Looking for the best nightlife in Edinburgh? From buzzing nightclubs and live music venues to cosy pubs and unique bars, this guide covers all the top spots for an unforgettable night out.
Key Takeaways
- Experience Edinburgh’s nightlife with diverse options, including top nightclubs like Sneaky Pete’s, The Liquid Room, and The Hive, each offering unique atmospheres and music genres!
- Don’t miss the vibrant live music scene at venues like Whistlebinkies and The Bongo Club, where you can enjoy everything from indie to hip-hop in lively atmospheres!
- Savour unforgettable drinks at unique bars like the Secret Arcade Vodka Bar and Frankenstein Pub, or indulge in craft cocktails at spots like Ox 184 and Newsroom Bar for a truly memorable night out!
- Using Spike Stixx to ensure safety when on a night out
Edinburgh's Top Nightclubs
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland's nightlife, is renowned for its diversity, catering to various musical tastes and atmospheres. The city’s nightclubs offer everything from intimate dance floors to multi-level venues, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Edinburgh’s top nightclubs cater to fans of techno, house, hip-hop, and pop, ensuring a diverse musical experience.
Sneaky Pete's
For those seeking an intimate clubbing experience, Sneaky Pete’s is a prime destination. Known for its vibrant and sweaty dance atmosphere, this nightclub encourages close interaction between the DJ and the audience. Its limited capacity of just 100 ensures an up-close and personal experience that’s unique.
At Sneaky Pete’s, the music is as diverse as it gets, featuring genres like:
- funk
- soul
- indie
- and more
Notable DJs such as Midland, Skream, and Jyoty frequently perform here, making it a hotspot for music lovers.
Grab a drink, perhaps one of their craft beers, and prepare for a memorable next night! Don’t forget to mention your favourite brew to the bartender and take a moment to rest.
The Liquid Room
The Liquid Room stands out as one of the best live music and club night venues in Edinburgh. This nightclub boasts:
- An electric atmosphere
- Two floors and a balcony, offering a vibrant space for dancing the night away
- Music catering to fans of indie, retro, house, and techno, offering something for everyone.
Sip on classic cocktails while enjoying the pulsating beats of your favourite tunes. The Liquid Room’s diverse music offerings and energetic crowd make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Edinburgh’s nightlife.
The Hive Nightclub
Recognised for its inclusive and lively atmosphere, The Hive Nightclub attracts a mixed crowd of locals and tourists. This venue features a variety of music genres, including:
- commercial charts
- hip-hop
- R&B
- pop
- rock
- indie
- retro, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
During the Edinburgh Fringe, The Hive hosts the special event “Hive until Five,” where dancing continues until 5 am. For a night of great music and cocktails, and a place to let loose, The Hive is the perfect spot!
For advice on how to stay safe on a night out, check out our other blog: A Parent's Guide to Safe Socialising
Live Music Venues You Must Visit
Edinburgh’s live music scene is just as lively as its nightclubs, offering a variety of entertainment options for music lovers. From local talent to international artists, the city’s music venues cater to all tastes and preferences.
Fans of rock, techno, and soul will find a huge range of country gigs to enjoy in their life.
Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar
Whistlebinkies is a celebrated live music venue in Edinburgh, known for providing entertainment every night. With daily live music sessions featuring a range of diverse genres, this venue is a haven for music lovers. Every Monday, Whistlebinkies hosts an open mic night, offering a platform for local talent to shine.
Fans of rock, pop, and indie will find plenty to enjoy at Whistlebinkies. Grab a cocktail, sit back, and enjoy the live performances that make this venue a staple in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
The Bongo Club
The Bongo Club is known for its eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd for music events. Here, you can enjoy:
- A variety of music genres, including hip hop, reggae, drum and bass, and soul
- Weekly and monthly residencies
- Unique clubbing experiences that blend music with art and performance
With its dynamic lineup and energetic crowd, The Bongo Club is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Edinburgh’s live music scene. Put on your dancing shoes for a night of unforgettable music and fun.
La Belle Angele
La Belle Angele is renowned for showcasing emerging bands, offering a platform for new talent. This venue hosts themed club nights that are particularly popular among the locals, making it a lively spot for a night out. With its vibrant nightlife and enthusiastic crowd, La Belle Angele is a must-visit for those seeking an exciting night out in Edinburgh.
La Belle Angele caters to fans of soul, rock, and indie, offering a diverse music lineup. Its diverse music lineup and energetic atmosphere make it a standout venue in the city’s nightlife scene.
To ensure safety from spiking, try out Spike Stixx, our anti-drink spiking test strips.
Unique Bars and Pubs for a Memorable Evening
Edinburgh’s bar scene is a mix of traditional pubs and upscale cocktail bars, catering to various tastes. Offering both intimate settings and lively venues, Edinburgh’s bars and pubs ensure a memorable evening.
Secret Arcade Vodka Bar
Secret Arcade Vodka Bar is known for:
- Its intimate ambience makes it a great spot for socialising
- An impressive selection of over 100 vodkas, ensuring there’s something for every taste
- Unique offerings, including molecular cocktails that enhance the drinking experience
A dedicated DJ area enhances the lively atmosphere at Secret Arcade Vodka Bar, perfect for music and socialising. It’s a hidden gem in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters is an Irish-themed bar that offers a variety of activities and entertainment options. In the courtyard, you can find street food, wood-fired pizzas, and tequila-infused tacos, making it a great spot for foodies.
