14 best nightclubs in Edinburgh so you can party like a local
No matter how your week goes, the weekend deserves a big finish. Some people love to kick back at home, while others head out of town for a change of scenery.
But if you’re the type who thrives on high-energy beats, flashing lights, and packed dance floors, we have the perfect places for you.
Edinburgh’s nightlife is buzzing with incredible clubs, and it’d be a shame not to experience at least one.
So, round up your friends, and put on your best dancing shoes. We’re about to dive into the best nightclubs this city has to offer!
1. The Hive Nightclub & Venue
Media credits: thehivenightclub
Address: 15-17 Niddry St
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 PM – 3 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 9 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 10 PM – 3 AM
Price: £
Just tucked between the Royal Mile and the Cowgate, The Hive Nightclub & Venue’s mix of live music and DJ sets really set the tone for a memorable night out.
When we visited, we had the time of our lives dancing around since the place is spread across four different rooms.
We tried many of their drinks, including cocktails, beer, and spirits. It’s too bad we weren’t able to try their limited-edition cocktails, but we did enjoy Gordons Pink gin. It combines a strawberry and raspberry taste, which gives it a soft taste.
Pro tip:
Check their website before heading out to catch themed nights and live music events—you don’t want to miss a good one!
2. Why Not Nightclub
Media credits: wnclub
Address: 14 George St
Contact details: +44 131 624 8633
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10:30 PM – 3 AM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 10:30 PM – 3 AM
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday to Saturday: 10:30 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: Closed
Price: ££
Why Not Nightclub’s music hit us right away with its 90s and 00s anthems. We also found out that they have a full LED room—the only one of its kind in all of Scotland.
The bartenders here also didn’t just recommend and serve drinks. They were energetic and even cracked some jokes for us.
When we wandered into the outdoor courtyard, we charred with a group who told us they never miss Love Wednesdays. It’s one of the biggest midweek parties in Scotland. No wonder this place has won “Scotland’s Best Nightclub” multiple years by the Scottish Licensed Trade News.
Pro tip:
Join the guestlist for discounted entry before midnight, or book a VIP table for table service and the best spots in the club. Just arrive before 12 am, or your table might get resold.
3. Shanghai Nightclub
Media credits: shanghaiedin
Address: 16a George St
Contact details: +44 131 270 3900
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10:30 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: ££
A few of us decided to check out Shanghai Nightclub, which is tucked inside the Le Monde hotel complex. It was during Frat Wednesday, so a lot of students were dancing with us on the dancefloor.
If you’re into R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats, Urban Fridays are the best choice for you. On the other hand, Tao Saturdays has an Asian-inspired party.
The place also occasionally hosts live music. Last New Year’s Eve, it even turned into the Land of Oz with its themed decor and live entertainers.
Pro tip:
Book the club on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays for private events. Whether it’s a sit-down dinner or a full-on club night, there’s space for up to 400 guests.
4. Sneaky Pete’s
Media credits: sneakypetesclub
Address: 73 Cowgate
Contact details: +44 131 225 1757
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7 PM – 3 AM
Price: £
I initially thought that Sneaky Pete wouldn’t be as fun because it has a tiny venue. However, I found our group vibing the whole night as the DJ’s music surrounded the whole place.
Everyone was having fun and the crowd seemed to know each other so well, like a community.
Aside from DJs, the nightclub also hosts indie bands at times. A bunch of regulars we talked to said the owner has a knack for booking acts that are about to blow up, so it’s a cool spot to go to see artists perform before they hit the big time.
Pro tip:
Plan ahead. Gigs are 14+ until 10 PM, but club nights are strictly 18+. If you look under 25, bring a passport or driver’s license to get in!
5. La Belle Angele
Media credits: labelleedinburgh
Address: 11 Hastie’s Cl
Contact details: +44 131 220 1161
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 7 PM – 3 AM
Price: ££
We tried visiting La Belle Angèle because bands like Oasis, Radiohead, and The Libertine once played here. It’s pretty cool to experience a venue with that kind of history.
