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Grassmarket

Grassmarket, Edinburgh: Hours, Address, Grassmarket Reviews: 4.5/5

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Grassmarket

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Grassmarket
4.5
1,902
#51 of 496 things to do in Edinburgh
Historic Sites
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, the Grassmarket area is one of the most vibrant, picturesque and convivial areas of the city. A paradise of independent merchants, designers and artisans, the Grassmarket Edinburgh is simply bursting with some of the best shopping Edinburgh has to offer. Far more than simply a retail haven, the area is well known for being home to some of the best restaurants in Edinburgh as well as some of the most vibrant and eclectic bars in Edinburgh. In fact the Grassmarket pubs, many with a history dating back to the notorious days of Burke and Hare, are known throughout the world for their exciting, dark Edinburgh history mixed with some of the best traditional food, ales and music in the city! Well preserved cobbled streets, medieval architecture and inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle help to create an atmosphere unparalleled in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Grassmarket
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,066 within 3 miles
Quinn's Cafe
337
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe • British • Scottish
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
6,819
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Healthy
Doctors
1,030
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • British
Tupiniquim Brasil crepes
284
0.3 mi$ • Dessert • Brazilian • Street Food
Paolozzi Restaurant & Bar
230
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Neapolitan
The Grain Store
1,329
0.2 mi$$$$ • European • British • Contemporary
Mary's Milk Bar
1,143
104 ft$ • Dessert • Cafe
L'Etoile Salon de Tea
228
512 ft$ • French • Cafe • European
Colonnades At The Signet Library
1,278
0.3 mi$$$$ • British • Scottish • Vegetarian Friendly
Union of Genius
281
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • British • Healthy
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Attractions
457 within 6 miles
Castle Rock
292
472 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
15,201
0.1 miScience Museums • Observation Decks & Towers
The Scotch Whisky Experience
6,853
0.1 miDistilleries
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6,541
0.1 miCultural Events
Royal Mile
25,552
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
University of Edinburgh
112
446 ftEducational sites
Edinburgh Castle
52,040
0.2 miCastles
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
77
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Flodden Wall
4
446 ftHistoric Sites
Cab-arette
2
221 ftTheaters
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,902 reviews
Excellent
926
Very good
793
Average
158
Poor
15
Terrible
10
elaishaley
Vienna, Austria538 contributions
So nice and cute
Solo
The Grassmarket is very lively on a saturday because the marketstands are there. You can buy so many beautiful trinkets and souvenirs. Plenty of pubs to drink and eat. I just loved it. And you have an amazing view of Edinbrugh Castle.
Written February 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK4,488 contributions
Probably my favourite part of the city centre.
Couples
Situated in the heart of the Old Town and just behind Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is a vibrant area with lots of very good independent shops, cafes and pubs.

As it’s name suggests, this was indeed a market place for horses and cattle and was used as such from the 14th century right up to the beginning of the 19th century. It was also renowned as being a place for public executions!

Currently, due to COVID restrictions, the pubs are closed so we weren’t able to experience the usual lively atmosphere. Such closures are however temporary and we look forward to coming back and enjoying the unique ambience of this fabulous area.
Written November 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
#Ciccone
Bristol, UK624 contributions
Hustle and bustle
Friends
We spent a lot of time wandering around Edinburgh on a long weekend and what I can ay is grass Market is usually where all the hustle and bustle seems to be. Really lively buzzing atmosphere here... lots of places to eat drink, shop and admire. Definately worth a visit
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travellongtime
Lancashire36 contributions
Stinky Grassmarket
Family
Great area central for eating and drinking BUT streets stink really bad especially in the morning. Surely could do with a street cleaner out washing them at night's you know one of those automatic ones that wash the paths down. It's a real let down for staying in this area.... Not able to sit and eat breakfast outside due to the smell of it.

.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DunelmArts
Aberdeen, UK988 contributions
Bustling tourist area
In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, Grassmarket was originally a marketplace for horses and cattle between the 14th and 19th centuries. It was also a place of public executions. Today it is a bustling tourist area with cafes, bars and hotels, a ten minute stroll from the Royal Mile.
Written February 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dundeetravellermrshc
Dundee, UK2,879 contributions
Great Area
Couples
Luvly area. Various pubs, cafe's shops and restaurants. Information about the historic market place on plaques around the place. Lively area with a great atmosphere. Worth a visit
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michael H
Mauritius328 contributions
Nice Historic Path to the market
The grass market is a nice and long road path/market nearby the Edinburgh castle.
It is a historic market place in old town Edinburgh. Due to its popularity, it is quite busy.
The cobblestone path will take you to large market esplanade where you can find several shopping outlets and food corner as well.
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JTJD
United Kingdom823 contributions
Nice vibe….
Couples
A nice part of the city with a relaxed vibe about it. Lots of nice places to eat & drink, quite touristy but still nice.
The history behind the area is fascinating. It’s worth reading up about the area before you visit & the public executions that took place there.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maree C
Inverness, UK71 contributions
Much quieter than before Covid
Couples
We stayed in the Grassmarket and were disappointed to see it post Covid lockdown. It was sad to see what was once a lively, bustling area very quiet. A few night entertainment venues are now closed for good. Espionage nightclub bring one of them. Nevertheless it is a very historic and scenic area which shouldn’t be missed when in Edinburgh.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scotland71
Edinburgh, UK151 contributions
Fantastic bar the canned music
Friends
Fantastic market square under the castle. Nice restaurants and lots of seated area with trees for shelter. Fanatic location some great pubs. Only down side was the awful music blaring from a kiltmakers shop
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grassmarket
Grassmarket is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Grassmarket tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 55 Grassmarket tours on Tripadvisor