Edinburgh nightlife: welcome to Scotland, the home of kilts and whiskey! Here is the complete guide to the bars and the best nightclubs in Edinburgh, so as not to miss the best of the nightlife of the Scottish capital.
Edinburgh nightlife
young, dynamic and university city, Edinburgh offers a lively nightlife and lively atmosphere practically every night of the week. Although its dimensions are not comparable to those of large European cities, the Scottish capital boasts a large number of bars, discos and, in particular, traditional old pubs full of atmosphere in which to spend the wild and wet nights of Edinburgh.
Edinburgh's nightlife takes place mostly within the numerous pubs scattered around the city and concentrated above all in the historic centre: for the Scots it is tradition to meet in the pub with friends to drink a pint of beer, rigorously dark. In addition to the inevitable beer, the traditional pubs also offer excellent Scotch whiskey and often host events with live music ranging from rock to Scottish music. Another feature of Edinburgh are its literary pubs , where you can have a good drink and read books about Scottish culture and traditions: in this regard, the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour organizes guided tours of the best literary pubs of Edinburgh.
In the middle of the night however, young people move from the pubs to the numerous discos of Edinburgh and let loose on the rhythms of techno, pop and House music, three very popular genres in the Scottish city. Many clubs are located in the New Town , particularly along George Street , and change names or management frequently. In general, Edinburgh's nightclubs stay open until 3.00, with the exception of the Fringe Festival , when clubs may stay open until 5.00.
But where to go out at night in Edinburgh? Most of the traditional bars and pubs are concentrated in the historic center between Grassmarket , Candlemaker Row and Victoria Street , and are characterized by affordable prices and live music. Other pubs are concentrated in the New Town and Stockbridge , while along George Street , the shopping street, there are some trendy bars and discos.
Located to the north of Edinburgh, the area of Leith , with its quays overlooking the North Sea, has lately been establishing itself as a quieter alternative to the frenetic nightlife of Edinburgh .
Edinburgh Festivals
Music, theatre, dance and cinema play an important part in Edinburgh's cultural life . In fact, throughout the year, the city hosts numerous theater and dance performances, as well as concerts of folk, rock and jazz music, or important film festivals.
Among the various events not to be missed we mention the Edinburgh International Festival , a large theatrical event that takes place every year during the last three weeks of August, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world, and the Fringe Festival , also dedicated to comedy, also during August.
Edinburgh is also famous throughout the world for Hogmanay , the traditional New Year's Eve party which lasts four days, including street parties, fireworks, live music, parades and absolute drunkenness.
To stay up to date on the latest events in Edinburgh check out The List .
Clubs and discos in Edinburgh
The Liquid Room 
(9C Victoria St, Edinburgh) Open 11pm-3am daily.
Located in a converted church near the castle of Edinburgh, the Liquid Room is a two-story nightclub open all week that hosts live music and evenings with DJ sets. Always very popular, the club offers music ranging from House to hip hop to dance music.
The Bongo Club
(66 Cowgate, Edinburgh) The Bongo Club is one of the busiest clubs in the city and a real institution in Edinburgh's nightlife . It organizes both live music concerts and evenings with DJs and music ranging from Drum'n'base, to Hip Hop, up to electronic music, House, funk and dance. The place is quite large and the clientele is mainly made up of young students with a great desire to have fun and dance until closing.
Cabaret Voltaire
(36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh) Open Tuesday to Saturday 5-3pm.
Located in an underground cave in the city center a stone's throw from the Royal Mile , the Cabaret Voltaire is one of the best nightclubs in Edinburgh , open 7 days a week and with live music and DJ sets with electronic music. Inside there is also a quieter bar area upstairs which offers Scottish ales 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 list of the most popular clubs by the inhabitants of Edinburgh, with a radical chic style and a clientele made up mainly of thirty-somethings.
Lulu Edinburgh
(125b George St, Edinburgh) Open daily 10pm-3am.
Located along George Street in a beautiful Georgian building, the Lulu is a very elegant nightclub with music ranging from House to R'n'B, up to Latin American music. Inside this club, which radiates class, opulence and decadence, there are plenty of sofas and seating for lounging and chatting between dances, as well as a VIP area. Even the cocktails are prepared to perfection and are discounted every Tuesday. Dress elegantly.
Sneaky Pete's
(73 Cowgate, Edinburgh) Open 11pm-3am daily.
Small and crowded, the Sneaky Pete's offers evenings with House, techno and electronic music, and regularly hosts internationally famous DJs. This club is always very popular and appreciated by young people around 20-25 years old.
The Hive Club
(15-17 Niddry St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Friday 10pm to 3am, Saturday 9pm to 3am.
true institution of Edinburgh's nightlife , The Hive is a labyrinthine club on two floors that attracts a large crowd of students. The place is very popular because the drinks tend to be very cheap compared to most other clubs, but also because it is always noisy, crowded and sweaty, and fun is always guaranteed. The music is a mixture of live performances, but mostly dj sets with pop, indie and electro, rock and metal or drum'n'base music.
Why Not Nightclub
(14 George St, Edinburgh) Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10.30pm to 3am.
A good alternative to the numerous clubs along George street , because it is frequented by a not too young crowd and also the atmosphere and music is more mature. Not cheap!
La Belle Angele
(11 Hastie's Close, Edinburgh) Open Wednesday to Saturday 10pm to 3am.
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 live concerts by leading artists, as well as evenings with DJ sets.
El Barrio
(47 Hanover St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 10pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday 8pm to 3am.
Located in central Edinburgh, El Barrio is a lively Cuban-style disco bar, with leather sofas and salsa lessons at the weekend. The DJs play the latest Dance, Latin and Hispanic hits to create a fiery mix, fueled by their excellent mojitos. While it's not exactly authentic, and some of the cocktails have very silly names, the atmosphere is great and admission is free.
Bourbon Bar and Club
(24 Frederick St, Edinburgh) Open Monday to Saturday 10.30pm to 3am, Sunday 11am to midnight.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, The Bourbon is a unique concept for the city that combines a cocktail bar, award-winning cuisine and a night club. In the evening, the Bourbon opens its two dance floors and becomes one of the reference points for Edinburgh's nightlife .
Shanghai Club
(16 George St, Edinburgh) Open Wednesday to Saturday 10.30pm to 3am, Sunday 10.30pm to midnight.
The Shanghai is another trendy and elegant Edinburgh club that offers a good program of evenings with DJs for dancing until late at night surrounded by beautiful Scottish girls.
The Banshee Labyrinth
(29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday 5pm to 3am.
Located in an ancient labyrinth, the Banshee Labyrinth is a club with live music and concerts mainly of punk and rock music. Inside there is also a cinema room where you can watch some films for free.
Opium Club
(71 Cowgate, Edinburgh) Open 8-3pm daily.
Located in the heart of the Cowgate , the Opium is the place to be for anyone who loves rock, metal or other alternative music. During the week they have live music and karaoke nights.
Espionage
(4, India Buildings, Victoria St, Edinburgh) Open Friday and Saturday 7-3pm.
With over 4 floors of music, the ' Espionage is a club with free admission and frequented mainly by a more mature clientele.
The Mash House
(Hastie's Close, 37, Edinburgh) Open Wednesday and Thursday 10.30pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday 7pm to 3am.
Underground club with House and techno music, excellent djs and events.
Opal Lounge
(51A George St, Edinburgh) Open daily 10.30pm - 3am.
Located along George Street, the Opal Lounge is a small but elegant club in Edinburgh , a luxury underground paradise, where a trendy crowd sips a good cocktail and dances until late at night.
Boteco Do Brasil
(47 Lothian St, Edinburgh) Open daily from 12.00 to 3.00.
Boteco Do Brasil adds a slice of Latin flair to Edinburgh's historic Old Town. This club embodies the spirit of Brazil in every aspect, from its South American cuisine, up to its party atmosphere built through a mix of reggaetón, salsa, bachata, Latin dance and African melodies. The place is known for hosting many exciting parties, including caipirinhas, salsa nights and live music. Also a good place for dinner.
The Shack
(119 Rose St, Edinburgh) Open Thursday to Saturday 7pm to 3am.
Club with a carefree and fun atmosphere that offers varied music ranging from 80s and 90s hits, pop and commercial.
Bars and pubs in Edinburgh
The Rat Pack Piano Bar
(9 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh) Open 7-3pm daily.
The Rat Pack Piano Bar includes live music, well-priced drinks, and a diverse clientele of all ages. The music is mostly piano and jazz.
The Three Sisters
(139 Cowgate, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 7am to 1am, Friday and Saturday 7am to 3am.
The Three Sisters is a popular disco pub in Edinburgh, mostly frequented by students. Here you can choose from a wide selection of beers or dance to the rhythm of electronic, dance and 80s music.
Tonic Bar
(34A N Castle St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 1am, Friday 2.30pm to 1am, Saturday 12pm to 1am.
Located in the New Town near George Street , the Tonic is a small bar that prepares tasty creative cocktails. Alongside the unique creations of the bartender, the bar offers evenings with live music and DJ sets that always attract a large crowd of trendy and beautiful girls. The ideal place to spend a glamorous evening in Edinburgh.
The Voodoo Rooms
(19a W Register St, Edinburgh) Open Monday to Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday to Sunday 12pm to 1am.
The Voodoo Rooms is a club, restaurant, cocktail bar and concert venue. The elegant interior of the bar features black and gold décor, while the main hall hosts live music concerts ranging from soul and jazz to folk, indie rock and hip-hop.
The Royal Oak
(1 Infirmary St, Edinburgh) Open Monday to Saturday 11.30am to 2am, Sunday 12.30pm to midnight.
Much appreciated by the inhabitants of Edinburgh, the Royal Oak is a very popular pub that offers, in addition to excellent beers and typical dishes, also the best live Scottish music, mainly of the folk genre. Upstairs there are emerging artists with free admission, while downstairs the most well-known artists perform and the price for admission is 5 pounds.
The Last Drop Tavern
(74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh) Open daily 11am-1am.
The fame of this ancient Edinburgh pub is linked to one of the city's darkest traditions. Located opposite one of Edinburgh's main squares where, until the 19th century, public executions took place, the Last Drop Tavern was the last place where the condemned enjoyed their last drink before meeting their fate . The pub offers a selection of excellent beers and typical dishes.
The Abbotsford Bar
(3-5 Rose St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to midnight.
This quaint Edwardian-style pub is a popular gathering place for journalists, writers and actors.
Frankenstein Pub
(26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh) Open Monday to Thursday 12.00 to 1.00, Friday to Sunday 12.00 to 2.00.
Located inside an old church, the Frankenstein is a pub furnished like a castle (in which the famous monster lived) and made up of three floors. Great for spending a cheerful evening with friends and pints of beer.
The Jazz Bar
(1A Chambers St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Friday 5pm to 3am, Saturday 2.30pm to 3am.
Located along Chambers Street , the Jazz Bar offers not only jazz music but also events and performances of blues, funk and soul music. There are also special art events such as poetry, album launches, and others. Some events are free, or admission prices are between £4 and £8. The bar mixes a good variety of musical styles, so any night you might come to hear jazz, then stay for the funk and finish with the blues.
The Malt Shovel Inn
(11-15 Cockburn St, Edinburgh) Open Sunday to Thursday 11am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am.
If you want to drink a good pint of Scottish beer, take a trip to the Malt Shovel , a classic traditional pub in Edinburgh.
The Bow Bar
(80 W Bow, Edinburgh) Open daily from 12.00 to 24.00.
The Bow Bar features over 230 malt whiskies, 8 types of raw ales and an impressive selection of bottled beers (including the intriguing Maui Brewing Coconut Porter ), but even those who don't drink beer will find something to their liking .
OX184
(184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh) Open daily 11am-3am.
Brilliant bar with modern decor offering a large selection of real ales on tap and good food. The peculiarity of this place is given by 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 10pm - 3am.
This small disco is located in the Edinburgh Art College and offers a mix of evenings with indie music and live concerts. The place is small but cheap, comfortable and has a nice student vibe, even though it's not limited to just students. If you want indie or rock music at budget prices and love a 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 arrive here before midnight, pay less.
The Blackbird Bar and Restaurant
(37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh) Open 10am-1am daily.
Recognizable by its orange bicycle above the door, the Blackbird is a bright bar much appreciated by young people, which offers a good choice of food and imaginative cocktails, including the "Mai Tai on Steroids" (rum, amaretto, brandy all apricot, Orgeat and lime) or the “King of Scotland” (whiskey, Chambord, Cocchi Di Torrino, raspberry, lemon and Prosecco).
Tigerlily
(125 George St, Edinburgh) Open 7am-1am daily.
Located along George Street , the Tigerlily is a trendy and very popular Edinburgh bar. The interior is furnished with large mirrors, comfortable sofas and soft, romantic lights. A very glamorous place where people come to see and be seen.
The Devil's Advocate
(9 Advocate's CL, Edinburgh) Open daily 12-1am.
Tucked away in a narrow medieval lane opposite St Giles Cathedral, the Devil's Advocate is an industrially designed bar with tall windows, exposed brick and wooden furnishings, with an airy open space balanced by cozy booths and a mezzanine dedicated to dinner . With an ever-growing choice of whiskeys, a cleverly constructed wine list and arguably the most interesting cocktails in Edinburgh, this bar is deservedly popular.
Bramble Bar
(16A Queen St, Edinburgh) Open Monday to Saturday 4-1am, Sunday 4-1am.
Considered one of the 50 best bars in the world , the Bramble is a much appreciated bar that offers excellent cocktails ranging from the great classics to fabulous new inventions. Try a Campbeltown (whiskey, Cherry Heering and green chartreuse) or a Mint Choc Flip . Or ask one of the barmen to create a special cocktail for you. There are many intimate corners for conversation and every Friday and Saturday there is an evening with DJs and dancing.
The Jam House
(5 Queen St, Edinburgh) Open Friday and Saturday 6-3pm.
This spacious and relaxed bar attracts a clientele aged 30 and over, who come here to have a drink or dine on the upstairs balcony and then go dancing to the tunes of live music, which ranges from jazz to blues, passing from soul to swing, to indie, Latin American and R'n'B music.
Dragonfly
(52 West Port, Edinburgh) Open daily 5-1am.
The Dragonfly is an elegant little cocktail bar located a few steps from the Grassmarket area. It's a great place for a drink in the historic center without being a touristy bar. On the weekends there are local djs playing and the cocktail list is quite impressive.
Map of discos, pubs and bars in Edinburgh
Dragonfly (52 West Port, Edinburgh)
The Jam House (5 Queen St, Edinburgh)
Bramble Bar (16A Queen St, Edinburgh)
The Devil's Advocate (9 Advocate's Cl, Edinburgh)
Tigerlily (125 George St, Edinburgh)
The Blackbird Bar and Restaurant (37-39 Leven St, Edinburgh)
The Wee Red Bar (ECA Main Building and Hunter Building, 74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh)
OX184 (184-186 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
The Bow Bar (80 W Bow, Edinburgh)
The Malt Shovel Inn (11-15 Cockburn St, Edinburgh)
The Jazz Bar (1A Chambers St, Edinburgh)
Frankenstein Pub (26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh)
The Abbotsford Bar (3-5 Rose St, Edinburgh)
The Last Drop Tavern (74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh)
The Royal Oak (1 Infirmary St, Edinburgh)
The Voodoo Rooms (19a W Register St, Edinburgh)
Tonic Bar (34A N Castle St, Edinburgh)
The Three Sisters (139 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
The Rat Pack Piano Bar (9 Shandwick Pl, Edinburgh)
The Shack (119 Rose St, Edinburgh)
Boteco Do Brasil (47 Lothian St, Edinburgh)
Opal Lounge (51A George St, Edinburgh)
The Mash House (Hastie's Close, 37, Edinburgh)
Espionage (4, India Buildings, Victoria St, Edinburgh)
Opium Club (71 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
The Banshee Labyrinth (29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh)
Shanghai Club (16 George St, Edinburgh)
Bourbon Bar and Club (24 Frederick St, Edinburgh)
El Barrio (47 Hanover St, Edinburgh)
La Belle Angele (11 Hastie's Close, Edinburgh)
Why Not Nightclub (14 George St, Edinburgh)
The Hive Club (15-17 Niddry St, Edinburgh)
Sneaky Pete's (73 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
Lulu Edinburgh (125b George St, Edinburgh)
Cabaret Voltaire (36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh)
The Bongo Club (66 Cowgate, Edinburgh)
The Liquid Room (9C Victoria St, Edinburgh)