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Grassmarket

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

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Grassmarket

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See all things to do
Grassmarket
4.5
1,891
#49 of 487 things to do in Edinburgh
Historic Sites
00:00 - 23:59
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
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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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Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Grassmarket
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2,020 within 5 kms
Makars Gourmet Mash Bar
5,560
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Healthy
Tupiniquim Brasil crepes
281
0.4 km€ • Dessert • Brazilian • Street Food
Paolozzi Restaurant & Bar
143
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • Neapolitan
The Grain Store
1,253
0.2 km€€€€ • European • British • Contemporary
Mary's Milk Bar
1,097
32 m€ • Dessert • Cafe
L'Etoile Salon de Tea
195
0.2 km€ • French • Cafe • European
Colonnades At The Signet Library
1,263
0.4 km€€€€ • British • Scottish • Vegetarian Friendly
Union of Genius
272
0.4 km€ • Cafe • British • Healthy
La Barantine
243
0.2 km€€ - €€€ • Dessert • French • Cafe
Doctors
773
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • European • British
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Attractions
395 within 5 kms
Castle Rock
284
0.1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
14,522
0.2 kmScience Museums • Observation Decks & Towers
The Scotch Whisky Experience
6,579
0.2 kmDistilleries
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6,529
0.2 kmCultural Events
University of Edinburgh
111
0.1 kmEducational sites
Royal Mile
25,372
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Edinburgh Castle
51,411
0.3 kmCastles
Edinburgh Castle Esplanade
77
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Castles
Flodden Wall
4
0.1 kmHistoric Sites
St Columbas Free Church
8
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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Popular mentions
4.5
1,891 reviews
Excellent
919
Very good
788
Average
159
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Colw1
Edinburgh, UK114 contributions
Fantastic bar the canned music
Sep 2021 • 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 20 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tracy B
104 contributions
Amazing few days
Sep 2021 • Friends
Who needs to go abroad…
Sitting here outside the sun shining you could be in the south of France. Beautiful square sitting eating & drinking & people watching!! We sat at a few pubs but the blackbull was our favourite & Jack was amazing so friendly (keep that thermal top on so you don’t get sunburned ) & the blonde waitress (never caught her name) also very friendly & both very efficient… see you one day when you visit our blackbull….
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
cezmund
Penarth, UK193 contributions
Interesting selection of eating and drinking options
Sep 2021
Edinburgh’s answer to an Italian piazza, great selection of pubs and restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating to make the most of any sunny weather. With the recent good weather this was a great place to spend an evening, live music in several bars adds to the atmosphere.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
dundeetravellermrshc
Dundee, UK2,812 contributions
Great Area
Aug 2021 • 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 30 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Scott8446
Glasgow, UK910 contributions
Lovely
Aug 2021 • Couples
A nice square to sit and have a drink with some views. Lots of good restaurants around and a market to buy souvenirs and farm produce.
Written 3 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Andrew L
Barbados685 contributions
Well worth a visit, lots to see and do.
Jul 2021 • Couples
Had a lovely wander around the market bought some chilli mead, and a couple of pints in a pub, lots to see, and do, a must do if you are in Edinburgh
Written 25 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
travellongtime
Lancashire36 contributions
Stinky Grassmarket
May 2021 • 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 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Emma
Manchester, UK1,047 contributions
Liveliest area in Edinburgh
May 2021 • Couples
Great square for a drink and people watching. The square is lively and fun, lined with bars and restaurants there’s a drink for everyone.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK4,069 contributions
Probably my favourite part of the city centre.
Oct 2020 • 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 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ItTastesLikeFeet
Edinburgh, UK489 contributions
Historic part of Edinburgh
Aug 2020 • Solo
Nice, historic part of town which is pedestrianised so you can walk about freely. Quaint little boutiques and independent restaurants to browse and relax in. Very close to Royal Mile and also Edinburgh Castle.
Written 12 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Grassmarket
Grassmarket is open:
  • Sun - Sat 00:00 - 23:59
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.
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