Cabaret Voltaire
Edinburgh is that child that refuses to sit still; all it can think about is the copious amount of brilliant bars, gorgeous restaurants and buzzing clubs that fill its streets. There's just 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.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 1st August 2024
A wonderland of bowling, shuffleboard, mini-golf and more, Lane7 is packed full of fun things to do in Edinburgh city centre. And when you're not getting stuck into all of the activities? Chillax with a juicy burger from Fat Hippo, paired with a cocktail or boozy slushy.
Tucked away in the Old Town, The Cocktail Mafia isn't just a chance to visit one of the prettiest areas in the city, it's your go on an impressive round of Prohibition-inspired cocktails in a retro bar setting. So if you're looking for fun things to do in Edinburgh for young adults, make sure to give this one a visit.
This weekend, reconnect with nature by embarking on one of Serene Woodland Escapes' experiences from £60 per person. Learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and tap into inner peace and you're led by an experienced guide through picturesque forest landscapes; from foraging for beginners to meditation, there's something for everyone.
Looking to meet that special someone? That's where SpeedDater come in. They host fun events across the city, where you can get to know a fabulous foray of like-minded singletons on eight to 12 mini-dates. And, of course, there will be lots of breaks for drinks and chatting.
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. Better yet? There's plenty of rest-stops in store for the group.
Get on down to Ghillie Dhu for gorgeous interiors alongside scrumptious food and drink. 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.
@ Cab-arette Cab on Various dates from Sunday 8th September 2024
Look no further for immersive Edinburgh 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.
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 Thursday, offering you the ultimate group night out. Or if you just fancy testing your knowledge? Try out its Bad Boy Pub Quiz.
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.
@ Princes St Gardens West on Thursday 3rd October 2024 and 2 other dates
If an evening of sipping steins sounds like your thing, then you can't go wrong with Edinburgh Oktoberfest - taking place at West Princes Street Gardens in the city centre. Your £26 ticket gets you a free one-and-a-half pint on arrival, as well as a bratwurst and a sweet treat, an you'll also have a guaranteed seat to enjoy the live music and other entertainment from. There's space for up to 1,200 people in their giant tent, so you're in for a big party here.
@ The Three Sisters on Fri, 27th Sep 2024 @ 18:30 - 23:00
For something a little different this September, head to the Sounds Familiar Music Quiz - hosted by Old Town venue The Three Sisters. Expect to hear classic tunes from the 60s right through to today's chart toppers, with each round themed around something different - whether it's power ballads or indie anthems. Tickets cost just £10 per person, and you'll compete against other teams to take the crown.
If it's fun things for couples to do in Edinburgh you're after, then get on down to Biddy Mulligans. This bustling Irish boozer hosts performances literally every night of the week, so whether you fancy a hump day pick-me-up or weekend shenanigans, this place is sure to provide.
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 and karaoke nights. Plus, there's sloshing steins and pizza to match.
Thought your clubbing days were behind you? Think again. Studio38.Club are keeping the party alive with daytime discos for over 30s in Edinburgh. These fun-filled events run from 3 'til 8pm to avoid the late nights, with 80s and 90s bangers to get you on the dancefloor, all for just £12 per person.
Located in Edinburgh city centre, Fayre Play is a fantastic watering hole. You'll get to enjoy retro fairground games with the chance to win fun prizes. Even better? There's hot dogs, burgers and cocktails to crack on with.
@ Omni Centre on Various dates from Sunday 8th September 2024
At the Edinburgh Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt, you can have a brilliant day out exploring the city and its hidden secrets. As one of the most fun things to do with friends in Edinburgh, it'll challenge you with riddles and puzzles that you'll need to complete to get your prize (20% off at a local pub).
When you're not admiring the stylish decor or making your way through the menu of Scottish classics, treat your ears to live music at Murrayfield Bothy. With events every Saturday, it showcases a fab roster of up-and-coming artists. Plus, there are pub quizzes on Tuesdays.
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.
@ YO! Edinburgh Princes St on Wednesday 11th September 2024 and 13 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 cali rolls, with beer or prosecco to wash it down.
Meet your match at one of Original Dating's singles events. Taking place at various venues in the city, it lets you get to know people of a similar age over delicious cocktails. Found someone you fancy? You'll be able to get back in touch the very next day.
Iconic Old Town boozer The Three Sisters is ensuring you're never bored again, thanks to its eclectic roster of events. Get ready for everything from pub quizzes and live music sessions to karaoke and games nights, not to mention its notorious, drag-doused Fierce Friday bonanzas.
@ Flight Club Edinburgh on Various dates from Sunday 8th September 2024
When it comes to fun things to do with friends in Edinburgh city centre, Flight Club is blowing it out of the water. Head to its weekend Brunch Socials and you'll get to play a round of social darts with your mates while enjoying prosecco and bottomless pizza.
When you're not resting your head on Stay Central Hotel's plush pillows, head down to its slick bar for cute and fun things to do in Edinburgh with friends. Get into the competitive spirits with its Boozy Board Game Fridays or a catch a flick at its Monday movie night.
Be sure to check out Apex Waterloo, where you'll find a whole roster of events to keep you busy all week long. From jazz sessions and cabaret nights to workshops and whisky pairings, this place is positively buzzing with fun things to do near Edinburgh.
So, you've reached the end of the work week and aren't sure what to do? Head on over to Why Not, where they're holding their ever-popular Filthy Fridays. With DJs spinning the best in house, tech and club, this joint is gonna be poppin'.
If you're a lover of all things hip hop, then Lulu's Tipsy Sundays are the nights out for you. Taking place weekly, these raucous goings-on see you tearing up the dancefloor to banging tunes from a range of live artists and DJs 'til 3am.
@ 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 £4 ticket to the club's Wednesday event Top Banana.
@ 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 Bongo Club on Every Tuesday
Get ready to mosh your way into the next day to heavy jungle, DnB and grime over at The Bongo Club. On Tuesday nights, it holds its famous Midnight Bass events, where you can party to top tunes and enjoy bargain bevs.