The 7 Best Nightclubs in Edinburgh to Host a Night to Remember This Weekend
Before settling into the blissful calm of married life, my weekends were anything but quiet. My girlfriends and I were pros at the art of clubbing—dashing from one dance floor to another and chasing the city’s hottest beats.
Edinburgh locals know how to throw down, and trust me, when we party, it’s full steam ahead until the wee hours. Whether it’s grooving to retro disco classics or losing yourself to heart-thumping EDM, this city’s nightlife scene has it all.
If you’re ready to dance the night away—weekend or weekday, no judgment—here are my top picks for the best nightclubs in Edinburgh. You won’t regret it!
Sneaky Pete’s
– Media from sneakypetesclub
Address: 73 Cowgate, Floor G, Pure Scottish
Contact Details: +44 131 225 1757
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 pm to 3:00 am
Pricing: ££
If you’re after a proper wee gem of a live music bar and dance club, Sneaky Pete’s in Cowgate is where the magic happens. It’s small—just 100 folk can squeeze in—but that’s what makes it brilliant.
The vibe is electric, and the tunes are as diverse as the crowd.
I still remember my first night there, shoulder to shoulder with strangers, all having the time of our lives. Open until 3 am every night, it’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time.
Tips:
- Note that this nightclub will ask for your identification card before entry. The staff is very understanding about guests who no longer identify with the name or gender written on their IDs, but you still are required to show proof of your age. Don’t worry, the staff will be very discreet about the carding system!
- While the club offers accessibility assistance, note that the restrooms are not widened for mobility devices. The nearest wheelchair and disability-friendly toilets are located at The Three Sisters.
The Liquid Room
– Media from liquidroom_official
Address: 9C Victoria St
Contact Details: +44 131 225 2564
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12:30 am to 3:00 am, 10:30 pm to 12:00 am
Pricing: ££
What makes The Liquid Room so unique is that the vibrant nightclub on the outside looks virtually opposite to what you’ll find inside. It’s located inside a 19th-century Gothic church, which honestly only adds to its charm.
The club is quite spacious and has a balcony overlooking the main dance floor. You can dance to killer beats anywhere inside. I still perfectly remember many nights I’ve just let loose here with my friends, and the club never disappoints!
Tips:
- Feeling a bit overheated from throwing shapes? The outdoor area is a lifesaver—fresh air and just enough space to catch your breath before diving back in.
- Do note that the club doesn’t offer any sort of seating. Expect to stand up the whole night, and if you have difficulty staying on your feet for a long time, consider moving to the next nightclub.
The Bongo Club
– Media from irate.professional
Address: 66 Cowgate
Contact Details: +44 131 558 8844
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 pm to 3:00 am
Pricing: £
The Bongo Club has been a top nightlife enclave since 1996, and I remember dropping by multiple times not just for its lively music but also for its many artistic performances. It’s only here that I get to watch artists dance in mid-air!
I’m not kidding, they sometimes showcase performers doing aerial dance, musicians jamming to rock music, and guest DJs blasting EDM and disco music. There’s always a lot going on here, so if you’re looking for variety, The Bongo Club is a must-visit!
Tips:
- For their events, I highly recommend booking your slot online at least two days before it happens. You’re allowed to buy tickets at the door, but slots won’t be guaranteed. Some events may be sold out before the actual event day!
- There is an upstairs bar and a smoking area if you want to have a breather from the dancefloor and main performance stage. Just note that the upstairs bar is not accessible via wheelchair.
Cabaret Voltaire
– Media from pleasureedinburgh
Address: 36-38 Blair St
Contact Details: +44 131 247 4704
Operating Hours:
Friday and Saturday, 7:00 pm to 3:00 am (Club)
Wednesday to Saturday, 6:00 pm to 3:00 am (Cafe)
Pricing: ££
Take things to the underground with a night spent at Cabaret Voltaire! This atmospheric basement nightclub offers a safe space for music and dance lovers to let loose and enjoy pulsating beats, live music, and delicious bar chow.
