Castle · UNESCO
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A fortress on an extinct volcano above the city, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels.
Neighbourhood · United Kingdom · Scotland
Grassmarket and Victoria Street
A lively old square and a curved, colourful street of independent shops below the castle.
Free to enter about 60 min
For storytellers
Why Grassmarket and Victoria Street matters
Victoria Street swoops down from the Royal Mile in a curve of brightly painted shopfronts, selling cheese, hats, books and sweets. At the bottom, the Grassmarket opens into a square of pubs and terrace tables under the castle rock. It is a great place to stop for a drink and watch the city go by.
Talking points
- Colourful shopfronts make it very photogenic.
- The Grassmarket was once a livestock market.
- Pubs line the square.
Free to read aloud or adapt in your video. Check facts that matter to you against an official source before you publish.
More in Edinburgh
Mountain
Arthur's Seat
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
An ancient volcano in Holyrood Park with a short climb and a full city panorama.
Neighbourhood · UNESCO
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
The historic street running from the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with closes, shops and pubs.
Viewpoint
Calton Hill
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A small hill with unfinished monuments and one of the best views of Edinburgh.
Festival or event
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A huge August arts festival that turns the city into a stage.
Museum
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
A large free museum covering Scottish history, science, natural history and world cultures.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.