Creative Content Writer & former Tour Guide at HAGGiS Adventures. Scottish travel blogger and adventure lover. Kay enjoys travelling Scotland solo, and has visited 42 Scottish Islands. She loves to live up to stereotypes by dying her hair ginger, and regularly consuming haggis and whisky. A Scottish history geek and all-around chatterbox, she can literally talk for Scotland.
Edinburgh is a pretty city with a good reputation, but dinnae be fooled by this charming façade – she’s a bit of a wild child, and she knows how to party! Our city is bursting with wee gems and tourist attractions, and we want you to experience them all; pubs and clubs inclusive.
With that in mind, this post is our shameless attempt to lead you astray. We are fully encouraging you to dance until the wee hours, before stumbling back to your hostel clutching some deep fried delights from the nearest ‘chippy’.
(Side note, a ‘chippy’ is a fish & chip shop for all your late-night fast food needs)
(Another wee side note, when asked “salt and sauce?” the answer is always yes.)
Here’s a selection of Edinburgh’s lively establishments, where good, unpretentious fun is guaranteed. You could say we’re a bad influence…
Aye, we’re totally cool with that.
1) The Three Sisters
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS
Enjoy street food and alfresco beverages in the courtyard entrance courtyard, which always draws in a lively crowd. The Three Sisters is the perfect place for watching live sporting events on the big screen, or having a dance-off with a stag/hen party. Even if it’s feeling a wee bit fresh, be hardcore and stay outside to soak up the atmosphere.
Visit the The Three Sisters website here
2) Whistle Binkies
4-6 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL
This dimly lit watering hole sits in the heart of the Old Town, and is one of Edinburgh’s most haunted pubs. The venue is built into the city’s historic underground vaults, which are a notorious hang-out for ghosts and ghouls. Spooks aside, Whistle Binkies is best known for its nightly live music, best enjoyed with a craft beer or single malt whisky.
Visit Whistle Binkie's website here
3) Stramash
207 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JQ
Cover bands, independent musicians, and live sports on Edinburgh’s biggest screen. Oh, and it’s all in a converted church, which was built in 1859. The venue has undergone a mega refurb, with wooden barrels and quirky features. Look down on the madness from the mezzanine floor, or put your dancing shoes to good use. Go on, get Stramash-ed.
Visit the Stramash website here
4) The Shack
119 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 3DT
If you’re partial to a spot of cheese, this retro nightclub is for you. Modern music is left at the front door, in favour of the golden oldies, from The Beatles to Belinda Carlisle and Backstreet Boys. Belting out “I want it that way” while clutching a cheap, fluorescent coloured beverage is pretty tempting, eh? Get in amongst the random crowd, with characters as colourful as the vibrant décor. Popular with stag and hen parties.
Visit The Shack Facebook page here
About the author
Kay Gillespie
