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Stand in Grassmarket Square, and feel Edinburgh’s raw soul—this historic plaza once hosted trials, markets, and rebellions, now transformed into a warm stage for art and life. At night, lamplight glows, pubs hum with lively tunes, and locals gather over drinks, slowing time itself. Don’t miss the century-old shop tucked away—their traditional Scottish stew tastes like home, one bite at a time!
Everything you need to know about Grassmarket Square
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Witchery by the Castle is a top choice near Grassmarket Square, offering a unique blend of Scottish Gothic architecture and luxury. Its rooms feature antique furnishings and warm lighting, with select views of the iconic Edinburgh Castle. The hotel provides personalized tours and exclusive dining experiences, immersing guests in local heritage.
Another excellent option is The Elephant House Hotel, famously linked to J.K. Rowling’s creation of Harry Potter. Just a short walk from Grassmarket Square, it boasts a literary-themed ambiance with cozy reading nooks and a charming café. Both hotels are within a 10-minute walk of major attractions like Royal Mile and St. Giles’ Cathedral. Public transport access is superb, with the nearest subway station nearby, making exploration effortless.
Near Grassmarket Square, one must-visit experience is Edinburgh Prison, a former jail transformed into an immersive museum using theatrical lighting and sound to depict the grim history of incarceration. It offers a gripping journey through Scotland’s penal past.
Adjacent to the square, Old Market Tavern is a beloved traditional pub serving authentic Scotch whisky and craft beer, often featuring live folk music performances that capture local spirit.
Art lovers should attend the annual Artist Studios Open Days, held in summer, where visitors can tour working studios and participate in hands-on workshops in ceramics, painting, and more.
At night, the square buzzes with street performers, making it a vibrant cultural hub. A five-minute walk leads to Royal Mile, where you’ll find antique shops, independent bookstores, and artisan markets—perfect for exploring Edinburgh’s rich urban tapestry.
Walking from Grassmarket Square to Edinburgh Castle takes just 10 minutes (about 750 meters) along the historic Royal Mile, passing landmarks like St. Giles’ Cathedral and centuries-old stone buildings. This scenic route offers a perfect introduction to Old Town Edinburgh.
For a quicker option, take the Edinburgh Subway to Edinburgh Castle Station, which is just a 3-minute ride away. Exit and walk 2 minutes to the castle entrance. Several bus routes (e.g., 42, 44, X44) stop near Grassmarket, with a convenient drop-off at the "Grassmarket" stop for easy transfer.
It’s recommended to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and catch the daily One O’Clock Gun and piper ceremony. The path between Grassmarket and the castle is considered one of Edinburgh’s most historically significant walking routes—ideal for photography and heritage enthusiasts.
Consider staying at The Balmoral Hotel or Hotel du Vin & Bistro, both within a 5-minute walk of Grassmarket Square. The former offers Victorian-era grandeur and panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from its rooms, while the latter blends modern design with Scottish heritage, featuring an exceptional whisky tasting experience.
Grassmarket Square is central to Old Town Edinburgh, surrounded by independent cafés, antique shops, and live music venues—especially vibrant in the evenings. For transport, St Andrew Square Subway Station and nearby bus stops provide easy access to the city center. Staying here ensures you’re immersed in Edinburgh’s rich history, culture, and lively street life, all within walking distance.
Yes, consider The Royal Mile Hostel or The Old Town Guest House, both within walking distance of Grassmarket Square. The former is a boutique hostel with themed rooms and shared social spaces, ideal for budget travelers and young explorers. The latter is a family-run, apartment-style guesthouse offering kitchen facilities and laundry—perfect for longer stays.
Both locations are surrounded by authentic local charm: grab fresh croissants from a nearby artisan bakery each morning, then enjoy live jazz performances at intimate neighborhood bars in the evening. Guided tours also depart from this area, revealing hidden gems like the underground vaults beneath Edinburgh Castle and the medieval courtroom ruins. These experiences transform your stay into a cultural immersion, not just a place to sleep.
Yes, Grassmarket Square is exceptionally well-connected. The St Andrew Square Subway Station is just 300 meters away, providing quick access to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and the city center. Multiple bus routes (e.g., 26, 38, 47) run along the Royal Mile, linking directly to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, and the National Museum.
