Grassmarket
Plaza Historic Edinburgh marketplace beneath the castle
Historic square below Edinburgh Castle with an 18th‑century market history and many pubs; visitors come for guided tours, nightlife and immediate views up to the castle.
The Grassmarket is a historic marketplace and public square in Edinburgh’s Old Town, located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle.
The cobbled square is lined by shops, restaurants and traditional pubs and serves as a focal point for tourism and local social life. The open space provides immediate views of the castle and connects to the Royal Mile and other Old Town streets.
The site functioned as a marketplace for meat and other goods in medieval and early modern Edinburgh and was also used for public executions and punishments in earlier centuries. Over time it has evolved into a commercial and social hub while retaining much of its historic character.
Situated in central Edinburgh, the Grassmarket lies on the lower section of the Old Town below the castle and is within easy walking distance of the Royal Mile.
- Castle views: Sits below Edinburgh Castle and offers direct views toward the castle from the square, making it a good vantage point for photographs.
How to Get to Grassmarket #
The Grassmarket sits in Edinburgh’s Old Town below the western end of the Royal Mile. It is a short walk from Edinburgh Castle and accessible by Lothian buses; the city centre is compact and walkable from most central hotels and the main railway station.
Tips for Visiting Grassmarket #
- Visit in the early morning to avoid weekend market crowds if present.
- Look for the small memorial plaques and old coaching inns on surrounding streets-these are the traces of the Grassmarket's longer social life.
Best Time to Visit Grassmarket #
Best visited in spring through autumn for open markets and easier walking; evenings can be lively year‑round.
Weather & Climate near Grassmarket #
Grassmarket's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (665 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 68 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
