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Best Nightlife in Edinburgh (2026)

Edinburgh's nightlife is built around bars and live music rather than big clubs, and the Old Town and New Town each have their own character. In the New Town, Bramble on Queen Street is a walk-in cocktail bar open until 1am every night, and the 1820 Rooftop Bar at Johnnie Walker Princes Street pairs cocktails with views of the castle. In the Old Town, The Devil's Advocate, on a close just off the Royal Mile, has more than 300 whiskies and serves food until 9.30pm.

For live music, The Jazz Bar on Chambers Street has performances every day and stays open into the early hours at weekends, while Whistle Binkies, in the vaults under South Bridge, puts bands on every night. For a historic pub, walk through Holyrood Park to The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston, a village inn that reputedly dates to 1360 and has a Victorian skittle alley. August, when the festivals take over the city, is the liveliest and busiest time, and late licences are common then. Some bars apply Challenge 25 ID checks, so carry photo ID, and plan your route home before a late night.

6 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 nightlife in Edinburgh

  1. Bramble Bar & Lounge Cocktail bar, New TownA walk-in cocktail bar on Queen Street in the New Town, open every night from 4pm until 1am, with sister bars across Edinburgh.
  2. The Jazz Bar Live music bar, Old TownA basement live music venue on Chambers Street with jazz, blues, funk and more every day of the week, open until the early hours at weekends.
  3. The Sheep Heid Inn Historic pub with skittle alley, DuddingstonA historic village pub in Duddingston below Arthur's Seat, reputedly dating to 1360, with a courtyard, Sunday roasts and a Victorian skittle alley.

Bar

2. The Jazz Bar

Live music bar$$Old Town

A basement live music venue on Chambers Street with jazz, blues, funk and more every day of the week, open until the early hours at weekends.

View details — The Jazz Bar