Nestled in the heart of the Old Town, directly below Edinburgh Castle, the Grassmarket is one of the most picturesque and lively areas of the city. A vibrant array of independent shops, traditional pubs and a diverse food scene complement its unique blend of historical depth and lively street culture.
Forming part of one of the main east-west transport arteries through the city centre, it links the Cowgate and Candlemaker Row with the West Bow and West Port, is served by numerous bus services and is within walking distance of Waverley Station and the Edinburgh Tram.
It’s rich in history with the picturesque Vennel, leading off from the south-west corner, home to surviving parts of the Flodden Wall, while gates at the east end lead into Greyfriars Kirkyard and a famous statue of a wee dog!
From 1477 the Grassmarket was one of Edinburgh’s main trading points for the sale of horses and cattle, with its meat market in operation until 1911. Regeneration began in the 1980s with property prices rising in tandem, especially after a streetscape improvement scheme in 2010 made the area more pedestrian-friendly with pavement café precincts and the creation of an ‘events zone’. A popular Saturday Market continues to reflect its history.
It’s home to a wide array of bars such as The Last Drop – renowned for its dark history! – brew pub Cold Town House and the White Hart Inn. A vibrant restaurant scene includes French-focused Petit Paris and Maison Bleue, family favourite Mamma’s Pizza and cafes including Mary’s Milk Bar and Coffee Saints, a social enterprise which raises funds for the Grassmarket Community Project.
The area is within easy reach of arts venues such as Traverse Theatre, Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum Theatre and recently reopened Edinburgh Film Theatre as well as the attractions of the Royal Mile and pretty Victoria Street. Well preserved cobbled streets, medieval architecture and inspiring views of Edinburgh Castle add to the vibe while independent shops, including milliners Fabhatrix, antique booksellers Armchair Books and vintage clothing store W Armstrong & Son make it a retail haven. For daily needs, a Sainsbury’s Local is to hand at West Port.
The Grassmarket offers a range of flats from one-bed apartments to larger, multi-bedroom properties, many located within traditional Victorian tenements, while a small number of townhouses, tucked away in vennels leading off the central area, occasionally hit the market.
If you’re searching for a home in Grassmarket, explore our latest property listings in this fantastic location.