Edinburgh is Scotland’s compact, hilly capital. Edinburgh Markets is famous for its local produce, Christmas shopping, and delicious street food. Scottish produce has a reputation for excellence.

Every year, Edinburgh’s Christmas and Edinburgh’s Hogmanay put on a spectacular show to get everyone in the mood for the holidays.

Visitors enjoy a range of food and drink from November through December. Whether you’re looking for handmade soaps from local craft makers or a designer outfit, you’ll find that Edinburgh’s city center is an excellent place for shopping.

The capital of Scotland attracts visitors from far and wide as it turns into a winter wonderland for locals. It is an excellent excuse to have a day out, and there are many fun things to do with the kids.

1. Visit These 8 Edinburgh Markets to Uncover Shopping Treasures

1.1. The Leith Market – Vegan Goodies

Although not as busy as its bigger sisters, Stockbridge and Grassmarket markets, it is nonetheless well worth a visit.

The Leith market is primarily made up of food vendors that sell locally manufactured and sourced goods and sizzling hot street cuisine that you may eat while sitting at one of the market’s tables.

The market also offers the Vegan Quarter on the first Saturday of each month, with a selection of vegan goodies.

Location – Leith Market Dock Place, Edinburgh Markets 

1.2. The Greater Grassmarket Market – Seasonal Produce, Bread & Sweets

Spread over various market stalls selling locally grown and seasonal produce, freshly baked bread, delectable sweets, and craftwork made by local artisans in Edinburgh.

Their specialties include stunning jewellery, crafts, and artwork. After you’ve finished shopping, there are plenty of bars and pubs in the area where you can grab a quick drink.

Location – Grassmarket, Edinburgh Markets 

1.3. The Pitt Market – Street Food, Waffles

The Pitt market is precisely what Edinburgh has been missing: a late-night street market with live music and entertainment, delicious street food and beverages from local vendors, all experienced in a warm and inviting environment.

Visitors can try a variety of sweet and savoury food options. Local musicians also perform live performances to keep everyone entertained at this Edinburgh Markets.

Top recommendations include the vintage milk float selling waffles, ice cream, and excellent coffee. 

Location – 125 Pitt Street, Leith

1.4. Edinburgh’s Christmas Market – Mulled Wine, Bratwurst, Waffles

Every year, the cold Edinburgh winter nights are brightened by the arrival of the Christmas market.

Bratwurst, waffles, crepes, pastries, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and more are available in the European Market below the Mound and East Princes Street Garden.

The Scottish Market at St Andrew Square features some of Scotland’s best artisans, food, and drink. If you haven’t tried the bratwurst and ice skating, you haven’t done Edinburgh’s Christmas correctly, in my opinion.

Location – Princes Street Gardens, St Andrew Square

1.5. Edinburgh Farmer’s Market – Shetland Knitwear, Homemade Jams, Bread, Beer

You will be welcomed with fresh, seasonal fruits and products. This Edinburgh Farmers market is trendy among locals as it supports small and local businesses and vendors. The majestic Edinburgh Castle overlooks this market. It is hard to find a view as amazing as this one.

Some of their specialties include Soups, gourmet crisps, and Shetland knitwear. This is a perfect place to try some Venison; organic beef, poultry, lamb, and pork are staples.

You can taste homemade jams, chutneys, cheese, freshly baked bread, confectionery, and organic Beer.

Outstanding Scottish fruit wines from Cairn O’Mohr make a wonderful present for anyone who enjoys a good glass of wine. This award-winning drink, made with berries, flowers, and leaves native to the region, has distinct flavours and a luscious scent.

These wines are made with the freshest ingredients, such as strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, oak leaves, and brambles. Nothing fancy, simply the best ingredients they can get their hands on, fermented in an old-fashioned manner.

This Scottish alcoholic beverage draws curious and discriminating wine enthusiasts from all over the world. You will find these wines in the Edinburgh Markets. 

Location – Castle Terrace

1.6. The Stockbridge Market – Homemade Crepes and Soaps, Jewellery, Art & Craft

Locals and visitors alike frequent this bustling market, which is the place to go for tasty street cuisine or a sweet Sunday treat. You will be welcomed with the smell of brewed coffee and homemade crepes.

Handmade soaps, jewellery, bags, children’s clothes, gourmet dog food, organic fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, and games are just a few of the items available, making it one of the busiest markets in Edinburgh.

Each Sunday, visitors throng the jubilee gardens to savour the artisan bread and cheeses brought along and to explore the jewellery, arts, and crafts on display.

Location – Jubilee Gardens

1.7. The Food and Flea Market – Antique and Vintage Items, Crafted Beer

This is the first daily market in Edinburgh, and it features some of the city’s best street cuisine. Traders and food vendors set up shop every month.

Also offered are locally roasted coffee and craft beer brewed in the Edinburgh area. This Edinburgh market is famous for antique and vintage items, vinyl, oddities, and even birds of prey. Live music is also organized occasionally.

The locally roasted coffee and craft beer are a must-try here.

Location – Sibbald Walk, New Street, EH8 8BG

1.8. Fountainbridge Street Food Friday – Street Food

The Fountainbridge Street Food Friday is a weekly street food market in Edinburgh. You will find the best quality street food here and with a lot of variety.

There will be around 7-10 street food stalls each Friday. The weekly vendors are  Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Barnacles & Bones, Bonnie Burrito, French Connection Creperie, Union of Genius Soup, and Steampunk Coffee.

Location – Union Canal

2. Other Edinburgh Markets to Explore

2.1. West Princes Street Gardens

These markets are traditional Christmas markets that offer something for everyone. You’ll find everything here, from local produce to tasty treats. This market is a must-visit.

Location – Princes St, Edinburgh Markets

2.2. East Princes Street Gardens

East Princes Street Gardens are a lot smaller than West Princes Street Gardens.

In winter, the Christmas Market occurs in East Princes Street Gardens, which also hosts Edinburgh’s Ice Rink, one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks.

Location – Princes St, Edinburgh Markets

2.3. George Street

All Saints, GANT, Whistles, Joules, Jigsaw, and White Stuff are just a few of the high-end, high-street fashion retailers that call George Street home.

There are also high-end cosmetic products, accessories, and jewellery in these Edinburgh Markets. You can buy luxury watches and diamonds from here.

Location – Thoroughfare in Edinburgh

In The End

From the historical charm of the Grassmarket Market to the artisanal treasures at Stockbridge Market, each market weaves its own unique story into the rich fabric of this Scottish city.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a vintage hunter, or an art lover, Edinburgh’s markets provide a delightful journey through its cultural richness.

So grab your shopping bags and head to these Edinburgh markets.

Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty