Grassmarket is a historic marketplace located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It dates back to the 15th century and is surrounded by impressive architecture, including the iconic Castle on its skyline. Once a site for public executions and livestock trading, today, Grassmarket is vibrant with shops, restaurants, and pubs, attracting both locals and tourists. The area offers an array of events and festivals, contributing to its dynamic cultural scene. The cobbled streets and picturesque views make it a popular spot for exploring Edinburgh's rich heritage.
What each source says
- Viator 4.6 7,969
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,926
- Google Places 4.7 619
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central Location and Historic Significance Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Grassmarket is close to other attractions like the Royal Mile and Victoria Street. The area is steeped in history, with cobbled streets and medieval architecture adding to its charm.
- Excellent Dining and Pub Scene A wide array of pubs, restaurants, and cafes cater to diverse tastes and budgets. Many establishments offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the ambiance and people-watching.
- Stunning Castle Views Grassmarket provides breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle perched high above. The view is particularly impressive in the morning light or when the castle is illuminated at night.
- Unique Shopping Experience The area features a delightful mix of independent shops offering gifts, fashion, crafts, jewelry, and homeware. These quirky and unique stores provide a welcome change from typical tourist fare.
- Vibrant Atmosphere Grassmarket boasts a lively and colorful atmosphere, creating an enjoyable experience day or night. The area is bustling with activity, offering a unique and memorable taste of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Criticised
- COVID Restrictions Impact Recent COVID restrictions have impacted the nightlife and atmosphere, with some venues closed or operating with limited hours. This may affect the overall vibrancy of the area.
- Can Be Overcrowded Due to its popularity, Grassmarket can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and events like the Edinburgh Festival. This can detract from the overall experience.
- Potential for Noise The lively atmosphere can sometimes translate to noise, especially in the evenings. This may be a concern for those seeking a quieter experience.
- Street Cleaning Issues Some visitors have noted unpleasant smells in the area, particularly in the mornings. This may be due to inadequate street cleaning.
- Tourist Traps Like any popular tourist area, Grassmarket has its share of souvenir shops and touts. These can detract from the authentic experience.
The longer read
Grassmarket is a historic and lively area in Edinburgh's Old Town, offering a unique atmosphere and a variety of attractions. Many reviewers highlight the stunning views of Edinburgh Castle as a major draw. Its location is praised, being close to the Royal Mile and other key attractions, making it easily accessible for tourists. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with many reviewers describing it as bustling and full of life. This is especially true on Saturdays when the market is open, offering a range of goods from food and drinks to handcrafted gifts and souvenirs.
Food and drink options are plentiful, with a wide array of pubs, restaurants, and cafes catering to various tastes and budgets. Many establishments offer outdoor seating, allowing visitors to enjoy the atmosphere and views, weather permitting. The area is described as a great place for people-watching.
Grassmarket has a rich history, having served as a marketplace for horses and cattle from the 14th to 19th centuries. It was also a site for public executions, adding a layer of historical intrigue. The area boasts unique shops, including boutiques, vintage stores, and shops selling traditional Scottish goods. While some reviewers note the presence of tourist-oriented shops, there are also many independent businesses offering unique items. Some reviewers recommend seeking out authentic Scottish products.
While most reviewers praise the lively atmosphere, some note that it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. A few reviewers mentioned that the streets can be unclean, with unpleasant smells in the mornings, though this was not a widespread concern. The area is generally considered safe, with COVID-19 safety measures in place at many establishments. Some reviewers noted that nightlife may be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Overall, Grassmarket is highly recommended as a must-visit area in Edinburgh. Its combination of history, vibrant atmosphere, stunning views, and diverse food and shopping options make it a popular destination for tourists. While some reviewers note minor drawbacks such as crowds and occasional cleanliness issues, the overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many considering it a highlight of their Edinburgh experience.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 261 6181
- Website
- viator.com/Edinburgh-attractions/Grassmarket/d739-a23626?pid=P00086972&medium=api&mcid=42383&api_version=2.0
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What season or time of day offers the most enjoyable experience at Grassmarket in Edinburgh?
- Which historic sites and architectural highlights should visitors prioritize when exploring the Grassmarket area?
- What are the most recommended pubs, restaurants, or cafés for trying local Scottish cuisine in the Grassmarket?
- Which regular events, festivals, or markets take place in the Grassmarket throughout the year that might enhance a visit?
- What are the best public transport routes or walking directions for reaching the Grassmarket from central Edinburgh?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.