The Three Sisters offers pub quizzes, karaoke, and food challenges, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a must-visit for a fun and memorable evening.
Frankenstein Pub
Frankenstein Pub showcases gothic, horror-themed decor that resonates with its overall ambience. The pub serves traditional German food, adding to the unique dining experience. With live entertainment featuring a horror theme, Frankenstein Pub stands out as a unique location in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
For a memorable night out with a twist, Frankenstein Pub is the ideal destination. Enjoy craft beers and classic cocktails while soaking in the dark and intriguing atmosphere at midnight.
If you are looking for the best places to go on a night out in Glasgow, have a look at our other blog: Best nightlife in Glasgow
Best Spots for Craft Beers and Classic Cocktails
Craft beers and classic cocktails play a significant role in Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife. The city’s bars and pubs offer a wide range of options, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
Ox 184
Ox 184 is a dining destination in Edinburgh that combines great food and drink. The venue is noted for its unique industrial-chic decor, which enhances the dining experience. Guests can enjoy a menu featuring steaks, grills, as well as an excellent selection of craft beers and whisky.
The lively atmosphere makes Ox 184 the perfect place for a keen, engaging evening out. This venue caters to both friendly catch-ups and lively nights out.
Newsroom Bar
The Newsroom Bar features:
- News-themed, contemporary decor with a striking black and white design
- Popularity on Fridays and Saturdays
- Events such as quiz nights, gastropub dinners, boozy brunches, and afternoon cocktails
- An acclaimed, innovative cocktail menu that reflects seasonal flavours
Its vibrant atmosphere and unique character offerings make it a standout spot in Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
Wash Bar
Wash Bar has several appealing features:
- A friendly and unpretentious atmosphere makes it a great spot to relax and unwind.
- Fresh music that includes funk and house genres, adding to the lively vibe.
- Reasonably priced cocktails and food.
- Functions as a cafe during the day and transitions into a lively nightlife venue in the evening.
Whether you’re looking for a casual drink or a lively night out, Wash Bar has something to offer.
If you are a woman looking for safety tips for a night out, have a look at our blog: How to stay safe on a night out as a woman
Entertainment Beyond Clubs and Bars
Edinburgh offers a vibrant range of entertainment options beyond traditional nightlife, including unique venues and experiences. From comedy nights to theatre performances and cinema experiences, there’s always something happening in the city.
Comedy Nights
The Pleasance and Monkey Barrel Comedy are renowned for hosting comedy nights and events throughout the year. These venues offer a wide range of stand-up performances, making them favourite spots for comedy lovers.
Comedy events in Edinburgh are available throughout the week, ensuring entertainment on any night. Laughter truly is the best medicine, and these venues ensure a healthy dose of it!
Theatre Performances
The Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival Theatre are key venues showcasing a variety of performances throughout the year. From classic plays to contemporary productions, Edinburgh’s theatres offer a spectrum of entertainment options on stage.
Popular musicals like ‘Matilda The Musical’ have graced the stages of these theatres, winning multiple awards and attracting large crowds. The vibrant theatre scene in Edinburgh is a must-visit for theatre enthusiasts.
Cinema Experiences
Edinburgh features both multiplexes and independent theatres, enhancing the cinematic experience for all audiences. These cinemas showcase a diverse mix of films, from mainstream blockbusters to niche arthouse selections.
Exploring Edinburgh’s cinema scene is a great way to unwind and enjoy a night out. Film buffs and casual viewers alike will find something to enjoy in Edinburgh’s cinema scene.
Summary
Edinburgh’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from pulsating nightclubs and live music venues to unique bars and diverse entertainment options. Whether you’re into dancing, live performances, or simply enjoying a well-crafted cocktail, the Scottish capital has it all.
So, start planning your next night out in Edinburgh and get ready for an unforgettable experience. This city truly comes alive after dark, offering endless opportunities for fun and excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best nightclubs in Edinburgh?
You’ll love the vibrant nightlife at Sneaky Pete's, The Liquid Room, and The Hive Nightclub in Edinburgh! These spots are definitely the best places to dance the night away!
Where can I find live music in Edinburgh?
You can catch amazing live music at Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar, The Bongo Club, and La Belle Angele in Edinburgh! Get ready for some unforgettable tunes!
What are some unique bars and pubs in Edinburgh?
You’ve got to check out the Secret Arcade Vodka Bar, The Three Sisters, and Frankenstein Pub in Edinburgh! Each offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that you won’t want to miss!
Where can I enjoy craft beers and classic cocktails in Edinburgh?
You can enjoy fantastic craft beers and classic cocktails at Ox 184, Newsroom Bar, and Wash Bar in Edinburgh! Each venue has its own unique vibe, so you're sure to have a great time!
What other entertainment options are available in Edinburgh?
You'll love the diverse entertainment scene in Edinburgh, featuring hilarious comedy nights at The Pleasance and Monkey Barrel, captivating theatre at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and charming indie cinemas! There's something for everyone to enjoy!
