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A mini guide to
Grassmarket & Southside: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Take Victoria Street
Curving Victoria Street links the Grassmarket with George IV Bridge and has a steady run of small shops and cafés.
Allow time for the museum
The National Museum of Scotland is large. Pick a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.
Mind the cobbles
The Grassmarket and the closes around it are cobbled and steep. Wear comfortable shoes.
Walk the Meadows
The Meadows, south of George Square, is a flat, open park that makes an easy break from the Old Town hills.
Festival season
Edinburgh's big events
Dates come from the organisers. Confirm them on the official sites before you book, and expect busy streets and high prices.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
6 to 30 August 2027
The Fringe's 80th edition, with shows across the city.
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
6 to 28 August 2027
The annual military show in Edinburgh each August.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
29 to 31 December 2026, plus New Year's Day
A torchlight procession, concerts and the Street Party, followed by a free live-music trail on New Year's Day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Grassmarket & Southside?
Grassmarket & Southside is in Edinburgh, Scotland. A market square under the Castle, Greyfriars and the city's main museum. Nearby stops and stations include Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, Princes Street.
How long do I need in Grassmarket & Southside?
Half a day, or a day with the museum. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Grassmarket, Victoria Street, Greyfriars Kirk. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Edinburgh Waverley (ScotRail, LNER and other operators); Haymarket (ScotRail and Edinburgh Trams); Princes Street (Edinburgh Trams); Edinburgh Bus Station (National Express, Megabus and other coaches). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 28 places to eat and drink in and around Grassmarket & Southside, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 8 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Grassmarket & Southside accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Grassmarket & Southside
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Victoria Street
Curving, colourful street linking the Grassmarket to George IV Bridge, lined with independent shops and cafés.
Flodden Wall
Surviving stretch of the 16th-century town wall, visible beside Greyfriars and the Vennel.
National Museum of Scotland
Scotland's national museum, with collections on Scottish history, world cultures, science and the natural world.
Edinburgh
More areas to explore
Haymarket & Murrayfield
The theatre district, the canal basin, the rugby stadium and the zoo, all west of the Castle
Open the mini guide →
Bruntsfield & Morningside
Leafy southern suburbs with local high streets, Blackford Hill and a hillside observatory
Open the mini guide →
Portobello & the Coast
A sandy beach and Victorian promenade on the Firth of Forth, about 5 km east of the centre
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Grassmarket: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Victoria Street: Andrew Abbott, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Flodden Wall: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0, source
- National Museum of Scotland: No machine-readable author provided. Maccoinnich~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Haymarket & Murrayfield: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Bruntsfield & Morningside: Macumba, Public domain, source
- Portobello & the Coast: M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Town & Royal Mile: Anthony O'Neil, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- New Town: Chris Morgan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Holyrood, Arthur's Seat & Calton Hill: Peulle, CC BY 4.0, source
- Stockbridge & Dean Village: Mike Shaw, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Leith & the Waterfront: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Edinburgh