Staff Pick: William Street, Edinburgh's Hidden Gem
Hidden in the West End, tucked quietly behind Shandwick Place, is the picturesque cobbled lane of William Street. Its a quiet area of grand Georgian terraced boulevards, cute cottages and interesting architecture just 7 minutes walk’ walk from Haymarket Hotel. Home to a number of independent bars, cafes, restaurants and boutiques, it has so much to offer for its size. In summer, you'll find people spilling out onto the pavements from pubs to catch some sunshine. Then, in December, the street is lined on both sides with real Christmas trees along the black iron railings.
A Bit of History
William Street has been around for a long time. It was built in the early 1800s when Edinburgh was growing fast. The street was named after King William IV, who ruled Britain from 1830 to 1837. As you walk down the street, imagine all the people who have walked there before you over the last 200 years!
Shopping Adventures
One of the best things about William Street is the shopping. But forget about big chain stores - this street is all about unique, independent shops that you won't find anywhere else. Inside the beautiful facades, you'll find high-end designer clothing, luxury Scottish knitwear, unique Scottish-designed jewellery, lingerie and beauty treatments, a wonderful florist and a variety of independent quality food and drink options.
Some examples include:
Lilly Luna is a stylish boutique offering unique bridal accessories & contemporary baubles made by local designers.
Agitate is an artist-run hub for photography in Edinburgh. Stop in for a unique souvenir print or book.
Jewellery By Liam Ross is a Boutique & workshop for wedding rings & special-occasion pieces handmade by the namesake designer.
Frontiers Men's and Women's boutique.
Tasty Treats and Cosy Cafes
All that shopping is sure to make you hungry! Luckily, William Street has got you covered with some great places to eat and drink.
Try these picks:
The Green Room Wine Bar Has outdoor seating, live music, good food and wine bar.
The Voyage of Buck Heritage gastropub named after the 19th-century philanthropist, serving hearty European dishes.
Lauras Kitchen for everything homemade and delicious.
For more staff picks of cosy pubs see The Haymarket Hotel blog.
Getting There and Around
When you're staying at the Haymarket Hotel, you're in luck! William Street is just a 5-minute walk away. From the hotel, head east on Haymarket Terrace, then turn left onto Stafford Street. William Street will be on your right.
Tourists love William Street because it feels like a secret part of Edinburgh that not everyone knows about. It's close to all the famous sights, but it has a quieter, more local feel. You can shop, eat, and drink like a real Edinburgh resident here! William Street might be small, but it's packed with Edinburgh charm. From quirky shops to cosy pubs, from tasty treats to bits of history, it's got something for everyone. Make sure to add William Street to your Edinburgh adventure list because who knows what treasures you might discover on this hidden gem of a street, and as always, enjoy your stay!
