We all love some feel-good nostalgic fun, and arcades are a cracking activity no matter what age you are. And it just so happens that Edinburgh is home to some excellent ones, from quirky bars with retro games to seaside amusements where you can win prizes.
We've got a selection of both family-friendly and adults-only choices right here in this guide. To find out there they are, read on and discover the very best arcades Edinburgh has to offer.
Best Edinburgh Arcades: Handpicked By Us
1. NQ64
- Location: 25 Lothian Road, EH1 2DJ
- Best for: retro games and cocktails
- Why we recommend: this is a perfect pick for date night or a fun night out with friends - we love that it's open until late, so you can swing by any time of the evening, and the cocktails are excellent too
One of the most popular spots in the city for nostligc gaming is NQ64 Arcade Bar Edinburgh, complete with quirky neon graffiti and all sorts of old-school machines and consoles. Inside you'll find everything from Dance Dance Revolution to Time Crisis 3, Guitar Hero and Mario Kart, which you can play using tokens purchased from the bar.
They're open until 3am seven days a week, so you can really make a night of it here. Fuel up on tasty bites from Pizza Geeks as you go, and be sure to check out their themed cocktail menu too. Our favourite? The Crash Bandicoot-inspired Aku Aku Fruit Punch.
Play your favourite games with a cocktail in hand.
2. Lane7
- Location: Floor 4, 02b, St James Square, EH1 3AD
- Best for: date night
- Why we recommend: this quirky activity bar offers both arcades and bowling in Edinburgh, making for a competitive night out with friends or dates
One of our favourite indoor arcades in Edinburgh city centre, Lane7 is home to a number of fun activities. While it's primarily a boutique bowling alley, you can also find shooting pods, augmented darts, mini-golf, shuffleboard in this neon graffiti-covered venue - as well as arcade games, of course.
The retro arcade zone is filled with basketball machines and old-school arcade games - from Street Fighter to Space Invaders. Grab some tokens and get stuck in, while tucking into their scrumptious selection of pizzas, hotdogs and nachos. Plus, there's a cracking choice of cocktails on offer too.
We love Lane7 for quirky date ideas.
3. Mortal Kocktail
- Location: 1, 29 Craig's Close, Cockburn Street, EH1 1BN
- Best for: cocktails and affordable games
- Why we recommend: this one is well worth tracking down, as inside is a haven of cocktails and entertainment
A secret arcade bar in Edinburgh, Mortal Kocktail is hidden down a narrow alleyway. This is primarily a cocktail bar, though it offers a lineup of retro arcade games too - either free to play or costing only each. They've got classics like Tekken and pinball, alongside some themed machines like a Star Wars one.
There's a 90s vibe throughout, with cool, nostalgic interiors surrounding you. Their cocktails are brilliant, and you'll also find snacks like fries and mac 'n' cheese on the menu.
This quirky arcade bar serves cocktails as you play.
4. King Pins
- Location: 3 Princes Street, EH1 1BQ
- Best for: a wide range of activities
- Why we recommend: from Pac Man to shuffleboard, you can mix it up with your gaming experience here
New to Edinburgh Waverley for 2026, King Pins is a popular bowling alley that also boasts an impressive range of arcade machines. Discover a mix of classic and modern games, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, air hockey and much more.
Alongside the arcade section, this place is home to bowling lanes, shuffleboard, ice-free curling, tech darts, mini golf and more - so you can easily spend the day here. Even better? Marvin's and Royal Treats are keeping you in good supply of pizza, chicken and sweeter bites.
Find all the classics and more at King Pins.
5. Nobles Amusements
- Location: 47-49 Figgate Lane, EH15 1HJ
- Best for: seaside days out
- Why we recommend: there really is a nostalgic charm about this place, taking you back to the seaside holidays of your childhood
Just outside the city centre in portobello, Nobles Amusements is a classic seaside arcade with more than 50 traditional games to play. Expect everything from vintage two-player pushers to claw machines, ball-toss and video games, all accessible using their handy cards, which you can top up with credit.
Of course, there are some fantastic prizes to be won too. Feeling peckish as you play? There are multiple vendors selling food along the promenade, from pizza to seafood and crepes.
Get nostalgic at Nobles Amusements.
6. Funstation Edinburgh
- Location: Unit 3, Fountain Park, 130 Dundee Street, EH11 1AF
- Best for: family fun
- Why we recommend: we love this one for a day out with kids (or without, we won't judge), and it's budget-friendly too
Looking for a family-friendly Edinburgh arcade? Funstation has got something going on for all ages, from prize-winning machines to video games, carnival activities, mini bowling and even VR experiences.
It's great value too, especially with their Powerplay package that costs £14.99 per person for an hour of unlimited gaming.
Funstation is a great arcade in Edinburgh for kids.
7. Air Thrill
- Location: Unit 2, Westside Plaza, Shopping Centre, Wester Hailes, EH14 2SW
- Best for: thrill-seekers
- Why we recommend: this place is packed full of entertainment for all ages, and it's a great choice for birthdays too
Situated in Wester Hailes, Air Thrill is great for arcade gaming just outside the city centre. This 8,500 square metre venue is an arcade and inflatable park in one, so you can entertain the entire family for hours here.
It's got all the classic games, from basketball hoops to multiplayer machines, alongside VR games at no extra cost. After all that, head to the inflatable section to jump around and let off some steam - with a section for younger kids available too.
Let loose at Air Thrill.
For more fun outings, check out these quirky activities in Edinburgh.
