Nightlife in Edinburgh

Nightlife in Edinburgh includes old-fashioned pubs, swanky bars, ghost walks, live music venues and pumping nightclubs. With a large student population, the arts scene in Edinburgh is excellent and you’ll find many bands, comedians, and DJs staging events right across the city throughout the year. For live entertainment in the Old Town, start your night at Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar just off the Royal Mile. Then, you can barhop up as this area brims with late-night venues.

Away from the Royal Mile, you could head to The Dome in New Town for an elegant night of cocktails and fine dining within a stunning colonnaded building that used to be Scotland’s National Bank. It’s not cheap but it promises a night that will live long in the memory. Another memorable nightspot is Frankenstein, a cocktail bar that’s housed in a 19th-century church. If you’re looking for a late-night drinking spot close to all the main tourist attractions in the Old Town, The Hive Nightclub is an excellent choice. Mainly a student bar, it has DJs playing most nights. It's easy to find, halfway up the Royal Mile on Niddry Street, but the cobblestone streets are quite steep after a few drinks.

As a popular family destination, Edinburgh has plenty to do after dinner for kids and adults. For example, you could take a spooky guided tour of Mary King’s Close that many people say is haunted. Bear in mind you'll hear chilling tales of ancient Edinburgh so it's not for the fainthearted. Also, it's not recommended for children under 8.