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Edinburgh Nightlife

Nightlife in Edinburgh consists of the studenty Cowgate, upmarket George Street, and the more raffish Lothian Road. Pubs, however, can be found everywhere and range from traditional, historical taverns to stylish modern bars. Pubs in central Edinburgh must close by 0100, and clubs by 0300, except during the Festival when licensing hours can be extended. The legal minimum drinking age is 18.

Edinburgh is right at the heart of world culture during the annual Edinburgh International Festival and the flurry of festivals that surround it. Tickets to these and many other cultural events throughout the year are available from The Hub, Castlehill (tel: (0131) 473 2000; www.hubtickets.co.uk). The Fringe box office is at 180 High Street (tel: (0131) 226 0026; www.edfringe.com), while the Military Tattoo has its own ticket office at 32 Market Street (tel: (0131) 225 1188; www.edintattoo.co.uk).

A good general online source of information (www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk) also provides information on cultural events in the city.

Bars in Edinburgh

Bow Bar

Located in the Old Town, this lovely pub sells a selection of real ales served from traditional tall founts amid walls decorated with old advertising mirrors. A real find.

80 West Bow
Tel: (0131) 226 7667.

Guildford Arms

Another traditional pub with plenty of atmosphere.

West Register Street
Tel: (0131) 556 4312.
www.guildfordarms.com

Oxford Bar

This is an essential stop for fans of Ian Rankin; both the author and his fictional Inspector Rebus are regulars.

Young Street.
Tel: (0131) 539 7119.
www.oxfordbar.com

The Canny Man's

This spot is worth a look for its highly unusual bric-à-brac décor - beware as cameras (and mobile phones, and practically everything else) are banned. If it seems a little unfriendly, wait until you see the impressive selection of whiskies. You'll be hooked.

239 Morningside Road
Tel: (0131) 447 1484.

Tigerlily

Tigerlily is the place to be seen in Edinburgh. One of the city's most popular drinking holes, Tigerlily draws a chic crowd of elegantly dressed drinkers of all ages. Stylish surroundings (expect comfy sofas and a fireplace juxtaposed with a champagne bar and dazzling chandeliers) ensure the place oozes class. Located in fashionable George Street, this is one trendy joint.

125 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN
Tel: (0131) 225 5005.
wwww.tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk

Address 125 George Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Clubs in Edinburgh

Cabaret Voltaire

Appealing to a more student crowd, the Cabaret Voltaire is located in the ancient subterranean caverns in Edinburgh's Cowgate district and buzzes to dance music.

36-38 Blair Street
Tel: (131) 220 6176.
Website: www.thecabaretvoltaire.com

Espionage

Offers five fun-filled floors of clubbing action.

4 India Buildings, Victoria Street
Tel: (0131) 477 7007.
www.espionage007.co.uk

Opal Lounge

Appealing to discerning clubbers, this nightclub is open seven days a mix and offers resident DJs, soul, funk and RnB, in addition to classic dance music.

51 George Street
www.opallounge.co.uk

Po Na Na

An upmarket club offering everything from house to disco, with VIP booths and tables available to hire for the night.

43B Frederick Street
Tel: (0131) 226 2224.
www.edinburghponana.com/

Live Music in Edinburgh

Sandy Bell's

Offers live traditional Scottish folk music at weekends.

25 Forest Road
Tel: (0131) 225 2751.

The Jazz Bar

This award-winning basement bar offers live jazz every night.

1a Chambers Street
Tel: (0131) 220 4298.
www.thejazzbar.co.uk

Whistlebinkies

This is a well-established live music bar, with bands playing or open mic every night.

4-6 South Bridge
Tel: (0131) 557 5114.
www.whistlebinkies.com

Classical Music in Edinburgh

Queen's Hall

The Queen's Hall is Edinburgh's main chamber music venue and also hosts many world and folk music events.

85-89 Clerk Street
Tel: (0131) 668 3456.
www.thequeenshall.net

Usher Hall

The Usher Hall has at last reopened, after major redevelopment which - much to the relief of the Edinburgh bourgeoisie - has left intact the concert hall's glorious acoustic. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra and Scottish Chamber Orchestra are now playing there regularly again.

Lothian Road
Tel: (0131) 228 1155.
www.usherhall.co.uk

Theatre in Edinburgh

King's Theatre

This is an elegant Edwardian theatre presenting quality drama as well as the city's annual pantomime.

2 Leven Street
www.eft.co.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre

The Royal Lyceum Theatre stages work by contemporary playwrights as well as more traditional work.

30B Grindlay Street
Tel: (0131) 248 4848.
www.lyceum.org.uk

Traverse Theatre

The Traverse Theatre specialises in exciting and original contemporary plays by Scottish and international writers.

10 Cambridge Street
Tel: (0131) 228 1404.
www.traverse.co.uk

Music and Dance in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Scottish opera productions are staged in the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, also the venue for contemporary dance productions.

13/29 Nicolson Street
Tel: (0131) 529 6000.
www.fctt.org.uk/festival_theatre

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