Leith Market

About

Leith Market brings a vibrant slice of Scottish culture to life twice weekly in Edinburgh's historic port neighborhood, offering families an authentic farmers market experience packed with local produce, artisan goods, and delicious street food. Kids will love sampling fresh Scottish treats, watching bakers and makers at work, and soaking up the lively community atmosphere in the beautifully restored Market Hall. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to Scotland's food culture while supporting local producers in one of Edinburgh's most characterful areas.

What to Expect

Families will find a bustling indoor market filled with stalls selling fresh vegetables, fruits, Scottish cheeses, freshly baked bread, pastries, locally-made preserves, and prepared foods from around the world. The Market Hall atmosphere is welcoming and relaxed, with friendly vendors often happy to offer samples and chat about their products. Children can watch bakers shaping dough, see colorful produce displays, and experience the sights and smells of a traditional Scottish market. The indoor setting means you're protected from Edinburgh's unpredictable weather, and the community vibe makes it easy to strike up conversations with locals and other visitors.

Highlights for Kids

• Sampling fresh Scottish tablet, shortbread, and other traditional sweets from local bakers
• Watching street food vendors prepare hot meals and crepes in front of them
• Choosing their own fresh fruit or colorful vegetables to take back to your accommodation
• Meeting friendly Scottish vendors who often share stories about their farms and products
• Exploring the historic Market Hall building itself, with its Victorian architecture and community atmosphere

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive within the first hour of opening for the best selection and a less crowded experience, especially important on Saturdays when locals do their weekly shopping
2. Bring reusable shopping bags and a small cooler bag if you're buying perishables—many vendors sell items without packaging, and you'll want to keep Scottish cheeses and fresh produce cool if you're sightseeing afterward
3. Let kids bring a small amount of pocket money (£3-5) to choose their own treat, which turns the market into an educational experience about budgeting and decision-making
4. Ask vendors about samples—most are happy to let children try a piece of cheese, a bite of tablet (Scottish fudge), or fresh berries, making it an interactive tasting adventure

Best Time to Visit

Saturday mornings between 10am-11am offer the best balance of full stalls and manageable crowds, with a wonderful weekend buzz that makes the experience feel special. Tuesday mornings are quieter and ideal for families with very young children or those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Avoid the final hour before closing when popular items may be sold out, though you might find good deals from vendors looking to clear stock.

Food & Drinks

The market offers excellent prepared food options including fresh crepes, wood-fired pizza, Scottish breakfast items, international street food, and freshly baked pastries perfect for a mid-market snack. Kids typically enjoy the sweet and savory crepes, fresh fruit pots, warm sausage rolls, and artisan ice cream available from various vendors. You'll find Scottish specialties like haggis for adventurous eaters, plus coffee and fresh juices for parents. Bring water bottles as drinks can add up quickly. Seating is limited, so consider taking food to nearby Leith Links park on nice days for an impromptu picnic.

Parking & Access

Leith Market is easily reached by bus from central Edinburgh (routes 11, 16, 22, 36 stop nearby on Leith Walk), with the journey taking about 15-20 minutes from Princes Street. For drivers, on-street parking is available on surrounding streets with pay-and-display meters (free on Sundays), or use the nearby Ocean Terminal shopping center car park (10-minute walk). The Market Hall is fully accessible with step-free entry, and the smooth floors work well for strollers, though it can get tight between stalls during busy periods—baby carriers might be easier to navigate crowds. International visitors can use contactless payment or coins for parking meters.