Overview
South of the Old Town below the castle rock, Grassmarket was a cattle market from the 15th century and served as a public execution site from 1661 to 1688 — a dark chapter in its history. Curving uphill from the square, Victoria Street is a 200-meter strip of brightly painted shops believed to have inspired Diagon Alley, as J.K. Rowling frequently wrote at The Elephant House café nearby. Today it's packed with Harry Potter souvenir shops, vintage boutiques, whisky bars, and cocktail bars — a must for Potter fans and photographers. A Christmas market fills Grassmarket each December. Free to visit. 5-minute walk from Edinburgh Castle.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours (most shops 10:00-18:00)
Travel Tips
Don't miss the Harry Potter shops Museum Context and Diagon House. The curve of Victoria Street photographs best from above.
Hotels near Grassmarket & Victoria Street
Hotels and guesthouses in Edinburgh, Old Town, Edinburgh
Other attractions in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle
An imposing fortress perched on volcanic rock and home to Scotland's Crown Jewels.
Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic main street linking Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Arthur's Seat
An extinct volcano in the heart of Edinburgh — 360-degree views of the city and sea from the 251m summit.
Calton Hill
A Greek-styled monument hill in the New Town — Edinburgh's most photogenic viewpoint.
National Museum of Scotland
A free national museum covering Scotland's history, nature, and science.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
The British monarch's official Scottish residence — site of Mary, Queen of Scots' tragic story.
Dean Village
A fairytale 19th-century former milling village along the Water of Leith.