Shop like a true local at the best markets in Edinburgh!
My husband and I usually reserve our weekends for doing errands or the occasional holiday outside of the city, but most of the time, we reserve weekend mornings for a trip to local markets.
These are a hub of local goods like food, furniture, decor, and so much more. They’re great places to hang out, enjoy the local culture and food scene, and even meet new people and farmers to support.
To anyone visiting Edinburgh, I highly recommend dropping by them. And out of all the places I’ve been to, I’ve shortlisted the very best on this list!
Stockbridge Market
– Media from rob_martindill
Address: Saunders St
Contact Details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating Hours: Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
If there is one place I turn to every Sunday for my weekly fix of gourmet food, it’s Stockbridge Market. I still think about the first time I visited it years ago and I’m so glad it’s still standing and serving up freshly made and baked goods.
You can find all sorts of gourmet treats here like pastries, jams, meat, and cheeses. But beyond the food, I like to drop by to check out unique crafts made by local artisans and stock up on new things I may need for the house for cheap!
Tips:
- The market encourages all visitors and shoppers to bring their own shopping bags in an effort to reduce plastic waste. I highly recommend you follow this if it’s your first time because the stalls don’t usually offer any sort of portable packaging. Bring a trolley if you’ll be shopping for lots of things!
- I highly recommend coming by the market early in the morning (just before they open) and staying in queue. Queues become long as the day unfolds and stalls sell until stocks last.
The Grassmarket Market
– Media from grassmarketmarket
Address: Central Reservation, Grassmarket
Contact Details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating Hours: Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Just a wee walk from the Royal Mile, the Grassmarket Market comes alive every Saturday with its bustling market. It’s a proper feast for the senses—fresh produce, artisan bread, sweet bakes, and handcrafted Scottish gifts line the stalls.
And with Edinburgh Castle looming above, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better backdrop for a weekend wander. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve popped by for “just a look” and left with a bag full of goodies!
Tips:
- If you fancy a dram, keep an eye out for stalls offering whisky tastings—some even have the distillers themselves on hand for a wee chat. The Scotch here is the real deal, so don’t be shy, have a sip, learn a thing or two, and maybe even take home a bottle of something special.
- Driving in? Park at the NCP Castle Terrace and save yourself a few quid. Just download the NCP Park Pass App before you go, then swing by The Olive Stall to grab your discount code—easy peasy!
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market
– Media from edfarmersmarket
Address: NCP Castle Terrace Car Park, Castle Terrace
Contact Details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating Hours: Saturday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
One of the reasons why the Edinburgh Farmers’ Market deserves a spot on this list is because it’s one of the few markets in Scotland that bagged the Market of the Year award from Slow Food Scotland. It’s that iconic, so you really shouldn’t sleep on it!
It’s a goldmine for fresh, local produce, and the best part is that you get to chat with the farmers themselves (and they really know their stuff!). Moreover, if you love whipping up new things in the kitchen, this is the best place to find herbs and spices.
Tips:
- If you’re driving to the market, you get free parking. Just remember to swing by one of the stalls to validate your ticket before you leave. Saves you a few quid for an extra treat!
- Got your eye on something bulky? Some stalls offer doorstep delivery, so you don’t have to lug it home yourself. Not all vendors provide this service, so check the market’s delivery service page on their website to see who does and how it works!
Tron Kirk Market
– Media from tronkirkmarket
Address: 122 High Street
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
My first visit to Tron Kirk Market really changed my view on markets in Edinburgh. This isn’t your ordinary market; it’s a modern and carefully curated mix of local artists and designers showcasing their unique crafts.
Before this, I hadn’t been to a market inside a historical building, so if you’re into the whole aesthetic of marketplaces, this place is a must-visit. For the goods here, you’ll find lots of handmade crafts like jewellery, pottery, furniture, and other home decor.
Tips:
- Shopping here is for a good cause. Every pound you spend here goes straight to over 300 local artists, designers, and makers—many of whom craft their work from home studios, shared spaces, or even their kitchen tables. You are directly supporting Scottish creativity and craftsmanship by shopping here!
- In case an item in the market is sold out, you can actually purchase it through the seller’s display online. The Tron Kirk Market has an online store run by the Scottish Design Exchange, but do note that some items here sell for a little higher than if you buy them at the market.
Leith Market
– Media from back_from_the_beach
Address: Commercial St, Leith
Contact Details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating Hours: Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Leith Farmers Market is a wee gem tucked away in Edinburgh. From fresh, farm-picked produce to seafood that tastes as if it’s just come off the boat, you’ll find all the very best of Scottish goods here if you love cooking in the kitchen.
But it’s not just about food; you’ll find handmade ceramics and bespoke jewellery, perfect for picking up something special.
Tips:
- I highly recommend dropping by the market early in the morning to get first dibs on the seafood there. People all over the city drop by to get the freshest catch, and you might miss out on the good ones if you don’t come early. Your best bet is to come by the stalls right before opening.
- Want to know which vendors will be at the market this week? Be sure to check out the market’s weekly supplier list! They update it before Saturday, so you can plan ahead and make sure your favourite vendors are there. Don’t miss out. Give it a quick look before you head down!
Edinburgh Flea Market
– Media from ootbdrillhall
Address: Out of the Blue Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street
Contact Details: +44 131 555 7100
Operating Hours: Every last Saturday of the month, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Edinburgh Flea Market is one of the best markets in the city for pre-loved goods, and it only happens once a month. You’ll find over 40 stalls selling all sorts of preloved clothing, jewellery, furniture, and so much more inside the Out of the Blue Drill Hall.
I usually go here to find great deals on vintage clothing and knick-knacks. I could spend a whole day haggling and just browsing through the hundreds of cool items that I may or may not need (but who really cares?), and I always leave satisfied!
Tips:
- Since this flea market only pops up every last Saturday of the month, I highly recommend checking out the website for updates on the vendors who will attend. Sometimes, vendors you really love won’t show up at the next flea market event, so stay tuned to the social media page to get the latest updates!
- While the market is mainly a hub for preloved goods, you can still find a cafe there. There are a small number of produce stalls as well if that’s what you’re looking for, but I suggest focusing on the preloved items while you’re there.
Castle Street Market
– Media from castle_street_market
Address: Castle Street
Contact Details: +44 791 425 4334
Operating Hours: One week per month starting April
Castle Street Market is one of my favourite spots in Edinburgh, especially with that jaw-dropping view of the castle perched above. It’s just a stone’s throw from Princes Street, so it’s super easy to pop by.
I love wandering through the stalls where you can find everything from Harris tweed scarves to handcrafted Celtic jewellery. And the food options here are just divine (don’t even get me started on the liquor and local delicacies).
Tip:
- If you’re in town for the holidays, don’t miss the festive edition of Castle Street Christmas Market. It’s the best way to soak up the Christmas vibes while picking up unique gifts and treats!