Every time I go to Edinburgh, I have to put aside time to shop. And I’m not talking about the kind of shopping you do in New Town or on Princes Street. I’m talking about charity shops: the ultimate thrift shopping! These shops are everywhere in Edinburgh and whether you're an avid thrifter or not, you can definitely find something you can't live without! I first discovered Armstrongs in Grassmarket back in 2006 when I went to Edinburgh on my FIRST EVER backpacking adventure. At the time, I just thought Armstrongs was a one of a kind magical place and it ended there. I didn’t realize that not only is there more than one Armstrongs, but also that there are loads of charity shops throughout the entire city.

The charity shops in Edinburgh all benefit different organizations and what's better than shopping and contributing to a good cause? Like their names suggest, The British Heart Foundation funds research to better understand and prevent diseases and health conditions relating to the heart and blood flow, while Shelter shops contribute to helping the homeless and providing adequate shelter to British citizens. Places such as Barnardo's are less clear in their name but contribute to the welfare of children, helping those affected by disadvantages or abuse. Various charity shops target cancer, animal cruelty, hospice, red cross, salvation army, and the list goes on. So if you're all about seeing your money go to a good place, start with charity shops for sure!

Maybe shopping used and sometimes dated clothing and merchandise is not for you. And if so, that's cool. But most of the time, these places are only reselling items in great condition, and sometimes never even worn with the tags still on! I always feel like I hit the jackpot when I find those items. But, depending on the charity shop, you can expect to find different kinds of items. St Columba's Hospice down on Leith Walk has a variety of kitchen goods and fabric, whereas Shelter Bookshop in Stockbridge offers an awesome selection of secondhand books. Obviously, since these shops rely on donations and what is being dropped off, their inventory changes quite a bit. But once you start frequenting these shops, you get idea what kinds of goodies you may find.

Newington & Old Town

Newington is amazing if you're on the hunt for bargains and looking to do some charity shop hopping. Follow Nicolson down far enough from South Bridge and you’ve hit the jackpot! This area is right in Edinburgh University territory, so it's the perfect spot if you're looking for bargains and more modern clothing. Consider the fact that college students are probably donating the clothes they don't like or never wear that are in great condition, but alsooo picking through all the great finds on the shelves. So although I love shopping in Newington, it tends to be hit or miss. I did find a wool peacoat on Nicolson for £4 once and I bragged about it for months. So, there is that. The quantity of shops really makes it worth it though. There's seriously a cluster of shops that are nearly right next door to each other, making the experience so much more fun! Don't forget to hit up Armstrongs down at the end! There are three in the city and all pretty close to one another, so if you're just exploring Newington and Old Town, you can stop by all three. I have to say, there’s really nothing like the Armstrongs in Grassmarket though. It reminds me of a costume shop, which is probably why I love it so much. It's a great place to go if you're looking for vintage. Clothing is organized by decade, which is super cool! Last time I was there, I left with a dress from the 60s, a dress from the 70s, andddd a super cute kilt... I couldn't resist it, okay?! The prices don't always reflect "thrifty" here, but some of their gems are definitely worth the extra quid. If you're in the theatre, make sure you swing by here! Grassmarket is a pretty high traffic area so you may not have much luck with everyday clothing since it's picked over so much, but the beauty of charity shops is you never know!

Morningside

If you're looking for big brands and items that may be considered more posh, head over to Morningside. This area was described to me by a local as, "where ladies lunch" and it's certainly a good description. The financially fortunate reside here so you can expect to find higher end dontations in the charity shops. Fashionable quality items that have been lightly worn and in terrific shape are often found here. British brands such as Burberry and Jaeger tend to make normal appearances so if that sounds like it's up your alley, Morningside is definitely for you! Keep in mind though, the bigger the name tag, the bigger the price tag. You may not find the bargain prices in Morningside that you saw in Newington, but the items will absolutely be more upscale. Head over to Morningside Road for a cluster of shops right on top of each other. Morningside also has some great cafes, so make a day of it and stop for a cup of tea or lunch while you're out shopping. If you're a criossant fan, stop over at Bakery Andante and give one of their almond croissants a try! If you have the time, continue on to Bruntsfield. This neighborhood doesn't have as many charity shops, but their antique and privately owned shops are quite good. Make sure to check out Very Vintage.

Stockbridge

If you're looking for a nice in between, check out Stockbridge. It's less hoity-toity than Morningside, but still, an area that people tend to be financially secure. So basically, the items can be a little bit nicer than what you may find in Newington, but maybe with similar prices. Best of both worlds really. Great deals, awesome stuff! The coolest part about Stockbridge is the amount of shops (like over a dozen!) and like Newington and Morningside, there's such a close proximity between all of them! You'll find the majority of the shops right on Raeburn Place, which is the main street down Stockbridge. If you're in the market for a secondhand wedding dress, definitely don't miss the British Red Cross shop. They have so many gorgeous dresses, it'll make you contemplate buying one for shits. I read about a woman marrying her cat once.. she probably impulsively bought a dress here and just wanted an excuse to wear it. I don't blame her. Shelter Bookshop is incredible if youre a bookworm. I try to resist buying books while traveling since they add so much weight to your luggage, but I couldnt help myself when I found one from the 19th century. I don't have any excuse for the others I bought.. It's a great place to pick up traveling books as well. If you loved the vintage clothing at Armstrongs, check out the upscale boutiques down on St. Stephans Street. For the record, these are not Charity shops, but rather privately owned clothing stores. I recommend stopping over at Elaine's Vintage Clothing though- it's an awesome shop and you can find some really cool pieces! If you need a break in between shops, stop over at Hectors for a bloody mary. It'll be the perfect pick me up to get you through the rest of your shopping.

Once I realized these shops were everywhere, I couldn’t explore a new neighborhood without looking up where the charity shops were located. I may have become a little obsessed, but once you experience the Edinburgh Charity Shops for yourself, you’ll understand. Definitely, don't limit yourself to these three areas because charity shops are really located throughout the city. Exploring Newington & Old Town, Morningside and Stockbridge will give you a well-rounded experience though and probably get you hooked. If you’re looking for more necessary sites and things to do, check out my post 24 Hours Edinburgh. I crammed all the musts into a full day that you can stretch over your visit if you have the time. Have fun! :)