Discover your next fave artists at the 8 best live music venues in Edinburgh!
If I had the chance to turn back time and pursue a different career, I would be a singer. Granted, I’m not super blessed with a wide vocal range and smooth voice, but I’m confident enough to say that I have an ear for good music.
While I didn’t pursue my singing dreams, I find time to appreciate and support local and international musicians who grace the stages of the many live music spots we have here. There are tons of them that keep the art alive!
So, if you’re a big fan of music and are looking for places to discover the very best talent, here are the top spots for live music in Edinburgh!
Whistlebinkies
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Address: 4-6 South Bridge
Contact Details: +44 131 557 5114
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Whistlebinkies is no doubt one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a nightly open mic night. The bar is basically Edinburgh’s longest-running open mic night bar, inviting aspiring bands and singers on stage for over 30 years now.
The bar invites featured artists as well to play for guests all night long, all 7 days of the week, so you’ll never run out of new acts to listen to. Performances are free of charge, and they’re open until 3:00 am, serving drinks and bar chow.
Tips:
- Dreaming of playing a set at Whistlebinkies? You can reach out via their contact form or email to get yourself and your band sorted out by the staff. They have a wide range of equipment, backlines, and sound systems at your disposal if you decide to perform here, so take advantage of them!
- If you want some extra privacy for you and your group, you can book the bar’s cave booths. They have 3 caves available for booking and prior reservation is highly encouraged because these seats tend to run out fast. Book a cave and learn more about them here.
Stramash
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Address: 207 Cowgate
Contact Details: +44 131 623 4353
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Saturday, 4:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
If you and your mates are on the hunt for a live music bar located right in the middle of Old Town, the Stramash should be at the top of your list. This spot has a massive stage and always attracts crowds to catch their big acts.
They offer drinks, bar food, and live bands rocking out tunes we love and some originals as well. It’s one of those places that you can rely on if you’re on the lookout for up and coming artists to patronise.
Tips:
- For a more relaxed vibe, visit on a weekday when crowds are smaller and entry is free. Weekends bring the big acts and a packed house. If you’re eyeing a specific artist, keep an eye on their ticketed events, as this is when you’ll get to book a seat in advance.
- Every Wednesday night, guests can take part in free ceilidh dancing. It’s a great way to soak up the local music and culture. Not many tourists know about it, so go on, give it a try, and have a bit of fun.
Sneaky Pete’s
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Address: 73 Cowgate, Floor G, Pure Scottish
Contact Details: +44 131 225 1757
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sneaky Pete’s is one of those places that feels like a secret, even though almost every music lover I know in the city knows about it. The bar is tiny, but it packs a lot of energy thanks to the dozens of acts that fire up amazing live music here nightly.
I’ve seen some incredible acts here myself, and the music varies with rock, pop, alternative, and even techno during some nights.
My favourite time to visit is usually when they invite indie bands and artists to perform.
Tips:
- Remember to bring your ID as proof of age. They require this for entry. The staff here are welcoming and understanding, especially for ID holders whose details may not fully reflect their current gender and name.
- Make sure to have cash on hand when heading to the bar, as the entrance fee is cash only. If you’re planning a night out with friends, remind them to bring cash with them as well.
The Jazz Bar
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Address: 1a Chambers St
Contact Details: +44 131 305 1120
Operating Hours:
Thursday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
Friday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Saturday, 2:00 pm to 3:00 am
Sunday, 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
If you’re into live jazz (and the occasional folk music), then a night at The Jazz Bar really wouldn’t hurt. It’s the city’s oldest jazz bar, drawing in both fresh talent and seasoned jazz artists from all over the world.
If you have ever pictured what a classic jazz bar looks like, this place really does it to a tea. Imagine cosy leather booths, laid-back atmosphere, plenty of booze options, and a small stage right in the front of most tables, giving everyone front-row seats.
Tips:
- Keep in mind that this venue is tucked away in the basement of a historic building, which means accessibility can be a challenge. There are stairs leading down, and the space is quite tight. For wheelchair users, bringing a companion to assist with entry is highly recommended.
- If the music gets a bit too loud for your liking, don’t worry—just head to the bar and grab a pair of free foam earplugs. They’re available for anyone who needs them, so you can enjoy the show comfortably.
The Scotsman’s Lounge
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Address: 73 Cockburn St
Contact Details: +44 131 225 7726
Operating Hours:
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 1:00 am
Sunday, 11:00 am to 1:00 am
What I love most about The Scotsman’s Lounge is their homage to Scottish culture and heritage. I don’t only come here for the traditional homemade pies, pints of ale, and an array of Scottish whisky. I also come for the good music!
The place is quite popular among sports fans thanks to the regular live screenings of matches, but the same can be said for music lovers. Local musicians and bands grace the stage to serenade visitors while they drink, and I’m all for it!
Tips:
- If you’re looking for a quiet drinking sesh, this isn’t the ideal spot. Here, you’re in for a wild night with loud live music and an energetic crowd.
- Aside from the pies, you won’t find a lot of bar chow here. If you get hungry, I recommend filling your stomach elsewhere before or after getting your fill of booze and music in this bar.
The Voodoo Rooms
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Address: 19a W Register St
Contact Details: +44 131 556 7060
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
Friday, 3:00 pm to 1:00 am
Saturday, 1:00 pm to 1:00 am
Sunday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am
For those with a finer taste, I highly recommend paying The Voodoo Rooms a visit. This cabaret-style bar is decked with lush decor, ornate ceilings, and antique tables, giving luxury to the regular live music bar in the city.
It’s not an actual cabaret, but they do host live performances featuring local and international artists and bands.
They often host themed events as well, inviting artists based on their chosen theme of the night. I went to their Moulin Rouge event and had an absolute blast!
Tip:
- The bar also has a restaurant that serves up hearty meals. Note that the tables for dining get filled up quickly, and depending on the live music event, you may have to make two separate bookings for either the show or dinner.
I recommend staying tuned to their social media pages to get the latest update on events and book your table at least two days before your chosen event.
Cabaret Voltaire
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Address: 36-38 Blair St
Contact Details: +44 131 247 4704
Operating Hours: Friday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
Another cabaret-esque spot that hosts live music events is Cabaret Voltaire. This place is best known as the bar where the folk band Mumford and Sons got discovered, so that should give you an idea of how amazing their line up is every week.
They sometimes invite familiar names to grace their stage, which is always something to look forward to.
On other quieter days (weekdays), I still like to drop by sometimes to listen and discover rising talent that deserves so much more love and attention in the city.
Tips:
- Need a break from the crowd? Slip into Cabaret Cafe inside the venue for a more laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot to recharge while still enjoying a drink, whether it’s a cocktail or a cold beer. Just keep in mind that by midnight, it tends to fill up, so getting there earlier is your best bet for snagging a seat.
- If you’re looking for chill music events, acoustic live lounge nights happen every Friday to Saturday from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
The Royal Oak
– Media from royaloakedinburgh
Address: 1 Infirmary St
Contact Details: +44 131 557 2976
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 3:00 pm to 2:00 am
My husband is a big fan of folk music and ever since he discovered The Royal Oak, he’s been going there at least twice a month to check out the latest gigs of local folk musicians. I drop by along with him sometimes, and I always enjoy our visits.
It’s pretty snug in there, and the stage is actually just by the tables, so you pretty much get front-row seats all the time. Some incredible folk artists have played here, and the charm of the place just adds to the whole indie folk vibe.
Tips:
- When the music starts, let it take the spotlight. While it’s still a pub, regulars come for the tunes just as much as the drinks. Keep your voice low and soak in the live performance, as talking over the music won’t win you any points with the locals.