Grassmarket, Edinburgh: Hours, Address, Grassmarket Reviews: 4.5/5
Grassmarket
Grassmarket
4.5
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
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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Top ways to experience Grassmarket
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
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
Contribute
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
Phoebe D
Manchester, CT7 contributions
We will be in the area late November so I was wondering if things close down for the season at any point? Thanks.
fringewalker
Florida34 contributions
I have not been to the Grass Market at that time of year but I would believe the restaurants and pubs would stay open as it is the owners and employees means of earning a living and also, it is a good hang out for the locals and nearby hotels.
Heather H
Doncaster, UK405 contributions
hi, looking for reasonably priced accomodation for hogmany, its for 2 adults and three children,looking close to grassmarket,so kids can see the fireworks,but without wandering too far,in the middle of thousands of drunk partygoers, I,ve noticed theres one but cant find a property on any website,for proper reviews etc,it was 2 bedroomed and sleeping facilities in living room, and was under £600, which at Hogmany was very cheap, which made me concerned about the quality,and if it even really exists nowadays,
Has anyone used it, it seems to be on low bow, thanks
TravelinGert
Texas839 contributions
I think I missed seeing this in time so sorry for that. Because it might help out others: I have not been there for Hogmany sadly but several tour guides and hotel staff told us the crowds die down and it gets much quieter as soon as you get away from the Royal Mile so it stays much quieter down in Grassmarket during Hogmany and even Fringe Festival.
Kate S
Denver, CO161 contributions
We are looking at an apartment the in the Grassmarket No 1 area to stay at while we are visiting Edinburgh but are worried it might be noisy at night. Is anyone familiar with this area and have any experience staying here and if it was quiet at night? Thanks
grassmarket info
Edinburgh, UK22 contributions
All good points, advantage of overlooking the square area and views of castle or quieter accommodation to rear. More noise friday saturdays and an artisan market with lots of attitude....
Ellie
Surrey, UK63 contributions
Hi there. Just wondering if anyone knew approximately what time shops start closing down during the week? I'm staying overnight in Edinburgh at the end of October for a training course and am hoping to have a browse in the evening. Many thanks :)
Greater_Grassmarket
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Hello! Most of the shops close between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, however, there are still a great selection of things to do in the area after 6.30pm if you are looking to explore! Hope you enjoy your trip!
Angela F
Northumberland, UK
hi,we are having a girls day out drinking in edinburgh.will be there at 12 and leaving at 7.where are the best places to go during the day? george street or the grass market or somewhere else?
john h
Hartlepool, UK412 contributions
Rose Street on the new side of town, royal Mile and grass market in the old town...ladies may prefer the grass market
Frequently Asked Questions about Grassmarket
- Grassmarket is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- 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
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Grassmarket:
- City Sightseeing Edinburgh Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $19.68)
- Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh (From $24.60)
- The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh (From $23.37)
- Private Old Edinburgh Tour - Walk in the footsteps of Royals and Rogues! (From $33.83)
- Private 2hr Tour of Edinburgh in a Mini Cooper (From $184.51)
- Hotels near Grassmarket:
- (0.01 mi) Apex Grassmarket Hotel
- (0.02 mi) Heart of Old Town! 2bed Apartment by the Castle
- (0.02 mi) Castle apartment in the Grassmarket, near the Castle in a peaceful setting.
- (0.02 mi) Grassmarket apartment with views to Edinburgh Castle - two bedrooms
- (0.02 mi) Castle Heights, Grassmarket with stunning views
- Restaurants near Grassmarket:
- (0.00 mi) Beehive Inn
- (0.01 mi) Metro Bar and Brasserie
- (0.01 mi) The French Connection Creperie
- (0.01 mi) Caffe Piccolo
- (0.01 mi) Obadiah Speciality Coffee
- Attractions near Grassmarket:
- (0.00 mi) Edinburgh Walking Tour Company
- (0.01 mi) Wine Unearthed - Edinburgh Wine Tasting
- (0.01 mi) Wine Unearthed - Wine Tasting
- (0.02 mi) Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
- (0.02 mi) The Comedy Attic