Grassmarket
Grassmarket
4.5
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Grassmarket
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We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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2,199 within 5 kms
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505 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- pakabayAdelaide, Australia2,509 contributionsExcellent base for EdinburghWe based ourselves in a hotel right in the middle of Grassmarket for our recent stay in Edinburgh and couldn’t have been happier. Located in the heart of the atmospheric Old Town, it oozes charm with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, view of the Castle, looming overhead and pubs, restaurants, cafes & shopping. Historically Grassmarket has a dark past, with witches, public executions and the like, but that (weirdly) just adds to the charm! Well serviced by both the regular bus services as well as all hop-on hop-off bus routes, it would be my first choice to stay here again.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2024
- WaddlerYork, United Kingdom12,478 contributionsWorth a lookIts worth diverting down here on your Royal Mile exploration, mainly because Victoria Terrace and then heading down to Victoria Street shouldn't be missed I think, and once you are at the bottom of Victoria Street then you are basically at Grassmarket. You can then take steps back up to the Castle from the middle of Grassmarket. Its a good place for a drink pit stop with plenty outdoor seating in good weather. There is a wide pedestrian areas but make sure you take a few steps towards the road as that is when the views up to the castle appear.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 May 2024
- RDCononverFlanders, New Jersey1,489 contributionsHeart of the old cityTo say there is a lot to do in and around the Grass Market is an understatement, there are many great restaurants, ice cream, lots of little bits of history in the area. I returned several times over my visit for lunch or just to take in the at. Great location with much close by.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 23 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,939 reviews
Excellent
947
Very good
807
Average
160
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Brett C
49 contributions
July 2022
Location, location, location is the best thing about this hotel and if you're lucky to get a room with a view of the castle, you got a bonus.
We booked through a travel agency and did not get a view. Our room was nice but plain. There were no pictures or anything on the walls.
We stayed during an unusual heatwave and the room was warm. Even at night since the windows only opened a few inches. We had to ask for a fan which they did bring to the room. Oh and this struck me as odd, to get in the tub/shower we had to step up about two feet with the bottom of the tub being a foot higher than the floor which felt awkward and dangerous especially when getting out.
All the staff were nice and accommodating but at breakfast each morning they'd come by 2 or 3 times within the first 5 minutes of sitting down to ask what we wanted to order but after that I always had to go find someone to take our order. Unless you want tea or coffee, drinks are self serve and the water jug was usually empty. Breakfast itself was just okay.
We booked through a travel agency and did not get a view. Our room was nice but plain. There were no pictures or anything on the walls.
We stayed during an unusual heatwave and the room was warm. Even at night since the windows only opened a few inches. We had to ask for a fan which they did bring to the room. Oh and this struck me as odd, to get in the tub/shower we had to step up about two feet with the bottom of the tub being a foot higher than the floor which felt awkward and dangerous especially when getting out.
All the staff were nice and accommodating but at breakfast each morning they'd come by 2 or 3 times within the first 5 minutes of sitting down to ask what we wanted to order but after that I always had to go find someone to take our order. Unless you want tea or coffee, drinks are self serve and the water jug was usually empty. Breakfast itself was just okay.
Written 11 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DunelmArts
Aberdeen, UK1,167 contributions
Feb 2020
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 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HighlandLass24
Baltimore, MD193 contributions
July 2023
Lovely area to visit, with great views of the castle. Harry Potter fans should visit Victoria Street, which is said to be J. K. Rowling's inspiration for Diagon Alley. Colorful shop fronts and nice architecture. Safe area. Be sure to climb the steps on Victoria Street to the second level for additional view points. If you go early in the morning, the place will be essentially deserted.
Written 15 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elaishaley
Vienna, Austria554 contributions
Sept 2021 • 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 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellongtime
Lancashire34 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pakabay
Adelaide, Australia2,509 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We based ourselves in a hotel right in the middle of Grassmarket for our recent stay in Edinburgh and couldn’t have been happier.
Located in the heart of the atmospheric Old Town, it oozes charm with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, view of the Castle, looming overhead and pubs, restaurants, cafes & shopping.
Historically Grassmarket has a dark past, with witches, public executions and the like, but that (weirdly) just adds to the charm!
Well serviced by both the regular bus services as well as all hop-on hop-off bus routes, it would be my first choice to stay here again.
Located in the heart of the atmospheric Old Town, it oozes charm with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, view of the Castle, looming overhead and pubs, restaurants, cafes & shopping.
Historically Grassmarket has a dark past, with witches, public executions and the like, but that (weirdly) just adds to the charm!
Well serviced by both the regular bus services as well as all hop-on hop-off bus routes, it would be my first choice to stay here again.
Written 15 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DoulaBeverley
Grendon Underwood, UK251 contributions
Aug 2022
Visited during the August bank holiday weekend, during the Fringe and the council workers strike.
Pavement restaurants doing a roaring trade as the weather was glorious.
Staff did there best to keep the rubbish cleared away in black sacks.
Pavement restaurants doing a roaring trade as the weather was glorious.
Staff did there best to keep the rubbish cleared away in black sacks.
Written 21 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael H
Mauritius478 contributions
Aug 2019
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 25 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dundeetravellermrshc
Dundee, UK4,680 contributions
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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Illinois1,701 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Interesting Old Town down the hill from the Royal Mile with shops, places to eat, and touristy things. Even a small Harry Potter museum in a shop. Cool artisan street stuff when we were there. Has historic plaques for info
Written 4 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to stay in June for a day of shopping and an evening of a few drinks and dancing? Will be 4-6 ladies. Any advise appreciated :-)
Written 23 April 2018
I stayed in an Airbnb in Edinburgh. Found it easy and highly comfortable.
Written 4 June 2018
We will be in the area late November so I was wondering if things close down for the season at any point? Thanks.
Written 28 September 2017
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.
Written 25 October 2017
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 ÂŁ600, 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
Written 3 January 2017
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.
Written 19 January 2017
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
Written 5 June 2016
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....
Written 21 October 2016
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 :)
Written 6 October 2015
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!
Written 13 October 2015
Angela F
Northumberland, United Kingdom
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?
Written 25 February 2015
Rose Street on the new side of town, royal Mile and grass market in the old town...ladies may prefer the grass market
Written 6 June 2016
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