A large retail and leisure district opened in 2021 on the site of the old St James Centre, at the east end of Princes Street. It combines high-street brands such as Zara, H&M, and Mango with a John Lewis store, a cinema, restaurants and bars, and the W Edinburgh hotel. Under cover and free to enter.
St James Quarter is a large shopping and leisure district at the east end of Princes Street in Edinburgh's New Town, Scotland, opened in 2021 on the site of the old St James Centre. It is the city's main contemporary mall, with more than 80 shops, a cinema, restaurants and bars, and the W Edinburgh hotel, arranged around a distinctive ribbon-shaped building and public squares. The anchor store is John Lewis, and the brand mix is built around high-street names such as Zara, H&M and Mango, alongside beauty retailers, fashion labels, homeware and some independent and Scottish-linked concessions. Prices are typical high-street levels, with coffee about £3 to £4. As a mainstream mall it is not a source of handmade souvenirs, and visitors seeking tartan, whisky or Scottish crafts will generally do better on the Old Town streets or at the weekly markets, although a few stores carry Scottish gifts and food products. Prices are fixed and there is no bargaining; sales periods in January and summer are the main source of discounts. Card and contactless payment is universal. The UK has no tourist VAT refund scheme, so no tax-free forms apply to visitors. The centre is under cover and free to enter, which makes it a practical option when Edinburgh's weather turns wet. Eating options are extensive: a mix of casual chains, independent restaurants and cafes, and bars with rooftop-style views toward Calton Hill and the Firth of Forth, with a food hall-style area inside for quick meals. The atmosphere is busy and modern, with the biggest crowds at weekends and during late-afternoon peaks, while weekday mornings are comparatively calm. Typical hours are Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm, with restaurants and bars open later; visitors should verify at stjamesquarter.com. The quarter sits beside Waverley station and the Princes Street tram line, and the mall has level access, lifts and escalators throughout.
| Hours | Typically Monday to Saturday 10am to 8pm, Sunday 11am to 6pm; restaurants and bars later (verify at stjamesquarter.com) |
|---|---|
| Price | High street prices; coffee £3-£4 (~$4-$5) |
| Address | St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AD |
Location
St James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AD
55.9542, -3.1887 View on map
Highlights
- More than 80 shops anchored by John Lewis
- Cinema, restaurants and bars under one roof
- Covered, free-to-enter shopping next to Waverley station
- Modern architecture beside the W Edinburgh hotel
Tips for visiting
- Visit on weekday mornings for quieter shopping
- Use it as a wet-weather option, as it is largely under cover
- Look for January and summer sales for the best discounts
- Buy Scottish gifts elsewhere in the Old Town, as most stores here are high-street chains
- Check late-opening restaurant hours at stjamesquarter.com
Frequently asked questions
Where is St James Quarter?
At St James Square, at the east end of Princes Street, next to Waverley station.
What are the anchor stores?
John Lewis is the main department store, joined by high-street brands such as Zara, H&M and Mango.
Are there places to eat?
Yes. The quarter has many restaurants, cafes and bars, some open later than the shops.
Is it step-free?
The centre has lifts and escalators and is generally accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users.