Edinburgh’s streets have long been a showcase for creativity, from the Old Town’s centuries-old markets to Leith’s thriving independent retail scene. Now, with pop-up spaces available across the city, brands, artists, and entrepreneurs can set up shop in historic buildings, repurposed warehouses, and stylish modern spaces. Whether you need a minimalist gallery in New Town, a cocktail bar that doubles as a retail space, or a boutique venue in the West End, Edinburgh has the perfect spot for your temporary store. Tagvenue helps you find spaces that fit your concept, budget, and foot traffic needs. Explore our top venue picks for pop up shops in Edinburgh.
Old Town and New Town are prime spots if you want maximum exposure. Brewhemia, with space for 800 guests, sits in one of the city's busiest areas and is ideal for fashion pop-ups or experiential retail. The Little Plaza’s cafe space allows up to 80 standing guests at once and is perfect for showcasing ceramics, jewellery, etc. For food and drink related showcases and pop ups, the Dragonfly Cocktail Bar is a perfect spot accommodating 187 guests at one time.
If you’re selling food or alcohol, or operating late hours, you’ll likely need a Temporary Event Notice (TEN) from the Edinburgh City Council. If you’re using outdoor space, street trading licenses may apply. Most short-term pop-ups don’t require special permits for indoor retail in existing venues, most short-term pop-ups don’t require special permits, but always check with your venue host and confirm business insurance coverage.
Prices vary based on location, size, and exclusivity. Small boutique spaces can be found for as little as approximately £65 per hour, while larger event-style venues require a minimum spend starting at approximately £3,000 per day. Flexible, short-term rates are available, making finding a space that suits your budget and booking timeframe easy. (All data from Tagvenue.)
Timing and location strategy are key. If you’re setting up in Old Town, align with festival seasons like the Edinburgh Fringe, when the city is packed with tourists. For New Town, consider weekdays during office lunch hours when professionals are out and about. Leith attracts weekend shoppers, so a Saturday-Sunday launch could maximize exposure.