Few places in Edinburgh feel as instantly recognisable as Grassmarket. Sitting directly beneath Edinburgh Castle, this historic square blends centuries-old buildings, cobbled streets, buzzing pubs, and outdoor terraces into one of the city’s liveliest social hubs.
During the day, Grassmarket is packed with cafés, whisky pubs, independent businesses, and easy walking routes towards Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and Castlehill. Whether you’re searching for restaurants near Edinburgh Castle, traditional pubs, or places to stop after exploring the Old Town, everything sits within a compact walkable area.
As the sun goes down, the atmosphere shifts again. Bars fill out onto the square, live music starts up, and the area becomes one of the best places in Edinburgh for nightlife, drinks, and late-night food. Nearby areas like Tollcross and West End are also just a short walk away for theatres, cocktails, and even more places to explore.
Places to Eat: Edinburgh Grassmarket
Grassmarket is one of the best areas in Edinburgh for relaxed dining with a view. Sitting beneath Edinburgh Castle and close to Victoria Street, the area mixes traditional pubs, busy restaurants, cosy cafés, and outdoor terraces that stay lively throughout the day.
Food options range from brunch cafés and casual dining to steak restaurants, burgers, pizza, and international cuisine tucked through the surrounding closes and side streets. Visitors exploring nearby areas like the Edinburgh Old Town or walking towards George IV Bridge will find plenty of places to eat within a compact walkable area.
Types of Places to Eat:
Traditional Scottish pubs — Scottish food, Sunday roasts and whisky bars
Casual restaurants — bistros, grill restaurants and family dining
Pizza and burger restaurants — pizza parlours, burger bars and takeaway food
Brunch cafés and coffee houses — bakeries, brunch venues and artisan coffee
International cuisine — Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants and Asian dining
Places to eat in Grassmarket →
Places to Stay: Edinburgh Grassmarket
Grassmarket is one of the most popular areas to stay in central Edinburgh, combining historic surroundings with direct access to Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and the City Centre. The area suits visitors wanting to explore the capital on foot while staying close to restaurants, pubs, and nightlife.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels and serviced apartments to traditional guest houses and larger city-centre stays tucked around the cobbled streets and nearby closes. Visitors looking to stay near attractions like Victoria Street or within walking distance of Princes Street will find Grassmarket a convenient base for exploring Edinburgh.
Types of Places to Stay:
Boutique hotels — independent hotels and stylish city stays
Serviced apartments — self-catering apartments and holiday rentals
Guest houses and B&Bs — traditional accommodation and local stays
City-centre hotels — modern hotels and chain accommodation
Budget accommodation — hostels, budget hotels and affordable rooms
Places to stay in Grassmarket →
Places to Drink: Edinburgh Grassmarket
Grassmarket is one of Edinburgh’s best-known nightlife areas, with historic pubs, busy bars, and outdoor terraces sitting directly beneath the Castle. From daytime drinks in traditional whisky pubs to late-night cocktails and live music, the square stays lively from morning through to the early hours.
The area attracts a mix of locals, tourists, festival crowds, and weekend visitors looking for nightlife in central Edinburgh. Nearby streets leading towards Cowgate and Victoria Street add even more bars, hidden pubs, and late-night venues within a short walk.
Types of Places to Drink:
Traditional pubs — historic pubs, ale houses and whisky bars
Cocktail bars — cocktail lounges and late-night bars
Sports bars — live sport venues and large-screen pubs
Live music venues — music bars and entertainment venues
Outdoor terraces — beer gardens, rooftop seating and courtyard bars
Bars & Pubs in Grassmarket →
Days Out: Edinburgh Grassmarket
Grassmarket is a strong base for exploring Edinburgh on foot, with historic streets, hidden courtyards, museums, and major attractions all connecting through the surrounding streets. The area blends sightseeing with relaxed wandering, making it easy to spend a full day exploring without needing transport around the city.
Visitors can walk towards Greyfriars Kirkyard, the National Museum of Scotland, and the winding closes around Candlemaker Row, while nearby areas like New Town & Broughton and Tollcross add shopping streets, theatres, galleries, and more places to explore within walking distance.
Types of Days Out:
Historic attractions — museums, heritage sites and historic buildings
Walking routes — cobbled streets, guided tours and hidden closes
Family-friendly activities — museums, seasonal events and indoor attractions
Shopping areas — independent shops, gift shops and local markets
Sightseeing locations — city viewpoints, photography spots and public squares
Best Days Out in Grassmarket →
Experiences: Edinburgh Grassmarket
Historic streets, underground vaults, hidden closes, and centuries of storytelling make Grassmarket a natural fit for experience-led exploring in Edinburgh. The area blends guided tours, live entertainment, and social activities within one of the city’s busiest visitor districts beneath the Castle.
From ghost tours and whisky tastings to comedy nights, live music, and walking tours through the surrounding streets, many experiences continue well into the evening. Nearby areas like Edinburgh Old Town and the West End also add theatres, performance venues, and cultural experiences within easy walking distance.
Experiences by Type:
Walking tours — historical tours, guided city walks and storytelling tours
Ghost tours — underground tours, paranormal experiences and night walks
Whisky experiences — whisky tastings, masterclasses and tasting rooms
Live entertainment — comedy shows, music venues and theatre performances
Food and drink experiences — guided tastings, dining experiences and social events
Best Experiences in Grassmarket →
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