Table of Contents Show
Your days in Edinburgh are sure to be jam packed, but what’s there to do in the evening? This is a city that doesn’t go to sleep when the sun goes down, and is packed with bars, club, theatres and activities to fill your time. Here are the best things to do in Edinburgh at night.
The best things to do in Edinburgh at night
1. Watch the sunset from Arthur’s Seat
Hiking Arthur’s Seat is probably already on your Edinburgh to-do list, and a great time to do it is at sunset. It’s the highest hill in Edinburgh and takes around 20 minutes to climb, giving you magical views of the city that make it one of the best things to do in Edinburgh at night.
2. Have a night out at Stramash Live Music Bar
207 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ
Edinburgh is a fantastic city to enjoy live music, with venues that cater for every genre. Stramash puts on live shows every night until 3am, and they even serve food until midnight. It’s always busy, loud but friendly with good vibes throughout the venue. You can expect both local acts as well as some bigger names depending on the night you go!
3. Watch a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse
18-22 Greenside Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3AA
If you’re looking for a night at the theatre, there’s nowhere better to go than the Edinburgh Playhouse. It was originally built as a ‘super cinema’ in the 1920s and now is the largest theatre in Scotland. They host a range of West End musicals, comedy shows, live music, and dance productions.
4. Have a games night at Lane7
1 Leith Street, Edinburgh EH1 3DX
Whether you choose darts, bowling pool, shuffleboard or crazy golf, Lane7 is the place to head for a night of fun and games. Complete with food served by Fat Hippo and a fully stocked bar, this is the perfect place to spend a night in Edinburgh with mates.
5. Book a magical cocktail class
57a Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH
The Caudron lets you get magical, put on a cloak and craft your own cocktail potions. You’ll be directed on how to make delicious cocktails by a costumed potions master.
The experience includes a welcome drink, two cocktails that you brew yourself and a 1hr and 45 immersive experience.
6. Go to a stand-up comedy show at the Stand
5 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Head to the iconic comedy venue The Stand to laugh the night away. Previously headlined by the likes of Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges, this intimate venue will be sure to give you a good night out.
7. Get a whisky flight
The history of Edinburgh and the history of whisky go hand in hand, and there’s plenty of places around the city you can go to taste the very best. Get a whisky flight at Devil’s Advocate, Whiski Rooms or The Abbey Bar where you’ll be served a selection of handpicked whiskeys to enjoy.
8. Get an evening spa treatment
8 Conference Square, Edinburgh EH3 8AN
After a long day exploring the city, nothing will feel better than enjoying a spa treatment. One Spa is one of the best in the city, and is open until late into the evening with a range of body treatments, massages and facials on offer.
One Spa is truly a place where you can switch off from the outside world, with phones and loud talking discouraged. If you choose a Spa Day package, you’ll be able to access the thermal suite filled with various steam rooms and saunas, rooftop hydropool and 19 metre swimming pool. The perfect relaxed ending to a busy day!
9. Join a ghost tour
Edinburgh is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and for good reason. It’s chilling past is waiting to be uncovered and there’s plenty of tours that will take you through it’s greusome history. You’ll be able to roam around Edinburgh’s streets, alleyways and vaults with a guide to tell you all about the ghosts in the city.
10. Go on a Grassmarket pub crawl
The Grassmarket is the place to go if you want to spend the night drinking and partying. The area is full of independent bars, cafes and shops, but it really comes alive at night. It’s a popular spot for students, locals and tourists with a range of bars for every clientele.
So there are the best things to do in Edinburgh at night. We hope we’ve given you some ideas for whatever type of night you’re looking for, whether that’s a relaxed evening at a spa, a classy night at the theatre or getting tipsy in some of Scotland’s best pubs.
Explore More of Edinburgh
- Check out how to spend Christmas in Edinburgh
- Here are the best bakeries in Edinburgh
- Read our guide on the best haggis in Edinburgh
- Check out the best french restaurants in Edinburgh
