View of Edinburgh Castle from the Grassmarket

[image credit: subberculture]

Historical And Present Significance

Historically, the Grassmarket was a site for hangings and revelry – today it retains one of those purposes, as one of the prime locations for pubs visited by local and visiting hen parties, university students, and young professionals looking to enjoy a few drinks … and then a few more.

Beginning in the South as it departs from Victoria Street, the winding street filled with shops which runs the steep hill down from George IV Bridge, the Grassmarket offers viewers a glimpse of the old site of hangings, with a memorial to those who were executed.

Enscribed on the Covenanter’s memorial on Grassmarket it says "On this spot many Martyrs and Covenanters died for the Protestant faith"

[image credit: Mark Thompson Design]

A number of pubs as well as french and Italian restaurants line the eastern side of the road. The western side is home to Armstrongs, a well-loved vintage clothing shop as seen in the film “Festival” and known to local film and theatre costume designers for both student and professional pieces as a great resource for period dress.

Sunshine on Edinburgh's Grassmarket

[image credit: thisstage]

The Grassmarket is also the location of the yearly French market and a much beloved crepe stall which has been serving students and other revellers for over a decade.

A colourful stall at the Grassmarket's French market in Edinburgh

[image credit: theedinburghblog]

Near the south end of the Grassmarket one can find Dance Base, dedicated to classes and other displays of modern dance, and also host to industry events during the Fringe.

Artists magnetise the crowd on Grassmarket during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

[image credit: Alan Stanton]

The Grassmarket is the perfect location for meeting friends, arranging a rendez-vous with large groups, or simply passing the time over nachos and a cold lager.

Edinburgh's Grassmarket by night with its illuminated pubs.

[image credit: Donnie Ray]

A popular spot for late night drinking and dancing is The Black Bull, while several of the inns and pubs along the way double as stops on local literary and history tours.