Edinburgh › Old Town
Victoria Street & the Grassmarket
The colourful curved street said to have inspired Diagon Alley, and the old market square below it.
Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Victoria Street curves down from George IV Bridge to the Grassmarket, with brightly painted shopfronts, independent gift shops, cheese and whisky stores and an upper terrace walkway.
The Grassmarket below was once a cattle market and execution site, and is now full of pubs and restaurants with castle views. It is a good place for lunch or an evening drink.
Tickets / priceFree to walk. Shops, restaurants and pubs are paid.
Opening hoursAlways open. Shops usually open 10:00–18:00; pubs and restaurants open later.
Time needed45–120 minutes
Best timeLate afternoon
Getting there5 min walk from the Royal Mile; bus 2, 23, 27, 35, 41 to George IV Bridge
AddressVictoria Street, Edinburgh EH1 2HE
Booking advice
Book a table in advance for dinner, especially at weekends and in August.
Insider tips
- Walk along the upper terrace for the best view of the street.
- The Grassmarket has a Saturday market with food and crafts.
- Climb the Vennel from the Grassmarket for a view of the castle wall.
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