During a funky disco DJ set, we could feel the bass in our chest. That’s a good sign that they have a good sound system.
One of us also mentioned that while we were dancing, he found a dedicated smoking area in the place. It’s a good feature to have, especially for people who would like to take a break from an intense place like that.
Pro tip:
Get there early if you want a prime spot, especially on themed nights when the place fills up fast.
6. Club Tropicana
Media credits: clubtropicanaedinburgh
Address: 23 Lothian Rd
Contact details: +44 131 229 9197
Operating hours:
- Friday to Saturday: 10 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £££
Club Tropicana was like stepping straight into an 80s time machine. The walls were covered in disco balls and vintage memorabilia. The music was exactly what we hoped for—Madonna, Duran Duran, Michael Jackson, and all those classic hits that just made us dance.
They throw all kinds of themed events throughout the year, and we happened to hit a neon night. Everyone was dressed up, and the energy was contagious. We definitely had fun coming up with outfits that would match the theme.
The club is a little big, and trust us, it fills up quickly on weekends. We showed up early just to find a good dancing spot.
Pro tip:
Go VIP for the night with reserved seating and queue jump entry. It’s worth it if you want a hassle-free experience.
7. The Bongo Club
Media credits: bongoclub.edinburgh
Address: 66 Cowgate
Contact details: +44 131 558 8844
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 11 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday to Monday: Closed
Price: ££
The Bongo Club had this underground vibe that we love. The music fits the atmosphere perfectly, and everyone there seems to be genuinely into it.
While wandering around, we discovered a smaller upstairs area. It felt more intimate, so it’s a nice spot to catch your breath if you need a break from the crowd downstairs.
The club hosts some of Scotland’s biggest nights, especially when Electrikal Sound System rolls in. It’s well-known in the bass music community that has everyone going wild.
Pro tip:
The club closes for about eight weeks every year from mid-July to September, when it shares the space with The Underbelly during the festival season. Make sure to double-check your schedule before heading there.
8. Cabaret Voltaire
Media credits: cab_vol
Address: 36-38 Blair St
Contact details: +44 131 247 4704
Operating hours:
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
Cabaret Voltaire features a moody vibe, dim lighting, and stone walls that make it so mysterious. It’s also tucked away in the historic vaults under North Bridge.
But once you get inside, the music blasts you with a mix of techno, disco, and indie-electro. We happened to go on a Tuesday, which is Hector’s House night. The energy is unreal since nobody from the crowd can stop dancing.
When we got tired, we tried a few cocktails from the bar. It was cool since it was our first time trying the peach mojito cocktail, which was served in teacups. It has that zesty kick of lime that I really like.
Pro tip:
Slip into the speakeasy-style room for a more laid-back vibe when you need a break from the main dance floor.
9. PDT Please Don’t Tell
Media credits: pdtedinburgh
Address: 23b Shandwick Pl
Contact details: +44 131 228 2193
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 PM – 3 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 8 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 10 PM – 3 AM
Price: ££
PDT (Please Don’t Tell) has a hidden speakeasy vibe, with dim lighting, plush seating, and stylish decor. When we went, the atmosphere was buzzing.
The music selection keeps the energy high, and the dance floor stays packed until late at night. But when we needed a break from all the dancing, we headed downstairs to the basement bar for a change of pace.
Down there, the vibe shifts entirely. Instead of just cocktails and conversation, you’ll find classic arcade games. There are pinball, Pac-Man, and even a Dance Dance Revolution-style setup.
Pro tip:
The place fills up fast, especially on weekends, so arriving early or booking ahead is a good idea if you want to snag a spot.
10. Legends
Media credits: legendsedinburgh
Address: 71 Cowgate
Contact details: +44 131 225 8382
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 8 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 9 PM – 3 AM
Price: £
We weren’t expecting the kind of vibe Legends would offer since everyone was vibing into rock, grunge, and metal fans. It’s different from all the other clubs we’ve visited. There were heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and a crowd totally into it.
