Nightlife Edinburgh: Welcome to Scotland, the homeland of kilts and whisky! Here's the complete guide to bars and the best clubs in Edinburgh, to enjoy the best of the Scottish capital's nightlife.
Nightlife Edinburgh
Young city, Dynamics and higher education, Edinburgh offers a lively nightlife and a lively atmosphere practically every night of the week. Although its dimensions are not comparable to those of major European cities, the Scottish capital boasts a vast number of bars, clubs and, in particular, ancient and traditional pubs full of atmosphere in which to spend the wild and wet nights in Edinburgh.
The nightlife in Edinburgh takes place mostly within the many pubs throughout the city and mostly concentrated in the old town centre: for the Scots tradition is being at the pub with friends to drink a pint of beer, Dark strictly. Besides the inevitable beer, the traditional pubs include the excellent Scotch whiskey and often host events with live music ranging from rock to Scottish music. Another feature of Edinburgh are his literary pubs, where you can have a nice drink and read books on Scottish culture and traditions: in this regard,, theEdinburgh Literary Pub Tour organises guided tours of the best literary pubs in Edinburgh.
At night instead, young people moving from pubs in the numerous discos in Edinburgh and go wild on the rhythm of techno music, pop and House, three popular genres in the Scottish city. Many clubs are located in New Town, especially along George Street, and frequently changing name or management. In general the Edinburgh nightclubs stay open until 3.00, except for the period in which the Fringe Festival, When the clubs can remain open until 5.00.
But where a night out in Edinburgh? Most bars and traditional pubs are concentrated in the historic centre between Grassmarket, Candlemaker Row and Victoria Street, and with affordable prices and live music. Other pubs are concentrated in New Town and Stockbridge, While long George Street, the shopping street, There are a few bars and trendy nightclubs.
Located north of Edinburgh, the area of Leith, with its quays, overlooking the North Sea, instead is emerging lately as a quieter alternative compared to nightlife in Edinburgh.
The festivals of Edinburgh
Music, Teatro, dance and film play an important role in cultural life of Edinburgh. In fact, throughout the year, the city is home to several theatre and dance, and folk music concerts, Rock and jazz, or important film festivals.
Among the events not to be missed include theEdinburgh International Festival, a theatrical event that takes place every year during the last three weeks of August, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world, and the Fringe Festival, also dedicated to comedy, also during August.
Edinburgh is famous throughout the world for theHogmanay, the traditional new year festival which lasts four days, between parties in the street, fuochi d artificio ’, live music, parades and utter drunkenness.
To stay up to date on the latest events in Edinburgh see The List.
Clubs and discos in Edinburgh
The Liquid Room (9C Victoria St, Edinburgh) 
Open daily from 23.00 to 3.00.
Housed in a converted Church near Edinburgh Castle, the Liquid Room is a two-story nightclub is open all week that hosts live music and dj sets. Popular, the club offers music ranging from House to hip hop dance music.
The Bongo Club (66 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
The Bongo Club is one of the city's most popular nightclubs and a real institution in the nightlife in Edinburgh. It organises live music that DJs and music ranging from Drum 'n' base, to Hip Hop, up to electronic music, House, Funk and dance. The place is pretty big and the clientele is mainly composed of young students with a great desire to have fun and dance until closing.
Cabaret Voltaire (36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh)
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 17.00 to 3.00.
Located in an underground cave in the city center just steps from Royal Mile, the Cabaret Voltaire is one of the best clubs in Edinburgh, Open 7 days 7 and with live music and dj sets with electronic music. Inside there is also a quieter upstairs bar area that offers Scottish beers and cocktails.
With a series of popular guest djs at the console, a friendly atmosphere and great music, the Cabaret Voltaire remains at the top of the clubs most appreciated by the inhabitants of Edinburgh, radical chic style and a clientele consisting mostly of thirty-somethings.
Lulu Edinburgh (125b George St, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 22.00 to 3.00.
Situated on George Street in a beautiful Georgian building, the Lulu It is a very elegant nightclub with music ranging from House to RnB, until the Latin American music. Within this club, that radiates class, opulence and decadence, There are plenty of couches and seating for relaxing and chatting between one dance and the other, In addition to a VIP area. Even the cocktails are prepared to perfection and every Tuesday are discounted. Elegant dress.
Sneaky Pete’s (73 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 23.00 to 3.00.
Small and affolltato, lo Sneaky Pete's House music evenings, techno and Electronica, and regularly hosts internationally renowned djs. This club is always very popular and appreciated by young people around the 20-25 years.
The Hive Club (15-17 Niddry St, Edinburgh)
Open Sunday through Friday from 22.00 to 3.00, Saturdays from 21.00 to 3.00.
Real institution of nightlife in Edinburgh, the The Hive is a labyrinthine club on two floors that draws a large crowd of students. The place is greatly appreciated as the drinks tend to be very cheap compared to most other clubs, but also because it's always noisy, crowded and sweaty, and the fun is always guaranteed. The music is a mixture of live performances, but mostly dj sets with pop music, indie and electro, Rock and metal or drum 'n' base.
