Edinburgh’s Top 13 Vintage Shops to Kind of Rewind and Unwind!
Let me share with you my first dive into the vintage shopping scene in Edinburgh, which wasn’t exactly planned. I wandered down what I’m 90% sure was the wrong street, only to stumble upon this treasure trove of vintage wonders.
Yep, ‘wonders’ for me ’cause I love vintages—anyway, it was like Narnia, but instead of a talking lion, there were racks of retro denim and dresses, from which, just like that, a love affair began.
Not with a person, though, because who needs the hassle when you’ve got the drama of untangling a vintage necklace instead? Now, whether you’re a thrifter at heart or someone who loves 70s fashion (like me! ), I’ve got you covered.
Armstrong’s Vintage
Website: http://www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk/
Address: 81-83 Grassmarket
Contact details: +44 131 220 5557
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Armstrong’s Vintage is like diving into a treasure chest where every piece of clothing tells a story. You’re walking into racks filled with the coolest leather jackets that have seen more concerts than you, as well as dresses.
They’ve got everything from funky hats to those boots that seem like they’ve danced through decades. And it’s not just about clothes as you’ll also find here some accessories that can jazz up any outfit.
They’ve got Scottish kilts too, because, well, this is Edinburgh, and if there’s a place to snatch up an authentic piece of this city, it’s here.
Pro tip: The best time to visit here is on weekday mornings if you can swing it. It’s quieter, and you get first dibs on their latest finds.
They often restock, so every visit feels like a whole new adventure.
Morning Tea Vintage
Website: http://www.morningteavintage.co.uk/
Address: 53 St. Leonard’s St.
Contact details: https://www.morningteavintage.co.uk/contact-us
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Morning Tea Vintage is your go-to spot when you’re after that ‘I just threw this on’ look that actually took you weeks to perfect. Here, you’ll find dresses with floral patterns that have more stories than your grandmother and retro shirts that are so cool.
For accessories, they’ve got you too; from necklaces that look like they belong in a museum to sunnies that will have you feeling like a 70s movie star, they always have your back.
And let’s not start on the sweaters; they have the cosy game on lock, perfect for Edinburgh’s moodier days.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on their Instagram for incoming stock; it’s like a sneak peek into your future wardrobe.
And, chat up the staff; they’re like vintage wizards, ready to pull out that one piece you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without.
Those Were the Days
Website: https://www.thosewerethedaysvintage.com/
Address: 28 St Stephen St.
Contact details: +44 131 225 4400
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Those Were the Days is where you walk in, and it’s all glam dresses that sparkle like your aunt’s disco ball, mixed with classic pieces that have the “old Hollywood” vibe down pat.
They specialise in premium vintage from across the decades, so you’re not just getting something to wear; you’re getting a slice of history.
The handbags here deserve their own shout out because they’re like little pieces of art that you get to carry around. And for the gents, fear not; there’s a selection of vintage menswear that’ll make you look sharper than a scene from a 1960s spy film.
Pro tip: They also have a bridal section—vintage bridal—so if you or someone you know is looking to tie the knot with a twist of old-school glamour, this is the spot.
Plus, the shop is a stone’s throw away from some lovely cafes where you can revel in your finds over a cuppa.
Little Blue Door
Website: http://www.littlebluedoorvintage.com/
Address: 25 Candlemaker Row
Contact details: https://littlebluedoorvintage.com/pages/contact-us
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Little Blue Door is like stumbling upon the wardrobe you always wished you had. It’s a smaller shop, but every piece packs a punch of personality.
Think of rails studded with vintage tees and quirky dresses that are dying for a night out, not to mention some summer dresses too! Moreover, some accessories could tell tales too, from belts to bags with enough character to be the main topic of conversation.
Plus, their collection of jackets is something to behold, perfect for that Edinburgh chill or just adding an edge to your ensemble.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to check their Instagram page for event announcements; they sometimes have lock-ins with discounts, making it the perfect opportunity to score some serious style points without breaking the bank.
Carnivàle Vintage
Website: http://www.vintageedinburgh.com/
Address: 51 Bread St.
Contact details: +44 131 228 8787
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Carnivàle Vintage is stuffed with the richest collection of vintage wear you could hope for. They’ve got dazzling dresses that would fit right in at Gatsby’s shindig, and blazers that have that ‘I mean business, but I party harder’ vibe.
They also boast a selection of silk scarves and jewellery. Beyond that, you’ll also find here some military jackets that are as authentic as they are stylish, or that one-of-a-kind handbag no one can stop asking about.
Pro tip: If you’re down for a chill afternoon, scoot over to Carnivàle Vintage after your lunch. It’s not super busy then, so you can have all the good stuff to yourself.
Plus, they’ve got a tailor in-house, just in case you find the perfect piece that needs a nip or tuck.
Epoca Vintage Clothing Shop
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Epoca-Modern-Era-Vintage-Clothing-331606820585082/
Address: 365 Leith Walk
Contact details: +44 131 553 2281
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 6:15 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 6:15 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Epoca is a straight-up festival for your wardrobe. It’s where you find those 80s windbreakers and shoes that have more character than a vintage sitcom.
And let’s just say their sweater game is stronger than your grandpa’s storytelling—perfect for that Edinburgh weather, you know?
Denim lovers, rejoice—their ‘jean’ pool is deep too. From old-school Levi’s to rare denim jackets, they have it!
And if you’re on the lookout for tees with band names that your cool uncle still brags about seeing live, this is your spot.
Pro tip: Make sure you keep an eye on their Instagram, ’cause they post new arrivals, and trust me, they go fast.
Moreover, there are cool street art and indie cafes all around Leith Walk, making it perfect for a vintage spree followed by an Instagram-worthy coffee break.
Yellow Souls
Website: http://yellowsouls.co.uk/
Address: 10 Croall Pl
Contact details: +44 131 225 5783
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 5 PM
- Friday – Open 24 hours
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Yellow Souls is crammed with all these funky, retro vibes that you can wear. They’ve got racks on racks of unique finds, from those rad leather jackets you see in old-school movies to dresses that look like they’ve time-travelled straight from a 1960s dance floor.
Moreover, it’s a treasure trove of all things vintage. Think of accessories that will make your outfit pop, records, and even some quirky home decor that’ll make your place look like a Pinterest board come to life.
Pro tip: The best time to hit up Yellow Souls is probably on a weekday morning when you’ll be able to dodge the crowds. Also, keep an eye out for their special sales events—they sometimes slash prices on already affordable items.
Pascal & Co.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/_pascalandco_/
Address: 20 Albert Pl
Contact details: +44 7714 262026
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Cost: £-££
Pascal & Co. is like a best-kept secret for snazzy suits and dresses that come with class. Their tailoring is impeccable, where you can snag a suit that makes you look like a Bond character or a dress that has Audrey Hepburn vibes all over it.
Beyond the formal wear, they’ve got all the odds and ends to complete the look. We’re talking ties, cufflinks, and brooches that add just the right amount of snazz to your outfit.
Moreover, you’ll also find here a collection of furniture, homewares, accessories, and occasional antiques.
Pro tip: When you’re done, Albert Place leads you to some fine bistros where you can flaunt your dapper new attire over dinner.
Vintage Outfitters
Website: https://www.vintageoutfitters.co.uk/
Address: 72 Nicolson St.
Contact details: [email protected]
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Cost: £-££
Vintage Outfitters is where you’re going to find racks packed with leather jackets alongside jeans. And it’s not just about clothes; it’s an emporium for accessories that demand attention.
Whether you want belts, scarves, or even some snazzy sunglasses, they’ve got it all, and then some. Moreover, they’ve carved out a sweet spot for footwear, where boots and shoes from past decades stand ready to strut their stuff into the 21st century.
And let’s not skip over the handbags—they’re the kind that make you want to plan an outfit just to have an excuse to carry them around.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to dodge the hustle and bustle, a weekday visit is your best bet.
And here’s a little secret: they occasionally throw in-store events, from launch parties to exclusive sales. Keep an eye on their social media, so you don’t miss out.
5th Season Vintage
Website: https://www.5thseasonvintage.com/
Address: 28 Haddington Pl.
Contact details: https://5thseasonvintage.co.uk/pages/contact
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
5th Season Vintage is a gold mine for anyone who’s serious about unique pieces that scream individuality. This place is like a haven for designer vintages, from high-flyer labels to those underrated gems.
And it’s not just about wearing something that’s been worn. It’s about topping off that look with an accessory or two (or, let’s be real, five) that no one else can get their hands on.
We’re talking rare handbags, statement sunglasses, and belts that are the real deal—all curated with the kind of love only a true vintage aficionado can muster.
Pro tip: Make sure you hit up 5th Season in the early afternoon to avoid the crowd and really dig into their collection. And keep your calendar marked; they’re known for dropping seasonal collections that are worth the wait.
Herman Brown
Website: http://www.hermanbrown.co.uk/
Address: 151 West Port
Contact details: +44 131 228 2589
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
Cost: £-££
Going to Herman Brown is like entering a carefully curated world where every piece has been picked because it’s special. Here, you’re going to find dresses, denim that’s aged better than fine wine, and shirts with prints loud enough to start conversations.
They also boast a selection of accessories like scarves and jewellery pieces that are so unique, that they might as well come with their own security detail.
And for the eco-conscious out there, you’ll appreciate their commitment to sustainable fashion—this is guilt-free shopping at its finest.
Pro tip: The staff here are like walking encyclopaedias of fashion history, so don’t shy away from striking up a conversation.
Plus, West Port is known for its vibrant scene, so once you’re done, take your newfound treasures for a spin around some of Edinburgh’s coolest bars and eateries right on your doorstep.
Démodé Vintage Shop
Website: https://depop.com/demode
Address: Demode Shop, A700
Contact details: +44 7854 262807
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Démodé Vintage Shop has this wild mix of eras—from those 70s psychedelic shirts that’ll have you feeling like a rockstar to those 50s swing dresses. Also, they pack a hefty punch in the accessories department too.
Think of sunnies that give off that instant cool vibe, belts, and hats that are perfect to use for a stroll.
Pro tip: Afternoons here are typically quieter, giving you the space to really dig into their collection. And keep your eyes peeled, because Démodé likes to shake things up with occasional pop-up events that are absolutely worth checking out.
Torn Vintage
Website: http://www.tornvintage.com/
Address: 11 West Port
Contact details: https://tornvintage.com/pages/contact-us
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 6:30 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 5 PM
Cost: £-££
Torn Vintage is like the punk rock cousin of Edinburgh’s vintage scene that’s not afraid to mess with the status quo. They’re stocking everything from those cheeky band tees to throwback sneakers that are essentially a history lesson in cool.
And the denim selection is here killer, I mean ’cause they varied from trousers, jackets, and skirts—the kind that has that lived-in feel you just can’t replicate.
Even their accessory game is on point, offering everything from retro watches to the kind of bags that you won’t see anyone else carrying.
Pro tip: Torn Vintage has a habit of hosting flash sales that can turn any casual visit into a vintage haul of a lifetime. So, yeah, keep tabs on their socials for the inside scoop.
Plus, if you’re feeling peckish afterward, West Port is littered with hidden gems where you can grab a bite or sip on something cool, making the whole experience even sweeter.