Walking is also ideal—follow the Royal Mile for about 15 minutes to reach Edinburgh Castle, passing historic stone walls and Gothic architecture. For a scenic alternative, hop on the free Edinburgh Trams, alight at West End Station, and transfer to a short shuttle for University of Edinburgh and Old Town Market.
Whether by foot, tram, or bus, the area offers seamless connectivity to key attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring Edinburgh.
Don’t miss live jazz nights and medieval-themed walking tours in the area. Every evening, local bands perform at venues like The Queen’s Arms and The Haggis Pub, offering an authentic taste of Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife.
Join a guided "Haunted Old Town" tour led by historians, wandering through shadowy alleys to hear chilling tales of 17th-century plague outbreaks and religious trials. Some tours include secret cellar explorations and displays of ancient torture devices—thrilling and unforgettable.
By day, visit the Grassmarket Farmers’ Market to sample handmade cheeses, smoked salmon, seasonal jams, and pair them with a dram of Scottish whisky on the cobbled streets. These sensory-rich experiences immerse you deeply in Edinburgh’s history, culture, and soul—making your stay more than just sightseeing, but true living history.
See what other travelers say about Grassmarket Square
Staying at Destiny Student – Murano was a fantastic experience! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short bus ride from campus, and right outside the hostel are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants, so grocery shopping and dining out are super easy. The room is small but perfectly functional, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. I brought my own towel and toiletries, which worked out fine, but they also offer basic bath amenities at reception if needed. Compared to other expensive hotels in Edinburgh, this place feels like a breath of fresh air—affordable, clean, and well-located. If I’m back in town for university, I’d definitely choose this again. Highly recommend it for students or budget-conscious travelers!
This little gem in Holyrood is surprisingly well-equipped for a student hostel. The moment you step into your room, make sure to grab any essentials you need—like the small packets of salt and pepper provided for cooking. The kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, pots, and a spacious fridge, though the oven and stovetop were a bit tricky to figure out. Still, with just a microwave and kettle, I managed to heat up pre-cooked meals and cook fresh veggies—everything looked so much better than expected on the plate, and it made the meal extra satisfying. There’s also a self-service laundry facility where you can pick up detergent from reception (I brought my own, so didn’t use it—no idea if there’s a fee). Perfect for longer stays—you don’t need to pack too many clothes. Plus, the front desk can arrange a taxi to the station, which made my journey stress-free. Overall, this place delivers great value and comfort, especially for travelers who want convenience without breaking the bank.
I stayed here for a week and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The place is clean, cozy, and well-maintained—exactly what you’d want from a student accommodation in Edinburgh. At first, the mattress felt a bit too soft, but I soon realized it’s a two-sided one, and flipping it made a noticeable difference. That little detail shows how thoughtful the setup is. The surrounding area is super convenient—there are plenty of shops nearby for groceries and essentials, and the kitchen is fully equipped with clean utensils and appliances, perfect for cooking your own meals. Public transport is just steps away: buses and trams run regularly, and it’s only two stops to the city center—ideal for exploring without hassle. The only minor downside is the sound insulation, which isn’t great—but honestly, that’s common across many UK hostels and guesthouses, not unique to this property. Overall, it’s a fantastic value-for-money option with a welcoming vibe and excellent location.
Our stay at City Retreat Edinburgh ApartHotels was truly disappointing. The only redeeming feature was the shower, but everything else fell short. The room had a strong musty smell, and it felt visibly unclean—dust on surfaces, grime on the floor, and even the bedding seemed worn. It's located in a basement unit with steep, narrow stairs that felt eerie at night, especially since the outdoor light wasn’t working. Despite notices about noise and respecting guests above, we were repeatedly woken up by loud noises from the floor above. The wallpaper was peeling off in several spots—something I’ve photographed for proof. Overall, this place failed to meet basic standards of cleanliness and comfort. The housekeeping team needs urgent improvement, and the building clearly needs renovation. This experience ruined our trip to Edinburgh. If you're looking for a decent stay, avoid this property.
Staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Edinburgh City Centre was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city, just steps away from major attractions and public transport hubs. I found it incredibly convenient to explore Edinburgh on foot or by train. The staff were warm, professional, and always ready to help. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, well-prepared, and varied, with both classic English options and international choices. Everything was delicious and served with a smile. From the comfortable rooms to the thoughtful touches, this stay exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Edinburgh.
Staying at the Leonardo Edinburgh Haymarket was a fantastic experience overall. The room was larger than expected, featuring a comfortable sofa that made it feel more like a home away from home. Cleanliness was excellent—everything looked fresh and well-maintained. The in-room amenities were thoughtful: a capsule coffee machine and a fridge made mornings easy and convenient, especially for that quick caffeine fix. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the train station and within easy reach of major attractions. There are plenty of restaurants and cozy bars nearby, so dinner and drinks are never an issue. The only downside is the cabinet above the tea station—it has a sharp corner that could easily cause injury if you’re not careful. It’s definitely a safety concern, especially when moving around with luggage or in low light. A simple fix like adding a soft edge cover would go a long way. Otherwise, this hotel offers great value and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at The Roseate Edinburgh was a truly memorable experience. While it didn’t stand out dramatically over our previous night’s accommodation, the unique charm of being housed within a historic castle made all the difference. The atmosphere is quiet and serene—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring the city. Rooms were clean, well-appointed, and surprisingly peaceful, with excellent sound insulation. The surrounding area is pleasant too—cozy cafés, local shops, and easy access to public transport make getting around hassle-free. It’s not just a place to sleep; it feels like stepping into a story. Great value, great location, and an unforgettable stay overall.
Staying at Princes Street Suites was an absolute delight from the moment I arrived. The location is unbeatable—just steps away from Edinburgh’s main attractions, including the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, with easy access to public transit. What truly amazed me was the building’s unique design: stepping into the basement via the elevator revealed a striking view of towering structures outside the window, almost like being in a modern urban landscape. Inside, the room was immaculate, well-equipped, and comfortable, with a cozy bed and a spacious bathroom. Everything matched my expectations—and then some. The overall experience was exceptional, and I’m already planning my next visit. If you’re looking for a convenient, stylish, and thoughtfully designed stay in Edinburgh, this is the place to be.
I was originally booked into the Indigo Hotel in Edinburgh, but due to unexpected renovations and no prior email notification about room changes, I was redirected to The Scotsman Hotel at check-in—literally across the street. Honestly, I was frustrated at first, as it felt like a downgrade in both price and quality. But stepping into The Scotsman completely changed my mind. From the moment I arrived, the welcome was warm and genuine—the staff were attentive without being pushy, even offering a complimentary champagne upon arrival. My room was cozy and beautifully decorated, with a calming colour scheme that made it perfect for unwinding after a long day. I also appreciated how they went out of their way to explain all the hotel’s amenities, including their stylish cocktail bar. It’s a real gem with a classy vibe, though it closes early at 11 PM, which is a bit disappointing if you’re looking for a late-night drink. Overall, despite the initial stress, this stay turned out to be one of the best parts of my trip. Great location, excellent service, and a lovely atmosphere—definitely worth staying at again.
Staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel Edinburgh City Centre was a fantastic experience overall. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk from major attractions, shopping streets, and restaurants. The room was spacious, modern, and very comfortable, with a great bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The only downside was the Wi-Fi connection, which was extremely weak and often unreliable. I ended up using my mobile data for most of the time. Despite that small issue, the hotel offers excellent value for money, great service, and an ideal spot for exploring the city. Highly recommended for travelers who prioritize convenience and comfort.
Staying at The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection in Edinburgh was an absolute delight. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day exploring the city. What truly stood out was the outdoor terrace—overlooking the heart of Edinburgh’s skyline with stunning views that made every morning and evening feel special. The service was exceptional too—staff went above and beyond with genuine warmth and attention to detail, making us feel welcomed from the moment we arrived. Every interaction felt personal and thoughtful. This hotel strikes the perfect balance between luxury and charm, and it’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Edinburgh who wants a memorable, high-quality stay.
Absolutely loved my stay at Apex Waterloo Place Hotel! The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of Edinburgh, just a short walk to all the main attractions. I was able to explore the city on foot every day without needing transport. The room was spotless, comfortable, and quiet—perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. The whole atmosphere felt clean and well-maintained, with a nice touch of modern elegance. For anyone visiting Edinburgh, this is a top choice. Great value, great comfort, and an unbeatable central spot. Would definitely book again.
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