The club actually operates a little earlier than other clubs because they open as a speakeasy on weekdays and then turn into a packed club on weekends. They’re known for hosting live music acts like Mumford and Sons in the past.
Tips:
- If you’re looking for a place to catch your breath, you can head over to the Cabaret Cafe located within the club. There, the vibe is different and a little more chill. You can still order cocktails and beers there! Just remember that it will most likely be full towards midnight, so if you want to check it out while you’re in the club, I recommend dropping by as soon as they open at 6:00 pm!
- Download the Scotsman Rewards App and get free shots from the club! You’ll also get discounts on select drinks so long as you show proof that you registered and downloaded the app on your phone.
The Hive Nightclub and Venue
– Media from thehivenightclub
Address: 15-17 Niddry St
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am
Friday to Saturday, 9:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am
Pricing: £
If you’re looking for a club that won’t break the bank, The Hive Nightclub and Venue is a great place to keep the party vibes going. I used to come here a lot during my university days, and I’m glad that the club remains a top choice among the younger folk.
Drinks here are pretty cheap, with shots starting at only £2 a pop. They also offer free entry on most nights they’re open, so make sure you arrive early to secure entry!
Plus, they do themed events almost every night, so make sure to check out this calendar to find out what’s coming up next this week.
Tips:
- I highly recommend dropping by on Sundays because that’s when their cheap drinks become even cheaper. You can get shots for as low as £1 a pop, which is an incredible steal considering that’s half off!
- Unfortunately, the toilets here are not disability-friendly. I recommend doing your business before entering the club to avoid the hassle.
- They offer gluten-free beer options if you’re very particular about your dietary needs. Just make sure to tell the server about your dietary preferences, so that you don’t get served with something that would upset your stomach!
Club Tropicana
– Media from clubtropicanaedinburgh
Address: 23 Lothian Rd
Contact Details: +44 131 229 9197
Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am
Pricing: £
Club Tropicana on Lothian Road is my go-to for a dose of 80s nostalgia—and yes, the sticky floors are part of the charm! It’s not just students here; the crowd is a delightful mix of all ages, belting out classics and dancing like it’s still the MTV era.
What seals the deal for me, honestly, is the free entry and drinks that won’t break the bank. If you’re up for a night of singalongs, retro vibes, and wallet-friendly fun, you’ll feel right at home here.
Tips:
- One of the best things about partying here is that they offer fun packages, depending on how many people you’re tagging along. If you’re planning a stag or hen party, they also have specific package rates for that kind of event. My recommendation is the VIP Package which starts at £12 per person. Learn more about it here.
- Note that you can book into the club’s guestlist up to 11:00 pm on the day of your visit or until slots last. Entry costs £1 per person if you enter before 11:00 pm. Free entry only happens past 11:00 pm, and if there is still space available inside. Otherwise, you wait in line!
Why Not Nightclub
– Media from wnclub
Address: 14 George St
Contact Details: +44 131 229 9197
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday, 10:30 pm to 3:00 am
Pricing: ££
Why Not is one of Edinburgh’s biggest and best nightclubs, featuring five cocktail bars, top-tier DJs, and a sprawling dance floor. I’ve celebrated some unforgettable milestones here, and I didn’t feel like I was crammed in a sardine can!
Picture this: dancing under the glow of over 20,000 strobe lights, enjoying plush seating areas, and vibing to a killer sound system. It’s one of the swankiest spots in the city—perfect for when you’re in the mood to treat yourself and party in style!
Tips:
- On all of the club’s weekly events, they open their guest list from 10:30 pm all the way until midnight. If you signed up for the list, guests should arrive before midnight to secure your booking. If you don’t arrive on time, your slot will be given to the next waiting customer.
- Note that all table reservations have a minimum guest count and spending requirement. For a table next to the dancefloor, you can invite up to 12 guests and should spend at least £350. VIP tables and booths can seat more (up to 15) but with a higher minimum spend requirement. Enquire via phone to learn more about it!