Edinburgh markets: a guide to rummaging around

Thanks to TV series like Bargain Hunt, Cash in the Attic and Antiques Road Show, rummaging around flea markets and car boot sales has become something of a national pastime.

Farmers markets have also been been steadily springing up in cities across the UK in recent years, partly driven by the trend for locally-sourced, organic groceries inspired by TV chefs like Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver.

Luckily for people staying in city centre hostels in Edinburgh who like this kind of thing, there is plenty on offer here and the Scottish capital is a great place to do some exploring.

As Marketing Edinburgh chief executive Lucy Bird says: "The city is magical, vibrant and inspiring," and this maxim can definitely be applied to the markets it houses. The city is renowned for its shopping [http://www.euro-hostels.co.uk/hostel-news/2694_how-to-make-the-most-of-a-shopping-trip-in-edinburgh], but its diverse selection of markets is not to be sniffed at either (unless, of course, you're talking about that very blue cheese at the Farmers Market fromagerie!).

Whether you're looking to uncover a unique tea set, root out vintage clothing, or even pick up some locally-grown asparagus that has been freshly harvested, there is an Edinburgh market for you. Anyway, read on for our favourite five…

Edinburgh Farmers Market

Without doubt the number one market in Edinburgh, the city's Farmers Market is packed every week and it is hardly surprising given the quality of produce on offer. More than 55 specialist stalls are set up on Castle Terrace every Saturday, and the majority of them produce what they sell themselves.

There can be few better places to buy food, with a range of organic butchers and greengrocers as well as artisan bakers, brewers, chocolatiers, chutney makers and many more making an appearance.

It's worth going for the sights and smells alone, but many of the generous store holders offer little titbits to try so don't be afraid to ask for a sample before you buy.

Every Saturday, 9am – 2pm. Castle Terrace, EH1 2EL.

St Mary's Market

The imaginatively-named Edinburgh Markets run a string of markets near John Lewis, outside the cathedral on Leith Street throughout the year. The regular weekly St Mary's Market gives way to a special Edinburgh Festival version during August and the Christmas Market during December is not to be missed.

A mixed market with a wide range of stalls, St Mary's has some top food on offer and is also a great place to pick up a gift with some awesome arts and crafts sellers plying their wares too. You'll find a great selection of music and clothes too, so if you're looking for a one-off piece or fancy diving in to add something to your collection, this could be the place to do it.

Then, during the Edinburgh International Festival and throughout Christmas, the market ups its game with live music and entertainment and decorations.

Every Saturday, 10am - 3pm (between March and July); Saturdays and Sundays, 11am - 6.45pm (August 4th to 26th and December 1st to 23rd). 61 York Place, EH1 3JD.

Out of the Blue Flea Market

Probably the best flea market in Edinburgh is the one run by Out of the Blue on the last Saturday of every month. OOTB is a community arts organisation that runs a brilliant multi-function venue on Dalmeny Street and this monthly event sums up everything that is great about its activities.

You'll find everything from bric-a-brac, vintage vinyl and clothes to musical instruments, antiques and furniture - the perfect place to go in search of that one-off gem you didn't know you were looking for!

It also has a fantastic little cafe to keep you fuelled with home-made meals and treats.

Last Saturday of every month, 10am – 3pm. Drill Hall, 36 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG.

Stockbridge Market

It may be known as Edinburgh's 'other' farmers market but Stockbridge is certainly not playing second fiddle with the impressive line-up of local producers that set up shop there twice a week.

Held in a courtyard garden off Saunders Street, all kinds of artisan traders can be found at Stockbridge: including coffee roasters, traditional Scottish Salmon smokers, Indian and Japanese street food vendors, organic butchers and stalls selling homemade jams and preserves – the list goes on and on.

Various stalls including Silverdaze, All Fired Up and Brass Cat regularly showcase their unique jewellery, accessories and art too, and it even has its own traditional sweetshop – Bothwell Candy.

Every Sunday, 10am – 5pm, Thursdays in June, July and August, 2.30pm – 7.30pm. Jubilee Gardens, Saunders Street, EH3 6TQ.
 
Greenside Car Boot Sale

If a good old-fashioned car boot sale is more what you're looking for, it doesn't get much better than Greenside in the city-centre's NCP Omni Car Park. The most famous car boot event in Edinburgh, sellers are known to turn up at midnight on Saturday to bag the best spots for Sunday morning.

Because there is no way to reserve a space the quality of sellers does sometimes fluctuate, but with plenty of spaces on offer there is always a good selection of boots to peek inside. Time to get bartering!

Every Sunday, 9am - 1pm. Level 4, Omni Car Park, Greenside Row, EH1 3AN.

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