The Fruitmarket Gallery Edinburgh
A contemporary art gallery, bookshop, and cafe conveniently located next to Waverley Station in Edinburgh.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
The Fruitmarket Gallery Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A contemporary art gallery, bookshop, and cafe conveniently located next to Waverley Station in Edinburgh.
"A great peaceful little library, gallery and cafe! Perfect for reading or a light chat.
"☕ Cafe Delights
Try the jasmine tea, cheese scone, or cinnamon swirl – they're highly recommended!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
The extensive art bookshop is a must-visit, even if you're just browsing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Engaging Art Exhibitions
Main Gallery Spaces
Discover thought-provoking local and international contemporary art that sparks conversation and offers new perspectives.

The Bookshop
Ground Floor
An extensive collection of art books, perfect for browsing and finding unique reads.

The Cafe
Ground Floor
Enjoy fresh, healthy, and varied menu options, including recommended pastries and main meals.
Planning Your Visit
Conveniently Located Gem
More Than Just Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Cafe Delights
Try the jasmine tea, cheese scone, or cinnamon swirl – they're highly recommended!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
The extensive art bookshop is a must-visit, even if you're just browsing.
🚆 Train Station Proximity
Perfect for a quick visit before or after catching a train at Waverley Station.
🛗 Fun Elevator Ride
Don't miss the unique lift to the gallery – it's a fun experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe Delights
Try the jasmine tea, cheese scone, or cinnamon swirl – they're highly recommended!
📚 Bookworm's Paradise
The extensive art bookshop is a must-visit, even if you're just browsing.
🚆 Train Station Proximity
Perfect for a quick visit before or after catching a train at Waverley Station.
🛗 Fun Elevator Ride
Don't miss the unique lift to the gallery – it's a fun experience!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Fruitmarket Gallery for its serene atmosphere, excellent cafe with fresh food, and extensive art bookshop. Its convenient location by Waverley Station is a major plus. While most experiences are positive, one reviewer reported a negative encounter with a waiter, though this appears to be an isolated incident.
"Great peaceful little library, gallery and cafe! Stopped by for a fruit granola in-between catching the train as its practically right outside the station.
Service is quick, space is very clean and serene, perfect for reading or a light chat. I didn't have a chance to try them out but from the looks of it the pastries look fantastic aswell.
If you are stopping by or looking for somewhere to go while at the train station this would be my pick! ✨"
CyanFlake
"Popped in to see Martin Boyce “Before Behind Between Above Below” after being in City Art Centre since they are directly across the road from the other. I had never thought to go in before and I’m glad I did. Absolutely loved the pieces on communication and the tree sculpture/alphabet. Lots to unpack about codifying nature and the ascent or descent of technology and how we communicate now. Staff were fab, up for a chat and good to see genuine interest in exhibitions. Lovely space they have and felt like a perfect wee social for like-minded art lovers! Will definitely return in the future!"
Lauren Nixon
"A nice gallery, bookshop, cafe space. Clean and friendly with executive service. Good jasmine tea and cheese scone and cinnamon swirl recommended. Main meals looked good too. Extensive arty bookshop and the lift to the gallery is a fun trip and made my day"
Patrick Achilles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fruitmarket Gallery is conveniently located right next to Waverley Station, making it easily accessible on foot. If you're arriving by bus, the main bus station is also a short walk away. For those driving, parking can be found nearby, though it might be more challenging and expensive.
Yes, its prime location means it's very close to many key Edinburgh sights. It's directly across from the City Art Centre and a short walk from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle.
While there isn't specific luggage storage mentioned, its proximity to Waverley Station means you could potentially store luggage there before visiting. The gallery itself is accessible and has a lift for easier movement between floors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The Fruitmarket Gallery is generally free, though special exhibitions might have a charge or require booking. It's always a good idea to check their official website for current exhibition details and any associated costs.
Opening hours can vary, especially for exhibitions. Typically, the gallery, cafe, and bookshop are open daily. It's best to check The Fruitmarket Gallery's official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
Yes, The Fruitmarket Gallery is known for its accessibility. It features a lift to access different levels, making it easier for visitors with mobility issues to explore the exhibitions and facilities.
For major exhibitions, it's advisable to check if advance booking is recommended or required, especially during peak times or for popular shows. This can help you secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Fruitmarket Gallery focuses on contemporary art, showcasing both local and international artists. Exhibitions are diverse and often thought-provoking, covering a range of mediums and themes.
Yes, The Fruitmarket Gallery has a highly-rated cafe that offers fresh, healthy, and varied menu options. It's a popular spot for lunch, coffee, and pastries, with many visitors recommending their food.
Absolutely! The gallery boasts an extensive and well-curated bookshop specializing in art books, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts.
The Fruitmarket Gallery sometimes hosts events, talks, and even fringe theatre performances. Checking their 'What's On' section on their website is the best way to find out about upcoming events.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as peaceful, serene, and clean, making it a great place for quiet contemplation, reading, or a relaxed chat. The unique lift adds a touch of fun to the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The cafe offers a fresh, healthy, and varied menu. Popular choices include fruit granola, main meals, and a selection of delicious pastries like cinnamon swirls. Jasmine tea and cheese scones are also recommended.
Yes, many visitors find the cafe to be a very pleasant surprise for lunch, praising the freshness and quality of the food. Its convenient location makes it a great option if you're near the train station.
While specific options aren't detailed, the cafe is described as offering 'fresh, healthy and varied menu,' which often includes vegetarian and vegan choices. It's best to inquire directly or check their menu if you have specific dietary needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary depending on the exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in public areas and for most exhibitions, but it's always wise to check for specific signage or ask gallery staff.
The gallery itself, with its unique lift and clean, serene spaces, offers some interesting photographic potential. The art exhibitions themselves are often visually striking and can make for compelling photos, provided it's allowed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📚 Book Lovers
✈️ Day-Trippers & Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Fruitmarket Gallery Experience
Beyond the exhibitions, the gallery boasts a highly-regarded cafe and an extensive bookshop. The cafe is celebrated for its fresh, healthy, and varied menu, with specific recommendations including fruit granola, jasmine tea, cheese scones, and cinnamon swirls. It's a popular spot for lunch, offering a pleasant respite. The bookshop, on the other hand, is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts, packed with a wide selection of art-related publications. Even the gallery's lift is noted as a fun and unique feature, adding a touch of novelty to the visit.
Community feedback highlights the gallery's welcoming atmosphere and the staff's genuine interest in the exhibitions. While most experiences are positive, one reviewer did mention a negative incident involving a waiter, which led to them leaving abruptly. However, this seems to be an isolated incident, as the overall sentiment leans towards a positive and serene experience. The Fruitmarket Gallery is consistently recommended as a cultural highlight in Edinburgh, offering a blend of art, good food, and a peaceful environment.
Navigating Edinburgh's Art Scene
For those seeking a broader artistic exploration, the Traverse Theatre is recommended for new writing and play readings, and the Studio offers good, though sometimes infrequent, programming. The Fruitmarket Gallery itself has been noted to occasionally host fringe theatre companies, bridging the gap between visual arts and performance. This makes it a dynamic venue that contributes to Edinburgh's vibrant arts underbelly, offering more than just static exhibitions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit