The 7 best music venues in Edinburgh will have your head banging until morning
My granda had a guitar in his hands more than he had a pint in his, and he’d teach me a few chords when I was younger. I might not have inherited the singing gene, but I definitely picked up his love for strumming!
As I got older, he’d drag me to concerts and live shows—not that I was complaining. Those nights were filled with good tunes, a couple of pints, and him passing on all the wisdom about life between songs.
If that sounds like your kind of night, I’ve got the perfect music venues in Edinburgh for you. Here are my top spots that’ll keep you rocking ‘til the early hours!
The Queen’s Hall
– Media from queens_hall
Address: 85 to 89 Clerk St, Newington
Contact Details: +44 131 668 2019
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Type of Music Events: Rock, pop, classical, opera, folk
Edinburgh often feels like it’s stepped straight out of medieval fantasy, so it’s no wonder many of its music venues are steeped in history. One of the city’s most iconic spots is The Queen’s Hall, a former chapel turned concert venue back in 1979.
This Georgian gem, built in 1823, is a testament to timeless elegance, hosting world-class gigs that span jazz, folk, rock, pop, and classical tunes. With room for 900 standing or 800 seated, its auditorium offers a gorgeous setting for any music lover.
Tips:
- The hall usually opens its Box Office 90 minutes before a show begins, so you can purchase tickets on show night. Tickets available for sale on the day are subject to availability, and if you’re attending with someone in a wheelchair, the management cannot guarantee that you’ll get wheelchair-friendly seats. It’s better to book ahead online instead in that case.
- Carry a bit of cash with you in case the merchandise shop opens during show nights. They usually only accept cash at their gift shop, and sometimes at the bar (they open an hour before the show starts).
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
Type of Music Events: Rock, pop, folk
Sneaky Pete’s is the kind of place every Edinburgh local knows and loves. It’s small (just 100 to 150 folk crammed in) but that’s part of the magic of this lively music venue and eclectic nightclub in the heart of the city.
Over the years, this wee gem has hosted some cracking acts on the cusp of making it big, like Future Islands and DZ Deathrays. The mix of genres is as diverse as the crowd, and with doors open until morning every night, it’s easy to lose track of time.
Tips:
- Be aware that this venue requires proof of age for entry, so make sure to bring your ID. The staff is thoughtful and accommodating, especially for guests whose name or gender may no longer match the details on their identification. Rest assured, the process is handled with the utmost discretion, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.
- Although the venue provides accessibility support, its restrooms are not designed to accommodate mobility devices. For wheelchair-accessible and disability-friendly facilities, the closest option is at The Three Sisters.
The Usher Hall
– Media from usherhall
Address: Lothian Road
Contact Details: +44 131 228 1155
Operating Hours:
Monday, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm
Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Type of Music Events: Jazz, pop, rock, classical, comedy, theatre
The Usher Hall is one of the city’s top concert venues, blending history with a modern twist. Built with £100,000 from whisky distiller Andrew Usher in 1914, it was revamped in 2010 and still holds its charm today.
Whether you’re catching a gig, lecture, or event, the acoustics are top-notch, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. It’s a true local favourite, and for good reason—every visit feels special. Highly recommend checking it out if you’re in town!
Tips:
- Note that the venue charges a £2 booking fee if you buy your tickets over the phone or online. This is part of their efforts to reach the financial targets set by the City of Edinburgh Council. If you want to skip the fees, you can purchase tickets when their Box Office opens or on the day of the show.
- While there are bars located on each floor of the venue hall, the management also encourages guests to visit the multiple food and beverage establishments nearby (especially since they offer more payment options apart from cash). You can find a list of them on this page.
The Royal Oak
– Media from royaloakedinburgh
Address: 1 Infirmary St
Contact Details: +44 131 557 2976
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 2:00 am
Type of Music Events: Jazz, folk, rock
If you’re a big fan of folk music acts, friendly service, and old-world charm, then catching a live music act at The Royal Oak may just be your cup of tea. Nestled on Infirmary Street, this 200-year-old pub turns into a lively music venue almost every night.
This cosy spot serves hearty pub fare and boasts a basement lounge where live folk music fills the air. Artists like Alasdair Dow, Bobby Nicholson, Douglas Downie, and Graeme Laird have graced the halls of the pub’s underground cellars.
Tips:
- The best time to visit is Sunday nights starting at 8:00 pm. This is when the pub hosts its The Wee Folk Club wherein they exclusively invite folk artists to play their music in the lounge.
Tickets can be bought on the show day itself and are only available via in-person purchase (they only accept cash for this weekly event). Learn more about it here.
- While it is a pub, locals will encourage you to keep your voice down when an artist plays. Don’t try to talk over the music playing because locals come here for the music, not just the ale.
The Jazz Bar
– Media from thejazzbar
Address: 1a Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 131 305 1120
Operating Hours:
Thursday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Friday, 5:00 p to 3:00 am
Saturday, 2:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Type of Music Events: Jazz, folk, acoustic, spoken poetry
Lovers of jazz music know all too well about The Jazz Bar. It’s the longest-running independent jazz bar in the city that welcomes top jazz talents from all over the world. Not only do they host live jazz events, but they also do a number of acoustic events as well.
The intimate setting offers a captivating atmosphere, with smooth jazz tunes setting the mood for a night of great music and cocktails. A few notable artists who graced the stage are Jonny White, Kendra Kae, Jed Potts, and Eve Simpson.
Tips:
- The venue is located in the basement of a 19th-century building, so note that the premises are not designed for disabled people. There are steps and limited space for mobility aids to pass through.
Guests in wheelchairs, however, are advised to bring along an assistant or companion who can help them get up and down the stairs leading to the venue.
- In case the music is a little too loud for you, the venue provides foam earplugs free of charge at the bar for anyone who wants or needs them.
- Children, so long as they’re accompanied by an adult, are allowed entry only until 8:30 pm!
St. Cecilia’s Hall
– Media from stceciliashall
Address: 50 Niddry St
Contact Details: +44 131 650 2600
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Type of Music Events: Classical, traditional Scottish music
St. Cecilia’s Hall is not just the oldest music hall in Scotland, but the second oldest in the UK. Aye, it’s got history! When you step inside, the acoustics alone will have you noddin’ in appreciation.
The place is steeped in 18th-century charm, and you’ll find most events are classical concerts played by world-class musicians.
If you’re lucky enough to be there, you’ll hear stunning 1700s music brought to life on period instruments. It’s like being transported back in time!
Tips:
- Housed in the same vicinity is the music museum of St. Cecilia’s Hall. Here, you can explore the many different instruments from the 18th century displayed there, as well as go on tours around the historic venue. Guided tours are available for booking. You can learn more about them here.
- Parking near the hall can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to head to nearby car parks like the Radisson Blu on Blackfriars Street or the Travelodge on St Mary’s Street. You can also try the NCP Car Park on St John’s Hill or the Waverley Station Car Park if you’re willing to walk a bit.
Stramash
– Media from stramashedinburgh
Address: 207 Cowgate
Contact Details: +44 131 623 4353
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Saturday, 4:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Type of Music Events: Classical, rock, pop, jazz, techno, folk
Stramash, right in the heart of Old Town, is a cracking spot for live music. With a 900-capacity venue and the city’s biggest TV screen for all the sports action, it’s got a lively vibe that’s hard to beat.
The place’s got a huge stage, a mezzanine floor for a unique view, and you can even join in on free ceilidh dancing. I’ve spent many nights here, enjoying everything from local bands to international acts, and it never disappoints.
Tips:
- Free ceilidh dancing is welcome to guests every Wednesday evening. I highly encourage taking part in this event because it’s a good way to dive deep into the music and dance culture of the locals. Plus, it’s a lesser-known must-do for tourists in the area (and you learned about it here first!).
- The best time to visit is on a weekday to avoid large crowds (all shows are free entry). However, most of the bigger acts come around on the weekends (Friday to Sunday).
If there’s a specific artist you’re waiting for, I recommend waiting for their ticketed events to pop up in their calendar. This way, you can reserve seats in advance!