Trains to Edinburgh Waverley

How to get there: It’s simple: step out the station and you’re on Princess Street.

Under the gaze of magisterial Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street is a shopping experience like no other. You’ll find all the brands you love along one side of the street with plenty of green spaces to take a breather on the other. Don't miss the Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning and visit at Christmas for a magical family shopping trip.

How to get there: It can take as little as two minutes to reach Multrees Walk from Waverley Station, so why not stroll rather than walk?

Known as ‘the Bond Street of Scotland’, Multrees Walk is the place to head for high-end fashion powerhouses such as Gucci, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton. Fashionistas will revel in the choices available whilst window shoppers will simply enjoy browsing the famous labels before having an Italian lunch at VinCaffé.

How to get there: Leave the station via the Princes Street exit and take a right. Cross the road at the traffic lights to the other side of Princes Street and keep heading right, away from the Station. Within a minute, you'll be able to see St James' Quarter on your left.

St James Quarter is Edinburgh’s premier shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination. Blending striking modern architecture with top brands, it features shops like Zara and & Other Stories, diverse restaurants, a boutique cinema, and a luxury hotel—offering a vibrant experience in the heart of the city.

How to get there: Either choose a ten-minute walk from the station or jump on one of the many cheap buses that will get you there in no time.

Are you a fan of the more independent type of shop? If so, Edinburgh's Grassmarket offers a buzzing mix of antiques, vintage clothes, the latest styles, and unique little places where you can buy everything from fossils to practical jokes. It’s also a great place to stop for a bite to eat.

How to get there: Leave the station and head towards the Castle. The shop is based on West Port just South of the Castle and an easy walk for bookworms.

Small, a bit messy, and packed with great literature - yep, Armchair Books is perfect for bibliophiles and a charming place to pick up some holiday reading. Whether you want fact, fiction, or antiquarian, you’ll love the atmosphere and there’s also the chance of a rare find with books dating back to the 19th century.

How to get there: Just a short hop from the station, go up Market St and turn left so you end up on the Royal Mile.

There’s more to Scotland than whisky and shortbread but why not taste the best of both these treats at this foodie paradise? With 13 different types of oatcake available, the personally curated selection of traditional Scottish delicacies and homewares goes way beyond the typical tourist shop and the service is warm and welcoming.

How to get there: Edinburgh Waverley station is just a 5-minute walk from the store, in your designer shoes.

Harvey Nicks in Edinburgh is five floors of pure retail pleasure with stunning views from their brasserie on the fourth floor. Accessorise on the ground floor, get your personal shopper to help you decide on the third floor then enjoy an absolutely fabulous lunch at the brasserie on floor five. In between, browse beauty products, men's and women’s fashion, or top-quality wine and food.

How to get there: Head for luxury shopping street, Multrees Walk, just five minutes from Edinburgh Waverley train station.

Louis Vuitton is more than a maker of stylish luggage, born in the golden age of travel. Take a trip to the Edinburgh store to discover how the iconic brand has expanded its exquisite taste into everything from clothing to shoes to watches. Somewhere in the luscious-looking interior, there’s a handbag with your name on it.

How to get there: ‘Scotland's Bond Street’ is only a short walk from the station and well worth the trip.

Just down the street from Louis Vuitton is the powerhouse luxury British brand of Burberry. Its Edinburgh store displays the full range of world-famous tartan classics including the iconic trench coat invented by the fashion house. Set over two magical floors, enjoy the colourful digital walls as you browse the treasures.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route to the start point is approximately 11 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 10 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PQ) that take around 6 minutes.

A basic no-frills, budget friendly hotel. easyHotel Edinburgh offers 3 room types: double with no window (cheapest), double with window, and double with a view of Edinburgh Castle (most expensive). With basic amenities, this budget is perfect if you're not planning to stay in your hotel much.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route to the start point is approximately 30 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PQ) take around 16 minutes.

Where can you find close access to shopping, a restaurant on-site, and bargain prices? The Britannia Hotel is set just out of the centre, but still only a short walk from the action. With bus stops just 1-minute away ready to take you into the centre, Britannia Hotel Edinburgh is a real bargain.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route to the start point is approximately 15 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PP) that take around 8 minutes.

Right in the heart of the city, Cityroomz Edinburgh is just a 15-minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley, making it easy to get to and from. With options for a double, family room, or a suite, whatever your plans, you'll be sure to be comfortable at Cityroomz.

How to get there from station: The fastest walking route is approximately 32-minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 11 to 15-minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PS) that take around 15-minutes.

Set in two Victorian townhouses, The Roseate offer stylish bedrooms and suites. The perfect blend of modern conveniences and classic style, you'll barely want to leave your room (except maybe to head for their bar).

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route is approximately 20 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PQ) that take around 8 minutes.

You don't have to travel far for luxury at The Balmoral Hotel. The imposing building towers straight across the road from Edinburgh Waverley. With a restaurant, pool, and bar all on-site, you might not even leave your hotel.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route is approximately 20 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PQ) that take around 8 minutes.

With rooms with a view of Edinburgh Castle and an award-winning spa, you'd struggle to ask for more from Sheraton Grand Hotel. Not far from the city centre, after a busy day shopping and seeing the sights, you can come back and relax in their rooftop hydropool.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route is approximately 7 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 3 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PM) that take around 6 minutes.

When you're staying in a 170-year-old converted church, you know it's going to have character and The Glasshouse doesn't disappoint. With cosy and contemporary designs, not to mention the stunning views, you'll want to snap a picture of every corner of the hotel.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route is approximately 13 minutes. Taking a taxi from the station would take approximately 7 minutes, depending on traffic. There are multiple buses from Princes Street (Stop PQ) that take around 6 minutes.

If you're after a chilled getaway with good vibes then Eden Locke might be for you. The light and leafy aparthotel is every influencers' dream. Take your relaxation to the next level with an in-room massage or spa treatment.

How to get there from the station: The fastest walking route is approximately 4-minutes.

Natural materials and custom made furniture make Market Street Hotel really stand out and so will your Instagram photos. Once you come back from exploring Edinburgh, if you do tire of checking out the curated artwork, you can binge your favourite series from Chromecast or Apple TV.

National Rail has partnered with renowned British DJ and broadcaster, Jo Whiley, to ignite a passion for exploring the roots of British music through train travel. Embark on a journey with the Window Seater app with a variety of short audio guides narrating the vibrant tales of Britain's musical landscapes, both past and present.

National Rail have teamed up with British sports presenter, Kirsty Gallacher to create a new audio series to inspire your next train trip to some of Britain’s fantastic sporting locations. The eight-episode series features exclusive interviews from British sporting heroes and brings to life the origins of Britain’s most popular sports. When it comes to sport, nothing beats being there.​