Why Not Nightclub (14 George St, Edinburgh)
Aperto lunedì, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 22.30 to 3.00.
A good alternative to the many clubs along George street, because attracts a crowd not too young and also more mature atmosphere and music. Not cheap!
La Belle Angele (11 Hastie’s Close, Edinburgh)
Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 22.00 to 3.00.
Rebuilt after the fire that destroyed it in 2002, La Belle Angele is a small but famous club in Edinburgh. The club is home to many prominent artists ' live concerts, In addition to evening with dj set.
El Barrio (47 Hanover St, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 22.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 20.00 to 3.00.
Located in Edinburgh City Centre, El Barrio It is a lively disco bars in Cuban style, with leather sofas and salsa classes on weekends. The djs playing the latest Dance hit, Hispanic and Latin to create a raging mix, fueled by their excellent mojitos. Although it's not exactly authentic, and some of the cocktails have names very stupid, the atmosphere is great and the entrance is free.
Bourbon Bar and Club (24 Frederick St, Edinburgh)
Open Monday to Saturday from 22.30 to 3.00, Sunday from 11.00 to 24.00.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Bourbon is a unique concept for the city that combines a cocktail bar, Award-winning food and a night club. In the evening, the Bourbon opens its two dance floors and becomes an important reference point for the nightlife in Edinburgh.
Shanghai Club (16 George St, Edinburgh)
Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 22.30 to 3.00, Sunday from 22.30 to 24.00.
The Shanghai is another trendy and stylish club Edinburgh a good programming of DJs to dance until late at night surrounded by beautiful girls Scots.
The Banshee Labyrinth (29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 19.00 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 17.00 to 3.00.
Housed in a former maze, the Banshee Labyrinth is a club with live music and concerts mostly punk and rock music. Inside there is also a cinema where you can see some movies for free.
Opium Club (71 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 20.00 to 3.00.
Located in the heart of Cowgate, theOpium It is the ideal place for those who love rock, the metal or other alternative music. During the week they do live music and karaoke nights.
Espionage (4, India Buildings, Victoria St, Edinburgh)
Open Friday and Saturday from 19.00 to 3.00.
With over 4 music plans, theEspionage is a club with free entrance and attended mainly by a more mature crowd.
The Mash House (Hastie’s Close, 37, Edinburgh)
Open Wednesday and Thursday from 22.30 to 3.00, Friday and Saturday from 19.00 to 3.00.
Club underground House and techno music, great djs and events.
Opal Lounge (51A George St, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 22.30 to 3.00.
Located along George Street, theOpal Lounge is a small but elegant Club of Edinburgh, subterranean luxury paradise, where a trendy crowd sipping a cocktail and dance until late at night.
Boteco Do Brasil (47 Lothian St, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 12.00 to 3.00.
Boteco Do Brasil Add a slice of Latin atmosphere to the historic old town of Edinburgh. This club embodies the spirit of Brazil in all its aspects, from his South American cuisine, until his party atmosphere built through a mix of reggaetón, salsa, bachata, Latin dance and African melodies. The place is known to host many exciting festivals, between caipirinhas, salsa nights and live music. A good place for dinner.
The Shack (119 Rose St, Edinburgh)
Open from Thursday to Saturday from 19.00 to 3.00.
Club carefree and fun atmosphere that offers varied music that ranges from the 80 's and 90 's hits, pop and commercial.
Bars and pubs in Edinburgh
The Rat Pack Piano Bar (9 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 19.00 to 3.00.
The package of Rat Pack Piano Bar includes live music, for cheap drinks and a varied clientele and all ages. The music is mainly piano and jazz.
The Three Sisters (139 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 7.00 to 1.00, Friday and Saturday from 7.00 to 3.00.
The Three Sisters a popular disco pub in Edinburgh, mainly frequented by students. Here you can choose from a wide selection of beers, or dance to the beat of electronic music, Dance and anni ' 80.
Tonic Bar (34A N Castle St, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 17.00 to 1.00, Friday from 14.30 to 1.00, Saturdays from 12.00 to 1.00.
Located in the New Town near George Street, the Tonic is a small bar that prepare delicious cocktails creative. Alongside unique creations of bartender, the bar offers live music and dj sets which always attract a large crowd of stylish and beautiful girls. The ideal place to spend a glamorous evening in Edinburgh.
The Voodoo Rooms (19a W Register St, Edinburgh)
Open Monday through Thursday from 16.00 to 1.00, from Friday to Sunday from 12.00 to 1.00.
The Voodoo Rooms is a club, a restaurant, a cocktail bar and a venue of concerts. The elegant interior of the bar are characterized by a black and gold decoration, While the main hall hosts concerts of live music ranging from soul to jazz, up to folk music, indie rock and hip-hop.
The Royal Oak (1 Infirmary St, Edinburgh)
Open Monday to Saturday from 11.30 to 2.00, Sunday from 12.30 to 24.00.
Greatly appreciated by the people of Edinburgh, the Royal Oak is a popular pub which offers, In addition to great beers and typical dishes, even the best Scottish live music, primarily of folk. Upstairs there are emerging artists with free admission, While downstairs they performed best known artists and the price for admission is 5 British pounds.
