Edinburgh is that child that refuses to sit still; there's just that much to do. From its gorgeous walks to a vibrant art scene and the copious amount of brilliant bars, gorgeous restaurants and buzzing clubs that fill its streets, you'd struggle to be bored here.
But when there's so much happening, it can sometimes be hard to keep track of all the goings-on. To keep you in the know, we've built a guide to all of the best things to do in Edinburgh, from hilarious comedy nights to lovely live music sessions and quirky activities.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 9th April 2025
Good Egg Comedy brings Edinburgh's best-kept comedy secret to the charming Dragonfly cocktail bar. Every Thursday, catch professional comedians testing their latest material in front of an intimate audience of just 42 people.
From Fringe previews to future Netflix specials, you'll see some of the city's most talented comedians before they hit the big time - all for just £5. With fantastic cocktails and a cosy vibe, it's the perfect way to spend your Thursday evening.
CityDays is one of the most fun things to do outdoors in Edinburgh, bringing you immersive exploration while also providing brain-teasing puzzles and riddles for you to solve.
You won't just be seeing the sights on this unique adventure, you'll be interacting with them in all sorts of fun ways. The self-guided walking tour can be done at your own pace, in groups of between two and eight people.
@ Edinburgh Castle Esplanade on Saturday 10th May 2025 and 6 other Saturdays
Hosted by Heritage Guides, this Old Town Guided Walking Tour is a great way to learn more about the city. Their knowledgeable guides will be teaching you fun facts along the way, as you see iconic sights like the Royal Mile and the Kirk of Greyfriars. Tickets cost £22.50 per person, and the tours take place monthly.
@ The Three Sisters on Various dates from Thursday 31st July 2025
During the 2025 Fringe Festival, be sure to catch Joke Thieves at The Three Sisters in the Old Town. This hilarious performance is hosted by Will Mars and Beatboxing World Champion Bass6, seeing four different comedians telling their own jokes - and then each other's. The hit show costs as little as £5 per person to attend, with a 'pay what you can' system.
Frankenstein and his monster have been huge literary characters, and an even bigger inspiration for this unusual bar. It hosts some of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh city centre, from daily shows and a roster of DJs to quizzes and karaoke nights.
As well as their cracking lineup of entertainment, there's plenty of great food and drink to get stuck into. Think 11-inch pizzas and loaded fries, washed down with steins or spooky cocktails.
@ YO! Edinburgh Princes St on Wednesday 23rd April 2025 and 34 other Wednesdays
So, you've mastered eating it in record time, but can you make it yourself? Learn how to whip up the Japanese bite at YO!'s Sushi School on Princes Street. Perfect for date nights or unique evenings out, this sees you preparing nigiri, maki and California rolls, under the guidance of their expert chefs.
You'll find out lots of more about the art of sushi making here too, from a team that have been in the game for decades. Your ticket includes a welcome drink, as well as tasty edamame and gyoza to snack on before you get stuck in.
When you can't decide exactly what you want to do, head to Boom Battle Bar in the Omni Centre - as these guys have got absolutely everything. Think games, DJ sets, street food and cracking cocktails, all in one laid-back location.
Get stuck into competitive activities like axe throwing, shuffleboard, crazy golf and beer or prosecco pong, perfect for an unusual date night or group outing. Afterwards, munch on burgers, wings and loaded nachos.
Fun things to do around Edinburgh? At Escape Hunt, you and your mates will have four thrilling, themed rooms to choose from, each with a series of gripping puzzles that you'll need to complete in order to earn your freedom.
These immersive adventures last 60 minutes each, so you'll be racing against the clock and putting your teamwork to the test. Book tickets from as little as £17.85 per person, promising to be the ultimate day out.
The neon graffiti-splattered NQ64 is one of the city's best arcade bars, showcasing 27 different retro and modern consoles and games. You can get competitive over the likes of PacMan, Dance Dance Revolution and the original Mario Kart, while munching on tasty slices from Pizza Geeks.
Alongside these, you'll find quirky cocktails such as a Lemmingade or the Aku Aku fruit punch, alongside a choice of craft beer, making it one of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh for students.
Get on down to Ghillie Dhu for gorgeous interiors alongside scrumptious food and drink. Expect hearty burgers, Sunday roasts and their signature pies, paired with delicious £10 cocktails.
But that's not all it's good for, as it also holds a fantastic range of fun things to do in Edinburgh at night; think the Burly Ceilidh Club, live music sessions and late-night DJ parties - with tickets to their events costing just £15 each.
@ Omni Centre on Various dates from Saturday 19th April 2025
At the Edinburgh Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt, you can have a brilliant day out exploring the city and its secrets. Work your way around landmarks and hidden gems, learning more about this city - whether you're a tourist or a local.
Work in groups of up to eight people, with the option to split into two groups and race, starting from just £19.99 for the team. It'll challenge you with riddles and puzzles that you'll need to complete to get your prize (20% off at a local pub).
One of the most iconic pubs in the whole city, The Three Sisters is known all over the world for its fantastic events. The spacious bar is decked out in colourful interiors, boasting a stage where live music takes place on a regular basis.
you can always find something exciting gong on here, from paint and sip sessions to live performances or even a music quiz and boozy brunch all rolled into one.
Located in Edinburgh city centre, Fayre Play is a fantastic activity that promises hours of fun. You'll get to enjoy retro fairground games with the chance to win fun prizes - from Slam Drunk to Duck Hunt or Bulls Aye.
