market is managed by the Scottish Design Exchange, an organisation that supports local creativity. As you wander among the stalls, you’ll find ceramics, jewellery, prints, sculptures, and many other handmade objects, often inspired by Scottish culture and landscapes. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for an original gift or an authentic souvenir from your trip.
The structure itself, with its grand stone arches and light streaming in through tall windows, creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that the market has undergone temporary closures due to restoration work, so it’s a good idea to check if it’s open before visiting. When operating, it is typically open daily until late afternoon.
Visiting the Tron Kirk Market is not just about shopping—it’s about stepping into a living piece of Edinburgh’s history, in one of its most iconic and charming locations. If you love craftsmanship, history, or simply authentic places, it’s definitely worth a visit.
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📍Mysa (daily 10/18)
Mysa is an independent shop located at 33 Cockburn Street, right in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. This small and welcoming boutique offers a carefully curated selection of homeware and gifts, making it an ideal destination for anyone in search of unique and high-quality items.
Inside the shop, you’ll find a variety of products, including candle holders, plant hangers, cushions, blankets, mugs, enamel bowls, and brass frames. Each item is chosen to help create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere, with a strong focus on quality and design. Mysa also stocks a range of illustrated books, botanical and animal postcards, as well as decorative pieces like mirrors and magnetic hooks.
The shop is known for its calm atmosphere and excellent customer service, providing a pleasant and unhurried shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or simply browsing, Mysa has something for every taste and budget.
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📍Eden (daily 10/18)
Eden is a shop located at 37 Cockburn Street, in the heart of Edinburgh’s city centre. This store offers a wide range of products, including Jellycat plush toys, socks, gift items, and decorative homeware. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking for unique presents or memorable souvenirs to take home. The shop is known for its welcoming atmosphere and its broad selection of high-quality items.
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📍House of MinaLima (daily 11/18)
For those who love the visual world of Harry Potter—complete with Hogwarts acceptance letters, Marauder’s Maps, and Ministry of Magic wanted posters—a visit to the House of MinaLima is an absolute must. Located on Victoria Street, this boutique-gallery is entirely dedicated to the creative duo MinaLima, the designers behind the graphic identity of the entire film saga.
Spread over several floors, the space is a mix between a shop and an exhibition. Entry is free, and visitors can wander through rooms filled with prints, special editions, collectible items, and visual curiosities that reveal the behind-the-scenes magic of this iconic universe. You don’t have to be a hardcore Potterhead to appreciate the attention to detail and the distinctive graphic style that defines every MinaLima project.
This is a place where pure creativity is in the air, with a playful and imaginative twist. It’s the perfect stop between two sights in the historic centre, and an excellent spot to find a truly original souvenir to take home.
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📍Armchair Books (daily 10/18.30)
Armchair Books is an independent, family-run bookshop located in the historic heart of Edinburgh at 72–74 West Port, just a short walk from Grassmarket and with a view of the Castle. It’s considered one of the city’s most charming and beloved bookshops—a true paradise for book lovers.
Often described as a “nearly alphabetised chaos,” Armchair Books is a labyrinth of floor-to-ceiling shelves, with piles of books filling every corner and available surface. The atmosphere feels like stepping into a bookshop from another time: layered rugs, soft lighting, and the unmistakable scent of old paper. Here, you’ll find second-hand and antiquarian books of all kinds, from classic fiction to nonfiction, including rare and hard-to-find titles.
The staff are known for their knowledge and friendliness, always ready to help customers track down that elusive “blue book with gold writing on the spine—maybe with an elephant or a tornado on the cover.”
The shop is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. While full accessibility is not yet in place, improvements are underway to enhance access to both the entrance and the shop interior. At present, around 75% of the space is accessible without the use of ramps.
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📍Grassmarket (every Saturday 10am–5pm) is one of the most authentic squares to experience the city—perfect for an aperitif in a historic pub.
Grassmarket is one of the most charming and historic neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, located in the heart of the Old Town, right at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. With its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and lively atmosphere, it offers an authentic experience of the city. Originally, Grassmarket was Edinburgh’s main livestock market, where horses, cows, and sheep were sold. The name “Grassmarket” comes from the grass pastures where the animals were kept before being traded.
Over the centuries, the area also had a darker side: from 1660 to 1784, it was the main site for public executions, including those of the Covenanters during the period known as The Killing Time. Today, a circular stone marks the exact spot where the executions took place.
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📍Stockbridge market (tutte le domeniche 10/16)
Located in the heart of one of the city’s most charming and residential neighbourhoods, this Sunday market is a hidden gem where you can soak up an authentic, relaxed, and truly local atmosphere. Among beautifully curated stalls and mouthwatering aromas, you can sample Scottish specialities, international dishes, artisanal cheeses, handmade sweets, and also discover small independent brands, local illustrators, and food artisans. It’s perfect for a quick bite, an open-air brunch, or to bring home a foodie souvenir that goes beyond the usual clichés.
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📍The Witchery Shop
The Witchery Shop is an elegant boutique located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, right next to the iconic restaurant and hotel The Witchery by the Castle. Opened on October 31, 2024, to celebrate the 45th anniversary of The Witchery, the shop was created to encapsulate and share the opulent and mysterious atmosphere that defines the experience of this renowned Scottish establishment.
Housed in a restored Georgian building with meticulous attention to detail and sustainability, the shop mirrors the refined aesthetic of the restaurant: gilded wood panelling, antique furnishings, and soft lighting guide visitors through a sensory journey filled with exclusive objects and stories waiting to be discovered. The carefully curated selection of products includes top-quality Scottish cashmere, handmade leather goods by local artisans, fine tartan and tweed fabrics by Araminta Campbell, along with The Witchery’s signature line of teas, gin, whisky, champagne, and artisanal chocolate.
A hidden corner, lined with bespoke tartan and adorned with stag antlers, hosts private whisky tastings and small events, offering an immersive and sophisticated experience. For those looking to take home a genuine piece of Scottish magic, The Witchery Shop is an unmissable stop.
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📍Museum Context
Museum Context is a themed shop located in the heart of Edinburgh, specialising in items inspired by the world of Harry Potter and Scottish culture. Founded in 2007 by Andrew McRae, the shop has two main locations:
40 Victoria Street, EH1 2JW – this street, with its distinctive curves and colourful façades, is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Diagon Alley.
42–44 Cockburn Street, EH1 1PB – situated just a short walk from Waverley Station, it’s easily accessible on foot.
The store offers a wide range of official merchandise, including film replicas of iconic items such as Dobby’s wand, Dumbledore’s goblet, and the golden egg. You’ll also find collectible items, stationery, homeware, and gifts inspired by the magical world. Exclusive prints created by local artists are available too, featuring illustrations of Harry Potter characters and Scottish scenes. Additionally, the shop carries products inspired by Edinburgh’s history and culture, such as maps, globes, and Scottish-themed gifts.
Immagini nel testo Laura Renieri, foto di copertina Dive. In Life | Tutti i diritti sono riservati