It's safe to say that no two nights out in the Scottish capital are ever the same. Whether you're keen to get all glammed up to the nines, prefer laid-back evenings in hidden indie haunts, or are looking for student-friendly digs, you'll be happy to hear we've rounded up the top spots around. Spanning all budgets and locations, here's our guide to the best Edinburgh clubs.
Last updated on 27th March 2023
A cafe, club and live music venue all rolled into one, Cabaret Voltaire is one of the best techno clubs in Edinburgh. Hidden in the historical vaults of North Bridge, this unique spot is known for its impressive lineup of world-class DJs and local talent.
The original ball pit club? It's landed in Edinburgh. From sipping £5 cocktails to unleashing your inner child or dancing to the DJs playing house, RnB or disco, you can't go wrong with a night out at Ballie Ballerson.
Located beneath the beautiful Le Monde Hotel in the Old Town, Shanghai is the Edinburgh club that should be your go-to. Open on Wednesdays and weekends, plus regularly available for private hire, this party palace promises sleek interiors, VIP service and quality tunes.
The Hive is notorious for being a den of cheap drinks, cheesy tunes and an amazing party atmosphere. The best bit? Entry is totally free between Sunday and Thursday. So, whether you're heading over for pop-punk or urban classics, you'll have pennies to spare.
CC Blooms is the Leith Walk hotspot offering live drag nights and cool cocktails. A place to show off your most colourful clothes, every evening at this fun and inclusive venue is well worth the stinking hangover the next day.
Open until 3am most nights of the week, Why Not is the place for late-night revellers. Showcasing a range of stylish spaces for you to drink, dance and mingle in, this George Street favourite is one of the best clubs in Edinburgh for students.
A student-friendly live music venue in the heart of Cowgate, Sneaky Pete's is something of an institution. This 100-capacity space has previously played host to the likes of Young Fathers and Future Islands, among countless others; it really is one of the best night clubs in Edinburgh.
As well as being open for boozy lunches and after-work drinks, Boteco Do Brasil in the Old Town is a fantastic place to shake it out when dusk falls. Bringing a slice of carnival spirit to the city's club scene, this party bar is known for its incredible dancers, salsa competitions and cocktails.
If you're on the hunt for a wild spot in the city centre, you should try out Bourbon. Boasting delicious cocktails, DJs and a lively dancefloor, this is a popular choice among the city's student population. The weekly calendar offers a heady mix of bargain bevs and cracking tunes.
A popular spot among Edinburgh's creative crowd, The Bongo Club has an international reputation for its diverse lineup of live events. Owned by a local arts charity, this place spotlights underground musicians and up-and-coming talent, featuring nearly every genre; from funk and soul to house and RnB.
