Things To Do In Edinburgh At Night

As one of the most culturally and historically rich cities in Europe, Edinburgh offers a wide variety of things to do for tourists exploring the city for the first time. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out, an evening of drinks and laughter, or a cultural experience to remember, Edinburgh’s nightlife is sure to please. With so much to do and see, it can be difficult to decide where to start. To help you plan an unforgettable experience, here is a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Edinburgh at night.

History and Culture

Edinburgh is a city steeped in history and culture. Founded in the 12th century, the city has experienced a long and tumultuous journey before becoming the vibrant hub of activity it is today. The two parts of Edinburgh, the Old Town and the New Town, showcase this journey and offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The Old Town is an ancient cityscape with winding cobblestone streets and hidden alleys, while the New Town is a bustling epicenter of modern life with bustling cafes and shops. Both parts of the city are filled with wonderful attractions that are perfect for a night out.

One of the best things to do in Edinburgh at night is to take a walking tour of the city. This is an excellent way to learn about the city’s history and uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath its streets. From cobblestone passages to grand squares and monuments, Edinburgh’s streets are full of surprises and stories that can be uncovered through a guided tour.

Another excellent way to explore Edinburgh’s culture is through its many museums and galleries. A perfect plan for a rainy night is to visit some of Edinburgh’s most beloved venues such as the National Museum of Scotland, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. These venues offer a variety of exhibitions from local artists to international art and artifacts, making them a great way to spend an evening.

Nightlife

Edinburgh is also known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are many ways to experience it. Whether you’re looking for a lively pub crawl or a romantic evening out, Edinburgh has something for everyone.

For those looking for an evening of drinks and conversation, the Old Town area has plenty of pubs to choose from. Some of the most popular venues include The White Horse Inn, The Canny Man’s, The Last Drop, The Abbotsford Inn, and The Black Bull. These pubs offer a variety of drinks as well as live music and entertainment throughout the evening.

If you’re looking for something more lively, then head over to one of Edinburgh’s many nightclubs. Some of the most popular venues include Cabaret Voltaire, The Hive, Opal Lounge, The Jazz Bar, and The Bongo Club. Each club offers its own unique atmosphere and style, from classic jazz to modern electronic music.

Finally, if you’re looking for a romantic evening out, then Edinburgh has plenty of restaurants to choose from. Some of the best restaurants in town include The Kitchin, The Tower Restaurant, Hawksmoor Edinburgh, The Pittodrie House Hotel Restaurant, and Restaurant Martin Wishart. Each venue offers its own unique style of cuisine along with breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Live Performances

Edinburgh is also home to some of the best live performances in Europe. From theatre productions to comedy shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Some of the most popular venues include The Festival Theatre, The King’s Theatre, The Traverse Theatre, The Royal Lyceum Theatre, and The Gilded Balloon.

The Festival Theatre hosts some of the best musicals in Europe as well as regular performances by international stars such as Celine Dion and Adele. The King’s Theatre is another popular venue which hosts musicals such as Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera along with other plays and performances.

The Traverse Theatre is known for its cutting-edge productions as well as its diverse range of plays from around the world. The Royal Lyceum Theatre offers a variety of plays from Shakespearean classics to modern works by local playwrights. Finally, The Gilded Balloon offers a great variety of comedy shows as well as late night performances such as cabaret and burlesque.

Tour Of Edinburgh Castle

For those looking for an unforgettable experience, a tour of Edinburgh Castle is an absolute must. This iconic castle stands tall atop a volcanic rock outcrop dominating the skyline of the city. Inside its walls lie centuries of secrets and stories waiting to be discovered.

On a tour of Edinburgh Castle you will explore its many rooms and towers including St Margaret’s Chapel which dates back to 1130 AD, the Royal Palace which was once home to Mary Queen Of Scots and various other monarchs, and Great Hall boasting original 15th century furnishings as well as one of Scotland’s oldest portraits.

The tour also includes admission to its fantastic collection of arms and armor dating back to medieval times as well as access to the stunning gardens that surround it. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with an appreciation for Scotland’s history.

Ghost Tour Of Old Town

Edinburgh has long been known as one of the most haunted cities in Europe with numerous ghost stories surrounding it. For those looking for an exciting way to explore its dark history, then a ghost tour of Old Town is an absolute must.

The tour takes you through some of Old Town’s most haunted streets including Greyfriars Kirkyard which is home to one of Scotland’s most famous ghosts – Greyfriars Bobby – as well as other notable spooky locations such as Mary King’s Close where people were sealed in during plague outbreaks in centuries past as well as other eerie locations that offer insight into Edinburgh’s dark past. Tours are conducted by experienced guides who will regale you with stories of hauntings and other supernatural events that have taken place in this part of town over the centuries.

Book A Whisky Tasting Tour With A Local Expert

Edinburgh is home to some of Scotland’s best whisky distilleries including Balvenie, Glenkinchie, Cardhu, and Dalwhinnie. A great way to explore this part of Scotland’s culture is by booking a whisky tasting tour with a local expert who will guide you through various whisky distilleries around town.

The tour starts off at one of Scotland’s oldest whisky distilleries – Glenkinchie – where you will have an opportunity to sample some of their finest whiskies before heading over to Balvenie where you will learn about their unique whisky making process as well as having an opportunity to sample their whiskies. You will also visit Cardhu which is one of Scotland’s most famous distilleries before ending your tour at Dalwhinnie where you will sample their award-winning whiskies before enjoying a traditional Scottish dinner.

Take A Ghost Bus Tour Of Edinburgh

If you’re looking for something different then why not take a ghost bus tour around Edinburgh? This unique tour takes you on a spooky adventure around town with experienced guides who will regale you with tales from Edinburgh’s dark past including tales from Mary King’s Close, hauntings from Greyfriars Kirkyard as well as other macabre stories from around town.

The tour starts off at Waverley Station before heading through Old Town where you will explore hidden alleyways and cobbled streets before visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard where you will have an opportunity to explore its eerie cemetery before heading over to Mary King’s Close where you will hear about its mysterious tales from centuries past. The tour finishes off at the Royal Mile where you will hear about tales from Scotland’s gruesome past before returning back to Waverley Station in time for dinner.

Conclusion

Edinburgh offers an array of activities perfect for a night out in this vibrant city. Whether you’re looking for something romantic or thrilling there are plenty of options available that are sure to make your evening memorable. From whisky tasting tours with local experts to ghost bus tours around town, there is sure to be something that fits your interests. With so much on offer it can be hard to decide where to start so make sure you plan ahead so you can make the most out of your time in this beautiful city!