Grassmarket
Address: Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2HS
The Grassmarket is a historic part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, dating from the 14th century. It is one of the oldest market places in the city and was also a place for public hangings in the 1600s and 1700s. Thenkfully the Grassmarket is not such a dark and gruesome place these days. It’s a popular tourist area filled with pubs, restaurants, hotels and shops. It is very picturesque with cobbled streets, medieval architecture, monuments and a magnificent view of Edinburgh Castle.
One of the area’s most famous stories is the tale of Maggie Dickson, who was hanged in the Grassmarket in 1724. As her body was taken away to be buried, noises were heard coming from the coffin and she was found still alive. As she had already received her punishment, no further action was taken and she went on to live for a further 25 years. She became known as ‘Half-Hangit Maggie’. There is now a pub called Maggie Dickson’s, just outside the execution site.
5 things to do in the Grassmarket
- Explore the history of this famous cobbled street and buildings dating back centuries. Look out for the “shadow of the gibbet”, a round stone which marks the spot where executions took place in The Grassmarket during the 17th and 18th centuries.
- Visit the pubs and restaurants. The Grassmarket is known for its traditional pubs and dining scene.
- Do some shopping in the many quirky, independent shops selling Scottish crafts, clothing and souvenirs. Armstrong’s Vintage Emporium is a well-known vintage clothing shop worth checking out. There’s also a weekly market, where every Saturday stalls pop up selling locally grown, fresh produce and handmade gifts.
- Take a ghost tour or history tour to discover the dark tales of the area.
- During the summer festivals, enjoy street performances, carnivals and al fresco dining.
