Edinburgh Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in Edinburgh.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for Edinburgh! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that Edinburgh has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in Edinburgh. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- Edinburgh offers over 81 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
The Devil's Advocate
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 4795 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9 Advocate's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Burrow
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.9 stars from 38 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Freddy's Edinburgh
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.7 stars from 504 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 24 Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 2JR, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Boom Battle Bar Edinburgh
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 1422 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AU, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Banshee Labyrinth
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 2929 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Voodoo Rooms
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.3 stars from 1956 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 19a W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Makars Mash Bar
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 9110 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Raging Bull
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 1162 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 161 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AA, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The World's End
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 5451 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2-8 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Cocktail Geeks
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 1772 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Arch 14, 27 E Market St, Edinburgh EH8 8FS, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Dome
Highly rated Restaurant in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 9830 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
Dragonfly
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 828 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 52 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 2.8 stars from 659 reviews.
📍 15-17 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Sneaky Pete's
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.1 stars from 274 reviews.
📍 73 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
La Belle Angele
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.4 stars from 759 reviews.
📍 11 Hastie's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1HJ, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Why Not Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 2.9 stars from 404 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Lulu Bar and Nightclub
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 3.1 stars from 106 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 125b George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Bongo Club
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 3.7 stars from 190 reviews.
📍 66 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JX, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Shanghai Nightclub
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 3.9 stars from 202 reviews.
📍 16a George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Cabaret Voltaire
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4 stars from 299 reviews.
📍 36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Club Tropicana
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 3.6 stars from 378 reviews.
📍 23 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Legends
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 3.8 stars from 251 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 71 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW, UK
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
Stramash
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 4640 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 207 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Whistlebinkies
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.4 stars from 2669 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 4-6 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Caves
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 811 reviews.
📍 12 Niddry St S, Edinburgh EH1 1NS, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.3 stars from 3345 reviews.
📍 11 New Market Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1RJ, UK
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Queen's Hall
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 1761 reviews.
📍 85-89 Clerk St, Edinburgh EH8 9JG, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Usher Hall
Highly rated International in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 5481 reviews.
📍 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EA, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Banshee Labyrinth
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 2929 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Jazz Bar
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 2198 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1a Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1HR, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Dishoom Edinburgh
Highly rated Indian in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 20311 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 3a St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 2BD, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Indian cuisine
The Dome
Highly rated Restaurant in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 9830 reviews. Offers fine dining experience with exceptional service.
📍 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
The Devil's Advocate
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 4795 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 9 Advocate's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Duck & Waffle
Highly rated Restaurant in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 1206 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 400-402 St James Cres, Edinburgh EH1 3AE, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
The Piper's Rest
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 3095 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 3 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The World's End
Highly rated Bar in Edinburgh with 4.5 stars from 5451 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 2-8 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Luckenbooths
Highly rated Restaurant in Edinburgh with 4.6 stars from 1195 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 329 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PN, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Tollhouse
Highly rated Restaurant in Edinburgh with 4.8 stars from 356 reviews.
📍 50 Brandon Terrace, Edinburgh EH3 5BX, UK
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
The Stand Comedy Club
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Edinburgh venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Comedy Cellar Edinburgh – Home of The Good, The Bad & The Irish
Laugh the night away at this popular Edinburgh comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Monkey Barrel Comedy
Laugh the night away at this popular Edinburgh comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Edinburgh Playhouse
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Edinburgh venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Just the Tonic at The Caves
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this Edinburgh venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The Comedy Attic
Laugh the night away at this popular Edinburgh comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Why Not Nightclub
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Hive Nightclub & Venue
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Banshee Labyrinth
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Voodoo Rooms
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Three Sisters
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Boom Battle Bar Edinburgh
Explore Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in Edinburgh varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in Edinburgh range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Edinburgh offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in Edinburgh cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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