Please be advised that Edinburgh city centre is becoming a low emissions zone (LEZ). All vehicles entering the city centre zone area must now meet the less-polluting emission standards or face a penalty charge. To check if your car meets LEZ emissions standards, please visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/lez
‘Old town charm. A great area to wander through behind the castle. So many quirky shops running alongside the cobbled streets. Plenty of cafes to stop and watch the world go by.’
– Grassmarket Tripadvisor Review
Shopping on Victoria Street
Victoria Street is a steep street of cobbles, which winds up from the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge, near the Royal Mile. With its unusual shape and collection of quirky shops, its often said to be the idea behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. JK Rowling wrote most of the books while living here in Edinburgh and took inspiration from all around her. Indeed, there are now two wizarding shops on Victoria Street, Museum Context and The Boy Wizard, which sell Harry Potter merchandise. Other shops include I J Mellis (traditional cheesemonger) John Kay’s (antique shop) and The Whisky Shop (whiskies and other spirits).
![Shoppers on Victoria Street in Edinburgh](https://parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Victoria-Street-Shopping-Edinburgh-360x600.jpg)
![The colourful exterior of the buildings and shops on Victoria Street in Edinburgh](https://parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Victoria-Street-Shops-1920x500.jpg)
![The winding cobbled hill and buildings of Victoria Street in Edinburgh lit up at night](https://parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Night-Time-Victoria-Street-360x600.jpg)
‘A must visit. Victoria street is very pretty.. very colourful and lights up at night. This street leads to a variety of cafes, restaurants, shops and pubs. This is definitely how I pictured Edinburgh to look like.’
– Grassmarket and Victoria Street Review
Shopping in Edinburgh
So why not come along and experience this fabulous area of Edinburgh for yourself? You will be sure to have a wonderful time surrounded by history as you enjoy some retail therapy. Check out Parliament House Hotel’s latest shopping breaks and special offers and book your shopping break in Edinburgh today.
![Colourful cafes and shops and the old buildings in the Grassmarket Edinburgh](https://parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/The-Grassmarket-Edinburgh-360x600.jpg)
![A sign for the Grassmarket in Edinburgh](https://parliamenthouse-hotel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Grassmarket-Street-Sign-1920x500.jpg)