Best Clubs in Edinburgh: Complete Student Guide to Epic Nights Out (2025)

TL;DR - Quick Club Recommendations

Budget-Friendly:

• The Hive (dirt cheap)
• CC Blooms (everyone's welcome)

Fancy Night Out:

• Why Not
• Lulu
• Shanghai Club

Underground Vibes:

• Sneaky Pete's
• Bongo Club
• Cabaret Volta

Big Groups:

• Mash House
• Liquid Room
• La Belle Angele

Let's be honest - Edinburgh's got some of the best student nightlife in the UK. Edinburgh is known for its exciting nightclubs and student-friendly spots. This city knows how to party, with plenty of Edinburgh student accommodation just a stone’s throw from all the action. 

You've got everything here. