Grassmarket and Victoria Street
The curved street of coloured shopfronts and the square of pubs beneath the castle.
Victoria Street is the most photographed street in the city and its shops are worth a browse; the Grassmarket below is where the pubs are, with the castle looming over the lot. It is the centre of the Old Town's evening, and the bars have enough cover that rain is no obstacle. Busy on weekend nights.
When it works
Mostly under cover, so light rain is fine. Best afternoon, evening, night.
Good for groups, a date and a first visit.
On these lists
- Things to do in Edinburgh when it rains
- Things to do in Edinburgh when the sun is out
- Free things to do in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh tonight
- Date ideas in Edinburgh
- Things to do in Edinburgh this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in Edinburgh around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in Edinburgh ranked for right now.