There are creative cocktails to sip on while you play, as well as a scrumptious menu of cheesy corn dogs, chicken tenders and double beef or veggie burgers. This is an 18+ venue, making it a great choice of things to do in Edinburgh for adults.
Warm up those vocal pipes and pick out your song of choice over at The Tron. It hosts fun-filled karaoke events from Tuesday through to Saturday, offering you the ultimate group night out. Or if you just fancy testing your knowledge? Try out its Bad Boy Pub Quiz.
While you're here, be sure to take advantage of their food and drink menu - we're talking mix and match small plates, gourmet burgers or stone-baked pizza, paired with affordable pints.
@ Flight Club Edinburgh on Various dates from Saturday 19th April 2025
When it comes to fun things to do with friends in Edinburgh city centre, Flight Club is blowing it out of the water. This fairground-themed activity bar boasts multiple interactive dartboards, complete with unique multiplayer games.
Head to its weekend Brunch Socials and you'll get to play a round of social darts with your mates while enjoying a whole bottle of prosecco or four beers per person, paired with bottomless pizza. expect an hour at the oche, before heading to the bar to toast to the winners.
After things to do in Edinburgh for free? Then check out our guide to the city's best bargain events and experiences, from free live music sessions to affordable brewery tours and quiz nights.
We've rounded up the top spots for cheap and free goings-on, so you can keep an eye on your wallet while letting loose on a day or night out.
@ Cab-arette Cab on Various dates from Saturday 19th April 2025
Look no further for unusual events as Cab-arette is bound to have you laughing your socks off. Take a seat in the moving car as you are taken around the city by Lola and The Gang who promise non-stop entertainment, 80s music and much more.
The 90-minute experience starts from £50 per person, giving you the chance to see new parts of the city while you're at it. The hilarious journey is perfect for birthdays, hen nights or just a fun day out with friends.
@ Edinburgh Ghost Bus Pickup Location on Various dates from Saturday 19th April 2025
Discover Edinburgh's most haunted locations from the comfort of the Ghost Bus. As you board the vintage Routemaster, you'll be taken on a theatrical journey through the city's Old and New Towns.
Along the way, you'll visit iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle, Greyfriars Kirk, and the Royal Mile, all while hearing chilling tales of executions, grave robbers, and eerie encounters. With a dash of gallows humour, this ghostly tour is a thrilling way to explore Edinburgh's dark history.
When it comes to things to do in Edinburgh for couples, it can be difficult to know where to look. Never fear though, because we've got you covered with a list of all the best places to go on your next date night.
Whether you're after romantic bars and restaurants, or something a little more quirky, we've got just the thing. Think unique activities, cocktail bars and even live cabaret.
Ready to dive deep into Edinburgh's gin culture? The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches offers you the chance to do just that. Situated within the iconic arches of Old Town, this is where the city's finest gins are made - and where you can experience them in all their glory.
Take a tour of the distillery, learn about the meticulous process behind each bottle, and then let your taste buds explore their expertly crafted spirits. For an extra treat, book into a gin-making experience and create your own gin. Whether you're looking for a relaxed drink with friends, a fun workshop, or a celebration with a gin twist, The Arches offers a spirited escape like no other. Cheers.
Looking for things to do in Edinburgh at night that will scare your socks off? Then you've come to the right place. These eerie events will send a shiver down your spine, perfect if you're a fan of the spookier things in life.
We've rounded up the creepiest experiences all over the city, from immersive frights at The Edinburgh Dungeon to ghost tours and haunted pubs.
For a fun and engaging experience in Edinburgh, Pickering's Gin at Summerhall Distillery - the first gin-exclusive distillery to open in Edinburgh in 150 years- is a must-visit. Nestled in the creative heart of Summerhall, this unique distillery offers an amazing cocktail class, where you'll learn to create three bespoke concoctions from their premium spirits, led by an expert mixologist.
Explore the quirky setting of the former veterinary college, learn about the craft of small-batch gin production, and sample delicious cocktails. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or just looking for a fun outing, Pickering's Gin Distillery delivers an unforgettable experience in a one-of-a-kind location. And for something a little more food focused? Check out their supper clubs on weekends, which showcase the best of local produce.
Edinburgh is home to some pretty gorgeous spots, whether that's thanks to the striking architecture or the natural beauty all around us. And what better way to explore it all than by setting off on a stroll?
Check out our guide to the very best pretty streets all over the city, from the cobbled path of Belford Mews to the buzzing port area of The Shore - ideal for your next walking adventure.
@ Monkey Barrel Comedy on Every Friday
Catch some of the country's most hilarious stand-ups at this cracking comedy show every Friday and Saturday. With Rick Molland as your host, you'll be grinning ear-to-ear all night long.
Or if it's a mid-week cackle you're after, then nab a £3 ticket to the club's Wednesday event Top Banana. the venue has been names as Scotland's Best Comedy Venue' since 2020 in the Chortle Awards, so you know you're in for a good time.
@ Whiski Rooms on Every Saturday
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you've got to try some of Scotland's most famous export. With over 120 whisky distillers across the country, you can sample some of the finest tipples around while pairing it with tasty cheeses over at Whiski Rooms in the city centre.
The multi award-winning destination boasts views over Edinburgh and Princes Street, so you can drink and dine in style here. Plus, tasting experiences start from just £30 per person.
