The Grassmarket

At the heart of Edinburgh’s old town is The Grassmarket. Once used for medieval markets and public executions this historic square is now home to a great variety of shops, restaurants and bars. Located next to the Castle on the south-east side, the cobbled streets are filled with independent boutiques selling a wide range of goods. A popular place for Scottish designers to showcase their merchandise, you will also find local crafts, jewellery, gourmet food and drink, books, knitwear, gifts and vintage goods.

The area hosts a weekly farmers market. Held every Saturday between 10.30am – 5.30pm, it is a great place to pick up some fine Scottish produce.

If you have had your fill of shopping there is an excellent choice of restaurants and cafes making it a good choice for lunch or an evening meal. With traditional pub food, Italian, modern Scottish, and French to name a few of the options, there is something to satisfy every appetite and budget. In the milder months the square is filled with tables and chairs so you can sit out and enjoy the atmosphere, or for if you are looking for something special why not choose one of the restaurants with a view of Edinburgh Castle.

The Grassmarket is also a popular place to go in an evening. There is a great choice of pubs and bars many of which feature live music from jazz to modern acoustic. If you really want to make a night of it and fancy a club, Espionage and Frankenstein Pub are open to the early hours.