The venue is spread across two floors, and both offer something a bit different. Upstairs was wild—the dance floor turned into an all-out mosh pit more than once. We found ourselves right in the middle of it, headbanging along to some classic Metallica.
When we needed a breather, we headed downstairs. It’s more relaxed, with plenty of space to grab a drink, chat with fellow rock enthusiasts, or just take a break before diving back into the chaos.
Pro tip:
This isn’t your place if you’re into pop, R&B, or house music. Legends sticks to its rock roots and makes no apologies for it.
11. El Barrio Latino
Media credits: elbarrio_latino
Address: 47 Hanover St
Contact details: +44 131 220 6810
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10 PM – 3 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 9 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday: 10 PM – 3 AM
Price: £
Our experience in El Barrio Latino felt like we were transported straight to Cuba. There were some colourful murals, rustic-chic decor, and glowing lights that made it feel like a street party in Havana.
The music was impossible to resist. We’re not exactly pros at salsa or bachata, but we gave it a go since the energy on the dance floor was contagious. When we couldn’t get the rhythm, some locals were kind enough to guide us through their grooves.
After the dancing workout, we headed to the mojito bar. The mojitos were fresh, minty, and dangerously good. At the end of the night, we had to drag a friend of ours since she wasn’t ready for the after-effects of the drinks.
Pro tip:
El Barrio Latino is 18+ and gets packed quickly. Arrive early to secure your spot on the dance floor.
12. The Liquid Room
Media credits: brokefridays
Address: 9C Victoria St
Contact details: +44 131 225 2564
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10:30 PM – 3 AM
Price: ££
We paid The Liquid Room a visit since we’ve heard it’s been around since 1997. It’s set in this old 19th-century church, so it’s wild to think it’s now a live music and club spot. However, this just made the vibe special for us
The space is bigger than we expected, with a dance floor that’s perfect for letting loose. Combine it with the DJ sets and live performances and we were all from our seats.
We stopped by the club’s bar when we needed a drink between songs. Every drink we had had that little punch that made most of us quite tipsy by the end of the night.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a private event, you can even rent out the whole venue. In-house catering is already available in the package to make it a full-on experience.
13. The Shack Retro Bar & Club
Media credits: theshacknightclub
Address: 119 Rose St
Contact details: +44 131 226 4300
Operating hours:
- Friday to Saturday: 7 PM – 3 AM
- Sunday to Thursday: Closed
Price: £
The Shack Retro Bar & Club also has a nostalgic vibe. Besides the colourful and retro decor, the music played during our visit was a throwback to the best hits from the ’60s to ’90s. We definitely belted out some classics here.
The vibe was super fun and laid-back. No one cared if you were a great dancer or if you hit every note. We mingled with a bunch of people and had a blast together.
When we asked their bartenders for some cocktail recommendations, they were friendly and quick enough to hand us some of their signature drinks, like the Sambuca. It’s a really strong drink, so take this as a warning.
Pro tip:
Go for comfy clothes and shoes when visiting The Shack. You’ll want to be ready to dance all night without any wardrobe malfunctions.
14. Hype Club & Cocktail Lounge
Media credits: pete.sharp24
Address: 130 Dundee St
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 7 PM – 3 AM
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday to Sunday: 7 PM – 3 AM
Price: £
Before we visited the Hype Club & Cocktail Lounge our meeting place was in Fountain Park. We were surprised we found the club immediately because it was just around the corner.
We were celebrating a friend’s birthday, and she showed up before 11 PM and got in for free. The place has dive cocktail bars and four dance floor booths, so we had plenty of space. The music was a mix of chart hits, house, and R&B, which we vibed with all night.
We heard Saturdays get even livelier with “Hype Saturdays,” where DJ Chrissy Meechan takes over, so we might head back for that sometime.
Pro tip:
If you’re a student, make sure to arrive at Hype Club on Fridays before 11 PM to snag the free entry deal.