Edinburgh Nightlife: Places and Districts to Go Out in Edinburgh
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As a student town, Edinburgh practically guarantees a lively atmosphere on pretty much any night of the week. The Scottish capital has a vast number of bars, clubs and, particularly, atmospheric old pubs in which to pass a wild, wet January night.
The winding streets of Edinburgh's Old Town are heaving with pubs and bars. Those on Grassmarket, Candlemaker Row and Victoria Street, especially, offer slightly cheaper drinks, live music and a reliably raucous atmosphere.
But nightlife in Edinburgh is by no means confined to the Old Town. A number of inviting pubs are located in the New Town and Stockbridge, while a clutch of cocktail bars around the George IV Bridge serve a mixed clientele.
A lively student crowd congregates near the university, out to the south of the city in Potterow. Along with the usual mainstream chart dance music, the city has a handful of clubs that are renowned for their indie nights and for showcasing new bands.
George Street – one of the New Town’s smartest shopping streets – caters for a slightly more affluent crowd. Its host of trendy bars provides a popular stomping ground for the city’s young professionals and the more well-heeled students.
One of the most regenerated areas in Edinburgh can be found down by the docks in Leith. Although the area previously had a less than wholesome reputation, huge investment has resulted in making it one of the most up-and-coming areas for a night out.
Edinburgh's comedy scene really takes off during the Fringe in August, when some of the world’s best (and weirdest) comedians take the stage every night. During the rest of the year, there are a couple of comedy clubs in the city that put on the latest promising acts.
In addition to the Fringe, Edinburgh’s traditional New Year’s celebrations have to be seen to be believed. Few street parties anywhere in the world can rival Hogmanay for its sheer energy, firework displays and, especially, quite exceptional drunkenness.
