Edinburgh’s character is woven into its buildings, shaped by its history as a stronghold and a capital known for its intellectual heritage. This means our venues aren’t just spaces; they reflect the past, often housed in structures that tell stories of centuries gone by. You’ll discover former townhouses now event spaces, old taverns within the Old Town, and repurposed buildings in Leith serving as arts centres or food markets. This history gives each location a unique feel, setting the stage for memorable events.
The city’s varied landscape and development mean this history unfolds differently across its areas. Around Holyrood, civic and cultural life converge with formal dignity. In contrast, Stockbridge offers village-like charm with Victorian and Georgian terraces hosting independent businesses. Further west, in Fountainbridge, former industrial buildings now support modern event spaces, reflecting continuous evolution. Our directory reflects this dynamic scene, updated daily to provide an accurate picture of Edinburgh’s local life.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Music Venue
La Belle AngèleLa Belle Angèle is a music venue on Hastie’s Close, in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The spot offers a lively atmosphere close to the Royal Mile, reflecting the area's history. La Belle Angèle is known for gigs with no entry fee and energetic crowds, providing an alternative to more formal spaces.
View Info →Bar And Eatery
NewsroomThe Newsroom is a trendy bar and eatery on Leith Street in Edinburgh’s New Town. This area of the city blends historic buildings with modern businesses, creating a lively atmosphere. The Newsroom is known for its creative take on Scottish cuisine, especially its burgers.
View Info →Historical Attraction
The Real Mary King's CloseThe Real Mary King's Close is a preserved network of underground streets in Edinburgh’s Old Town, built beneath the Royal Mile. The site reveals stories of 16th- and 17th-century residents, with tours led by costumed guides inside original stone walls. It’s a detailed, immersive look at Edinburgh’s urban past.
View Info →Restaurant
Theatre RoyalTheatre Royal is a bar and restaurant on Greenside Place in Edinburgh. It’s a convenient spot near the Playhouse Theatre, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Theatre Royal is known for its roast dinner served on Sundays.
View Info →Hotel
Melville InnThe Melville Inn is a traditional country inn on Melville Nursery in Sighthill, Edinburgh. The area provides a break from the city while remaining accessible. The inn is known for its seasonal dishes and carefully selected cask ales and British gins.
View Info →Food & Drink
Chapter OneChapter One is a restaurant on Dublin Street in Edinburgh. The area sees a mix of professionals and residents during the day. Chapter One is known for its seasonal menus and Scottish produce.
View Info →1,828 total places
Chapter One is a restaurant on Dublin Street in Edinburgh.
View Info →Restaurant
KoyamaKoyama is a Japanese Restaurant on Forrest Road in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
View Info →Cafe
Arthur's CafeArthur's Cafe is a community-run cafe on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh.
View Info →Margot is a bakery on Rose Street, an area known for its independent shops and relaxed vibe.
View Info →Café
Balcony CafeBalcony Cafe is a cafe within the National Museum of Scotland on The Mound.
View Info →Restaurant
Portobello Beach BistroPortobello Beach Bistro is a restaurant on King’s Road in Edinburgh, a popular spot along the city’s coastline.
View Info →147 total places
Historical Attraction
The Real Mary King's CloseThe Real Mary King's Close is a preserved network of underground streets in Edinburgh’s Old Town, built beneath the Royal Mile.
View Info →Cultural Centre
North Edinburgh ArtsNorth Edinburgh Arts is a cultural centre in Edinburgh’s Muirhouse neighbourhood.
View Info →Cinema
Dominion CinemaDominion Cinema is an independent cinema on Castle Street in Edinburgh’s Morningside.
View Info →Hollywood Burgers and Shakes is a burger restaurant on Melville Place, a quick walk from Edinburgh’s shopping streets.
View Info →Scottish Restaurant
A Room in the West EndA Room in the West End is a Scottish restaurant on William Street in Edinburgh’s West End, an area known for its elegant Georgian architecture.
View Info →Theatre
King's TheatreThe King's Theatre is a theatre on Leven Street, connecting Edinburgh’s Old Town to Bruntsfield and Marchmont.
View Info →479 total places
Music Venue
La Belle AngèleLa Belle Angèle is a music venue on Hastie’s Close, in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
View Info →Bar And Eatery
NewsroomThe Newsroom is a trendy bar and eatery on Leith Street in Edinburgh’s New Town.
View Info →Restaurant
Theatre RoyalTheatre Royal is a bar and restaurant on Greenside Place in Edinburgh.
View Info →Hotel
Melville InnThe Melville Inn is a traditional country inn on Melville Nursery in Sighthill, Edinburgh.
View Info →Restaurant
The World's EndThe World's End is a historic pub on Edinburgh’s High Street, in the Old Town.
View Info →Sports Bar
Footlights Bar & GrillFootlights Bar & Grill is a sports bar on Spittal Street in Edinburgh.
View Info →233 total places
Indoor Trampoline Park
GravityGravityActiveEdinburgh is an Indoor Trampoline Park on Fountain Park, 130 Dundee St, a lively part of Edinburgh.
View Info →Pet Facility
Run Free Secure Dog Fields - South QueensferryRun Free Secure Dog Fields - South Queensferry is a pet facility providing a safe place for dogs to exercise.
View Info →Dog Walking Field
Run Free Secure Dog Fields - KirklistonRun Free Secure Dog Fields - Kirkliston provides a safe, off-leash environment for dogs to exercise.
View Info →Historic House And Garden
Newhailes House & GardensNewhailes House & Gardens is a historic house and garden on Newhailes Road in Musselburgh.
View Info →Sculpture Garden
Jupiter ArtlandJupiter Artland is a sculpture garden located in Wilkieston, just outside Edinburgh.
View Info →Aquatics Centre
Royal Commonwealth PoolThe Royal Commonwealth Pool is an aquatics centre located on Dalkeith Road in the St Leonard's area of Edinburgh.
View Info →179 total places
Indoor Climbing Wall
Alien BlocAlien Bloc is an indoor climbing wall located on Dunedin Street in the Craigmillar area of Edinburgh.
View Info →Indoor Climbing Gym
The Climbing HangarThe Climbing Hangar is an indoor climbing gym on East Telferton in Edinburgh’s Murrayfield area, known for its active and community spirit.
View Info →Swimming Pool
Glenogle Swim CentreGlenogle Swim Centre is a public swimming pool on Glenogle Road in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighborhood.
View Info →Museum
The Wee Museum of MemoryThe Wee Museum of Memory is a museum in Leith, Edinburgh.
View Info →Indoor Entertainment Venue
FunParxFunParx is an indoor entertainment venue located on Salamander Street in Leith, a lively area of Edinburgh.
View Info →Surfing Venue
Lost Shore Surf ResortLost Shore Surf Resort is an inland surfing venue offering a unique recreational experience.
View Info →38 total places
Marketplace
Grassmarket MarketGrassmarket Market is a historic marketplace in Edinburgh.
View Info →Indoor Market
Tron Kirk MarketTron Kirk Market is an indoor market within a historic church on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
View Info →Farmers' Market
Edinburgh Farmers' MarketThe Edinburgh Farmers’ Market is a weekly market on Castle Terrace in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
View Info →Balerno Farmer's Market is a regular shopping and markets venue in the Balerno area of Edinburgh.
View Info →Retail Store
ScotmidScotmid on Gorgie Road is a retail store serving the Edinburgh community.
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