3 February 2025
5 minutes
Glittering skyline views, haunting ghost tours, eclectic nightlife and spectacular arts venues make the Scottish capital one of Europe’s most exciting nocturnal playgrounds.
3 February 2025
5 minutes
“A city so beautiful it breaks the heart again and again.” - Alexander McCall Smith
A fairy-tale city whose architecture spans the centuries from Gothic to Georgian, it’s no wonder that poets, artists and authors consistently praise Edinburgh for its beauty. But to see the capital at its most memorable, you’ll need to linger after the sun has set. The enchanting spectacle of Edinburgh Castle at night, illuminated in a wash of gold and visible from all over the city... The glow of moonlit cobbled streets... The infectious bustle of Grassmarket and the Royal Mile, where bars and restaurants jostle for space alongside historic landmarks... This is the backdrop for a host of after-hours activities ranging from world-class theatre to spooky tours.
Whether you’re a couple hoping to enjoy a romantic evening in Edinburgh’s historic streets or a family looking for an affordable way to experience the city after dark, a stroll to a sunset viewpoint is a great idea. Some of the best views of Edinburgh at night are free. Strap on your hiking shoes and head up Arthur’s Seat. Or, if you don’t feel up to tackling the extinct volcano’s rugged terrain, opt for the easier walk up Calton Hill. Both viewpoints offer serene panoramas of luminous city lights dotted with landmarks including the castle, the Scott Monument and St. Giles’ Cathedral. Alternatively, consider paying for a late-entry visit to Camera Obscura. Open as late as 10pm on Saturdays, the attraction offers five floors of illusions and epic rooftop views, making it one of the most popular night-time activities for families in Edinburgh.
Essential Info: Camera Obscura
TOP TIP: If you’re planning to be out late at Camera Obscura or any other attractions near the castle, Aparthotel Adagio Edinburgh Royal Mile is a convenient choice for families wanting a fully equipped self-catering apartment.
Edinburgh is a paradise for foodies, with late-night restaurants for all tastes and budgets. For a top-rated Edinburgh restaurant providing an unforgettable after-dark dining experience, try The Witchery. This award-winning fine-dining establishment is located steps from Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile in a building that dates back to the 16th century. Expect an elaborate oak-panelled dining room adorned with candles and tapestries, and a menu that showcases the best meat and seafood from across Scotland. Leith’s The Kitchin offers contemporary Scottish cuisine with a Michelin star, while those with a passion for exotic flavours will love Edinburgh Street Food – a collection of 11 global vendors in a space with live music and a bar selling local beers and whiskies. On a budget? Check out Civerinos for mouthwatering pizza by the slice.
Essential Info: The Witchery
If you want to explore Edinburgh’s nightlife scene, there’s nowhere better to start than the Grassmarket, a vibrant, cobblestoned area filled with easily walkable pubs and bars. Highlights include The Bow Bar, a traditional wooden pub serving over 400 whiskies on one of the most picturesque streets in Edinburgh, and Biddy Mulligans, a classic Irish pub with nightly live music, sports on TV and outdoor tables. Next door is The Wee Pub (the smallest pub in Scotland), while West Port Oracle is a cocktail bar with a difference offering quiz nights, DJ sets, tarot readings and film screenings. For experimental microbrews and a rooftop terrace with some truly epic views of the castle and Edinburgh Old Town at night, head to wisteria-draped Cold Town House.
Essential Info: Cold Town House
TOP TIP: Don’t forget that Scotland has a zero-tolerance drink driving rule. Make the most of public transport or choose a hotel like Novotel Edinburgh Centre that’s within easy walking distance of Grassmarket’s pubs.
The capital has a reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe, thanks to a grisly past littered with witch trials, public executions, royal murders and infamous serial killers. The most unique night tours for those wanting a glimpse into Edinburgh’s haunted history are offered by City of the Dead Tours. The first is the original Greyfriars Kirkyard tour. Although there are now many companies offering excursions to the mystical graveyard, this is the only one that includes access to the Covenanters' Prison and the Black Mausoleum – home of the Mackenzie Poltergeist. The second focuses on the South Bridge Vaults, where Edinburgh’s 19th-century criminal underworld thrived and bodysnatchers once stored their corpses. Both are paid tours: for a more budget-friendly option check out the Free Ghost Tour departing nightly from the Royal Mile.
Essential Info: City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour
As the home of the world’s largest performing arts event – the concurrent Edinburgh International and Edinburgh Fringe festivals – the capital is synonymous with theatrical excellence. If you happen to visit any time during the month of August, festivities include thousands of shows at hundreds of pop-up venues across the city. At any other time of year, some of the best nights out in Edinburgh include a visit to one of the city’s permanent theatres. Edinburgh Festival Theatre boasts the largest stage in Scotland for plays, concerts and performances by the Scottish Opera and the Scottish Ballet. Choose The Edinburgh Playhouse for touring West End musicals, or the Traverse Theatre for new writing. If comedy is more your thing, catch the best funnymen (and women!) at The Stand, an iconic club that launched the careers of Scottish greats like Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges.
Essential Info: Edinburgh Festival Theatre
When it comes to cool things to do in Edinburgh at night, exploring the capital’s hugely diverse live music scene is right up there. The city is littered with venues, from The Queen’s Hall (a converted Georgian church hosting everything from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra to the latest pop and rock acts) to Murrayfield Stadium (the home of Scottish Rugby and favoured venue for mega-famous acts like Beyonce and Taylor Swift). Stramash, an Old Town pub with a huge stage and dance floor, is a particular favourite, with nightly live music covering a multitude of genres from traditional Scottish to swamp blues. For something completely out of the ordinary, catch a concert at Ross Bandstand. This outdoor amphitheatre sits in Princes Street Gardens directly underneath the towering cliff and ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle.
Essential Info: Stramash
Like to bust a move on the dance floor? There are plenty of Edinburgh nightclubs to choose from. Get sweaty at Sneaky Pete’s, a packed, 100-capacity club on Cowgate with a reputation for some of the best DJ nights in town. Cabaret Voltaire brings atmosphere to its subterranean raves with a historic setting in Edinburgh’s underground vaults and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, while The Bongo Club specialises in world beats with a heavy bassline – think reggae, jungle, funk and soul. And, while people of all orientations are welcome anywhere in liberal Edinburgh, the LGBTQ+ community will feel right at home at CC Blooms, the city’s oldest gay bar and club. Want to don your best tartan and learn how to reel? Keep an eye out for traditional cèilidh events at venues like Bonnie & Wild and Ghillie Dhu.
Essential Info: Sneaky Pete’s
Generally speaking, Edinburgh is safe at night although the usual big city rules apply – stick to well-lit, main thoroughfares if walking alone in the wee hours, and always have a plan for getting home. Buses run around the clock, albeit on a less frequent schedule after midnight. Taxis are also available 24/7 while the last tram depends on your route and station but is typically around 11pm. Booking in advance is key, both for your evening entertainment and a safe place to stay when it’s eventually time for bed.
This article details just a fraction of the paid and free things to do in Edinburgh at night. There are also exciting seasonal events ranging from autumn and winter astronomy talks for all ages at The Royal Observatory to late-evening summer openings that give you a chance to experience Edinburgh Zoo at night. So, decide on your dates, research what’s on and come and discover everything the capital has to offer for yourself.
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