Nightlife in Edinburgh
Edinburgh divides its evenings between the Old Town above and the New Town below, with Leith and Stockbridge a little further out. The hills and cobbles shape how you move between them.
The Old Town, Grassmarket and Cowgate
The Old Town climbs from the Grassmarket up to the Royal Mile, a tangle of steep closes and stone steps. The Grassmarket is an open square with bars and restaurants around it. Below the bridges, the Cowgate has a reputation for late nights. The setting is memorable, but the ground is uneven and the stairs are steep, so sensible shoes matter more here than in most cities.
The Old Town climbs from the Grassmarket up to the Royal Mile, a tangle of steep closes and stone steps.
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The New Town and the west end of the centre
Across the gardens, the Georgian New Town is laid out on a regular grid. Rose Street is a pedestrian lane between Princes Street and George Street, long known for its pubs, while George Street has more polished bars and restaurants in its grand buildings. At the western edge of the centre, Lothian Road and Tollcross sit close to several theatres, which suits anyone staying near Haymarket.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Edinburgh itself.
Real events in Edinburgh, from onthedoor.uk.
Leith, Stockbridge and Broughton Street
Leith, the old port, has the Shore, a waterfront of bars and restaurants with a relaxed, local pace. Stockbridge, a village like neighbourhood north of the New Town, suits a quiet evening. Broughton Street, near the top of Leith Walk, is an area long associated with the city's LGBT+ scene. Leith is best reached by tram, bus or taxi.
Leith, the old port, has the Shore, a waterfront of bars and restaurants with a relaxed, local pace.
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The walk home, and planning around a booking
Edinburgh is compact but hilly, so a short distance can be a hard walk late at night. Decide beforehand whether you are heading uphill or down, stay on lit main streets rather than the narrow closes, and keep a licensed taxi as your fallback. At the busiest times of year tables, rooms and cabs all run short, so book early.
If your plans hinge on a booking, share the time and place with a friend and confirm on the day. Please remember that TheDirectory, and every listing on it, is for people aged 18 and over.
Edinburgh is compact but hilly, so a short distance can be a hard walk late at night.
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Edinburgh, from Old Town to Leith
- GrassmarketAn open square at the foot of the Old Town
- Rose StreetA pedestrian lane of pubs in the New Town
- George StreetGrand buildings and a more polished feel
- LeithThe old port and the Shore, relaxed and local
- StockbridgeA quiet, village like evening
- Broughton StreetLong associated with the city's LGBT+ scene
Frequently asked questions
The Old Town puts you among the atmosphere, at the top of a lot of steps. The New Town has a more regular layout and is generally calmer. Either works for a night out, because the two are a short walk apart.
A booking is wise at weekends and in busy periods, particularly for groups. The centre is small, so popular places can fill quickly and the rest of the area follows.
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