Edinburgh Grassmarkets

Edinburghs grassmarkets area is one with a history going back hundreds of years. It is located just beneath the castle in the old town of Edinburgh and is a vibrant hotspot for Shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. It was once used as a market due to its valley shape as this meant that it was an easy place to get livestock into. It was also used in the past for public hangings. In the 1600's the area was used primarily as a point of trade. There was a period of refurbishment in the 1800s which most of the present buildings date from. The oldest remaining building in the area is from 1616.

It is an area where it's easy to relate to the history of Edinburgh as there are reminders everywhere you go from the cobbled streets to the castle views. Edinburgh is one city where tourists certainly get there moneys worth. As well as being able to visit the castle there are numerous tours of the city which run through the day and evening. There are the historical tours which will guide you through the streets while giving you a good dose of the rich history around you including hangings, Scottish politics and the nuts and bolts of how the city came to be.

If you're looking for something more spookier there is also the evening ghost walks. Due to the age of the cities buildings it's not hard to imagine ghosts inhabiting the place at night. The ghost walks will still give you some factual information but they will also include tales and legends of the city to give your heart a race. Some of the tours of the old buildings will bring you below the city streets and there a re a number of ancient graveyards that make there way into the walk.

For eating out in this area there is a good range of restaurants near the grassmarkets area. Below the royal mile there are numerous restaurants including traditional Scottish, Kurdish Italian, Thai and a range of gastro and Scottish pubs.