The Last Drop Tavern (74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 11.00 to 1.00.
The fame of this old pubs in Edinburgh is linked to one of the bleakest city traditions. Located in front of one of the main squares of Edinburgh where, until the 19th century, public executions were held, the Last Drop Tavern was the last place where the condemned you enjoyed their last drink before getting to their fate. The pub offers a selection of fine beers and typical dishes.
The Abbotsford Bar (3-5 Rose St, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 11.00 to 23.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 24.00.
This traditional Edwardian pub is a popular hangout for journalists, writers and actors.
Frankenstein Pub (26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh)
Open Monday through Thursday from 12.00 to 1.00, from Friday to Sunday from 12.00 to 2.00.
Housed in an old church, the Frankenstein is furnished like a castle (in which the famous Monster) and consists of three floors. Good to spend a cheerful evening among friends and pints of beer.
The Jazz Bar (1A Chambers St, Edinburgh)
Open Sunday through Friday from 17.00 to 3.00, Saturdays from 14.30 to 3.00.
Located along Chambers Street, the Jazz Bar offers not only jazz but also blues music and events, Funk and soul. There are also special artistic events like poems, albums and other releases. Some events are free, or input prices are including 4 and 8 British pounds. The bar mixes a good variety of musical styles, then in any evening you might come and hear jazz, then stay for the funk and end with the blues.
The Malt Shovel Inn (11-15 Cockburn St, Edinburgh)
Open from Sunday to Thursday 11.00 to 24.00, Friday and Saturday from 11.00 to 1.00.
If you want to drink a pint of Scottish beer, take a trip to Malt Shovel, classic traditional pub in Edinburgh.
The Bow Bar (80 W Bow, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 12.00 to 24.00.
The Bow Bar offers over 230 malt whisky, 8 types of raw beers and an impressive selection of bottled beers (including the intriguing Maui Brewing Coconut Porter), But even those who do not drink beer will find something to their taste.
OX184 (184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 11.00 to 3.00.
Bright modern bar offering a wide selection of real ales on tap and good food. The special thing about this place is the fact that the kitchen stays open until 3 in the morning!
The Wee Red Bar (ECA Main Building and Hunter Building, 74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 22.00 to 3.00.
This small bar is located in theEdinburgh Art College It offers a mix of indie music nights and live gigs. The place is small but cheap, convenient and has a nice student atmosphere, Although it is not limited only to students. If you like indie rock or rock at cheap prices and you love the student atmosphere, then the Wee Red Bar worth a visit. There is a good choice of club nights with music ranging from punk to acid House. If you are arriving here before midnight, you pay less.
The Blackbird Bar and Restaurant (37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 10.00 to 1.00.
Recognizable by its orange bicycle above the door, the Blackbird is a bright bar popular with young, offering a good choice of food and imaginative cocktails, including the “Mai Tai on Steroids” (rum, amaretto, Apricot brandy, Orgeat and lime) or the “King of Scotland” (whisky, Chambord, Cocchi Of Torrino, Raspberry, lemon and Prosecco).
Tigerlily (125 George St, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 7.00 to 1.00.
Located along George Street, the Tigerlily is a trendy and very popular bar in Edinburgh. The Interior is decorated with large mirrors, comfortable sofas and soft lights and romantic. A very glamorous place where people come to see and be seen.
The Devil’s Advocate (9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 12.00 to 1.00.
Tucked away on a narrow road opposite the medieval cathedral of St Giles, the Devil's Advocate industrial design is a bar with high Windows, exposed brick walls and wood furniture, with an airy open space balanced by cozy cabins and a gallery dedicated to dinner. With an increasing choice of whiskey, a list of wines expertly built and probably most interesting cocktails of Edinburgh, This bar is deservedly popular.
Bramble Bar (16A Queen St, Edinburgh)
Open Monday to Saturday from 16.00 to 1.00, Sunday from 16.00 to 1.00.
Regarded as one of the 50 best bars in the world, the Bramble is a bar greatly appreciated serving great cocktails ranging from the classics to new fabulous inventions. Try a Campbeltown (whisky, Cherry Heering and chartreuse Green) or a Mint Choc Flip. Or ask one of the bartenders to create a special cocktail for you. There are many intimate corners for conversation and, every Friday and Saturday evening with djs and dancing.
The Jam House (5 Queen St, Edinburgh)
Open Friday and Saturday from 18.00 to 3.00.
This spacious and relaxed bar attracts a clientele from 30 years and over, coming here for a drink or dine on the balcony upstairs and then go dancing under the notes of live music, which ranges from jazz to blues, passing from soul to swing, indie music, Latin and R & B.
Dragonfly (52 West Port, Edinburgh)
Open daily from 17.00 to 1.00.
The Dragonfly is a sleek little cocktail bar located just steps from the Grassmarket area. It is a great place for a drink in the historic center without being a tourist bar. On weekends there are local djs that play and the list of cocktails is pretty awesome.
