A Saturday market in the Grassmarket with stalls selling crafts, art, food, and street food in the shadow of the castle. The pubs and cafes of the Grassmarket are nearby for breaks.
Grassmarket Market is a Saturday craft and street-food market held in the Grassmarket, the broad cobbled square in Edinburgh's Old Town, Scotland, below the south face of the castle. The Grassmarket was historically the city's livestock and corn market, and the modern market continues that trading tradition on a much smaller scale. Stalls typically sell handmade jewellery, prints and art, ceramics, knitwear, candles, soaps and gift items, with street-food traders offering hot snacks, baked goods and coffee. Prices for crafts and food start from about £3. Compared with the shops on the nearby Royal Mile and Victoria Street, which lean heavily on mass-produced tartan and souvenirs, the market offers a higher proportion of items made by the stallholder, although visitors should still check labels and ask makers about origin, as the mix of vendors changes weekly and some stalls carry bought-in stock. Prices are generally fixed. Light friendly negotiation is occasionally possible on multiple purchases from craft stalls, but it is not a bargaining culture and food prices are not negotiable. Most traders accept contactless payment, though cash is useful as a fallback. The stalls are set out across the square, and the setting is the main draw: cafes, pubs and independent shops fringe the Grassmarket, and the castle rises directly above. The atmosphere is lively and touristy, with a mix of locals, students and visitors, and it is busiest around lunchtime and in summer or festival periods. Food options on site are limited to the street-food stalls, but the surrounding pubs and restaurants provide plenty of sit-down choices, and Victoria Street, curving up toward the Royal Mile, is a short walk for further independent shopping. Entry is free. The UK does not offer tourist VAT refunds, so no tax-free paperwork applies. Market times vary by season, so visitors should verify the schedule before making a special trip. The cobbled surface is uneven in places, and the Grassmarket is a short walk from Waverley station and the Royal Mile.
| Hours | Saturdays, daytime; times vary by season, verify before visiting |
|---|---|
| Price | Crafts and food from £3 (~$4) |
| Address | Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2LJ |
Location
Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2LJ
55.9475, -3.1963 View on map
Highlights
- Craft, art and street-food stalls in the historic Grassmarket
- Castle views from the square
- Handmade gifts as an alternative to mass-market souvenirs
- Pubs and cafes and Victoria Street within a few steps
Tips for visiting
- Check seasonal times before visiting, as the schedule varies
- Ask stallholders whether items are handmade by them or bought in
- Visit mid-morning to avoid the lunchtime and summer crowds
- Carry some cash as a backup for stalls without card readers
- Combine the visit with Victoria Street's independent shops
Frequently asked questions
When does Grassmarket Market run?
It is held on Saturdays during the day. Times vary by season, so visitors should verify before going.
What is sold there?
Crafts, art, jewellery, gifts and street food, with prices from about £3.
Is bargaining accepted?
Prices are generally fixed. Occasional small discounts on multiple craft items are possible but not expected.
Is it free to enter?
Yes, the market is an open-air event in a public square and costs nothing to browse.