Edinburgh may play second fiddle to Glasgow in live music conversations, but the capital has a scene of its own that is well worth paying attention to. During August, the city becomes the centre of the cultural universe with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, but the rest of the year offers plenty of live music too -- you just need to know where to look.
Small venues and pubs
Sneaky Pete's
Sneaky Pete's on the Cowgate is Edinburgh's most important small venue. The room is tiny -- dark, sweaty, and thrilling -- and the programming covers everything from indie and post-punk to electronic and hip-hop. It has won multiple awards for best small venue in Scotland, and deservedly so. The Cowgate location means you are surrounded by pubs and restaurants for before and after.
The Mash House
The Mash House on Guthrie Street, just off the Cowgate, is a basement venue that hosts emerging bands and club nights. The low ceilings and brick walls create an intense atmosphere. It is a great place to discover new music in an environment that feels genuinely underground.
Sandy Bell's
Sandy Bell's on Forrest Road is one of Edinburgh's most famous folk music pubs. Live folk and traditional music sessions happen almost every day, with musicians gathering informally to play together. It is a small, no-frills pub where the music is the focus and the pints are reasonably priced. If you have any interest in Scottish folk music, this is an essential visit.
Mid-size venues
La Belle Angele
La Belle Angele on Hastie's Close was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2002 and reopened in 2019. It has quickly re-established itself as one of Edinburgh's best mid-size venues, with a focus on indie, rock, and electronic music. The sound quality is excellent, and the Cowgate location keeps it close to the city's nightlife hub.
The Liquid Room
The Liquid Room on Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh's longest-running music venues, hosting touring bands and club nights in a subterranean space beneath the Old Town. The room has a good atmosphere and the steep approach from Victoria Street means you feel like you are descending into something exciting.
Summerhall
Summerhall is a multi-arts venue in a former veterinary school on Summerhall Place. It hosts music, theatre, comedy, and visual art throughout the year, and becomes a major Fringe venue in August. The various spaces within the complex -- from the intimate Dissection Room to the larger main hall -- mean it can accommodate different scales of performance. The on-site Royal Dick bar is named after the college's founder and serves good beer and food.
Larger venues
Usher Hall
Usher Hall on Lothian Road is Edinburgh's grand concert hall, hosting classical performances, large-scale folk and roots events, and touring singer-songwriters. The Edwardian interior is magnificent, with excellent acoustics that suit both orchestral and amplified music. It is particularly atmospheric during Celtic Connections events and the Edinburgh International Festival.
Edinburgh Playhouse
The Playhouse on Greenside Place is one of the largest theatres in the UK and handles major touring acts and musicals. While it is primarily a theatre, its scale makes it a regular stop for large music tours. The seats are comfortable and the sightlines are good from most positions.
Getting around Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a compact city and most venues are within walking distance of Waverley Station and the Old Town. The Cowgate and Grassmarket areas, where many venues are clustered, are a five-minute walk from the Royal Mile. Lothian Buses run frequent services across the city, and the tram connects the airport to the city centre. Be prepared for hills -- Edinburgh is built on them.
Food and drink
The Grassmarket and Cowgate areas are well served with pubs and restaurants. The Bow Bar on Victoria Street is one of Edinburgh's best pubs for whisky and real ale. For food, the street food vendors on the Grassmarket offer quick and tasty options, while Ting Thai Caravan on Teviot Place is a popular pre-gig choice for affordable Thai food.
Finding events
Edinburgh's live music scene is busiest during the Fringe in August, but there is plenty happening throughout the year. Check Tickts for upcoming gigs across the city's venues -- with no booking fees, it is easy to try something new without worrying about hidden costs on top of the ticket price.
