The Top Markets in Edinburgh for Everything From Food to Art

Both sweeping in its grandeur yet surprisingly walkable, Edinburgh has much to offer those with an appreciation for the finer things in life, from gourmet food to world-class art and culture. And although there are countless restaurants, galleries and hidden boutiques to discover, be sure to save time on your itinerary for exploring the capital’s al fresco offerings. Found all over the city from Grassmarket to Leith, these must-visit markets offer a truly authentic shopping experience and range from weekly stalls like the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market to the annual Edinburgh Christmas Market.

The award for the most scenic outdoor market in Edinburgh unofficially goes to Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, a weekly homage to artisanal food hosted on Castle Terrace. Situated directly beneath the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle, its privileged location allows you to shop while enjoying dizzying views of a landmark that has stood sentinel over the city for almost a millennium. The market has earned itself some prestigious official accolades too – namely, Slow Food Scotland’s Market of the Year Award for five consecutive years. That’s because it offers residents and travellers alike some of the freshest local produce in town, from sweet Scottish strawberries in summer to colourful squashes in winter. Vendors also specialise in ready-to-eat, globally inspired street food and mouthwatering pastries, cakes, cheese and charcuterie.

Essential Information

Location: Castle Terrace Car Park, EH1 2EN

When to go: Saturdays, 9am - 2pm

Nearest transport: Castle Terrace bus stop

Another one for discovering delicious street food, Leith Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday in the north of the city, near the coast on the banks of the picturesque Water of Leith. Expect stalls laden with seasonal fresh goods and artisan produce, from intricate breads to luxury coffee blends, smokehouse meats and locally brewed cider. There are a few craft vendors as well, while the first Saturday of each month plays host to a dedicated Vegan Quarter – a real treat for anyone following a plant-based diet. Hesitant about making the journey out to Leith from the city centre? The tram to Ocean Terminal is an excellent way to do so and once you’re there, there are many other attractions to explore, from Michelin-starred Scottish restaurant The Kitchin (located next door to the market) to The Royal Yacht Britannia.

Essential Information

Location: Dock Place, EH6 6LU

When to go: Saturdays, 10am - 4pm

Nearest transport: Scottish Government or Sandport Street bus stops

For a Saturday market that focuses more on unique artisanal products and handcrafted goods, try this one in Grassmarket, the picturesque heart of Edinburgh Old Town. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of Scottish jewellery, clothing, woodwork, leatherwork and art prints, alongside a few stalls selling global street food and prettily packaged local delicacies. It’s one of the most family-friendly street markets in Edinburgh, partly because the area surrounding it is mostly pedestrianised and partly because there’s so much for kids to see and do in the immediate vicinity. Once they’re tired of browsing, take a wander up multicoloured Victoria Street (the inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Diagon Alley) or check out local stores ranging from an old-fashioned sweet shop to an emporium stocked with Harry Potter memorabilia.

Essential Information

Location: Grassmarket, EH1 2JR

When to go: Saturdays, 10am - 5pm

Nearest transport: Grassmarket bus stop

If you already have Saturday plans, there’s always everyone’s favourite Edinburgh Sunday market: Stockbridge. The venue is ideally located on Saunders Street, just off the Water of Leith Walkway, a beautiful pedestrianised path that winds along the river of the same name beneath a tunnel of leafy trees. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local culture is to join the Edinburgh residents who stroll or cycle along the Walkway to the market, where a plethora of gastronomic picnic supplies await. Popular stalls include a hog roast selling pulled pork sandwiches; and a paella vendor with giant vats of fragrant, freshly prepared seafood and rice. Alongside gourmet food of all descriptions, you’ll also find purveyors of hand-milled soap, traditional crafts and other trinkets from jewellery to children’s clothing.

Essential Information

Location: Saunders Street, EH3 6TQ

When to go: Sunday, 10am - 4pm

Nearest transport: Kerr Street or Hamilton Place bus stops

If you happen to be in town on the last Saturday of the month, you’re in for a treat: the best flea market in Edinburgh, held at Out of the Blue Drill Hall on Dalmeny Street. The grand old building is worth the visit in its own right, having been built in 1901 for the Royal Scots Regiment and now serving as a community hall steeped in history and heritage. Entry is free and inside you’ll typically find more than 40 different stalls selling all kinds of pre-loved bargains, from antiques to vintage clothing, records and books. Navigating the packed hall, rifling through rails of colourful fabrics and chatting to the many locals who attend this popular market can be thirsty work. Luckily, the venue is also home to the Drill Hall Café, a social enterprise serving tea, coffee and fresh, seasonal snacks.

Essential Information

Location: 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG

When to go: Last Saturday of the month, 10am - 3pm

Nearest transport: Buchanan Street or Dickson Street bus stops

Like Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Castle Street Market is made instantly memorable by its spectacular setting looking up towards the castle on its rugged outcrop of rock. It’s easy to get to as well, with a central location just off Princes Street. It runs for a week each month and is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. Peddlers specialise in local arts and crafts, with some gourmet food and drink stalls thrown in. Although goods vary from one event to the next, offerings are generally both high quality and diverse, and can include anything from liquor brewed in the Highlands to Harris tweed and Celtic jewellery. Visiting the capital over the festive period? A special edition of the Castle Street Market usually runs continuously from the last week in November up until a few days before Christmas.

Essential Information

Location: Castle Street

When to go: Dates vary, check online for latest information

Nearest transport: Princes Street bus stop

Edinburgh in August is a cultural connoisseur’s paradise, with the Edinburgh International Festival, the Festival Fringe and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo all taking place simultaneously to offer thousands of theatre performances and concerts at hundreds of venues across the city. The West End Fair is held in conjunction with these events, typically running from the end of July to the last week in August. Labelling itself Scotland’s Premier Craft, Art & Design Fair, it features over 100 curated stalls set up in the churchyard of St. John’s Church on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road. If you’re in town for a while, it’s worth making several visits – every Monday sees an influx of new exhibitors. All of them make their wares themselves, with no imports allowed.

Essential Information

Location: St. John’s Church, Princes Street and Lothian Road, EH1 2AB

When to go: August, 11am - 6pm

Nearest transport: Lothian Road or Princes Street bus stop

There are several winter markets in Edinburgh, but the biggest and best is the Edinburgh Christmas Market, held annually at East Princes Street Gardens. Expect European-style wooden huts selling everything from handcrafted ornaments, gifts, clothing and accessories to festive treats like mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The Princes Street venue also hosts a funfair with a Ferris wheel and helter-skelter for the kids; while those that wish to avoid the crowds of the main market can find a smaller, quieter extension complete with an ice rink and vintage carousel on nearby George Street.

Essential Information

Location: East Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2DG

When to go: Mid-November to early January, 10am - 10pm

Nearest transport: Princes Street - Scott Monument bus stop

Whether you’re visiting for Christmas, to experience the summer festival season or simply for a weekend getaway, Edinburgh’s exciting food and craft markets are always a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. From accommodation to transport, start planning the rest of your trip now.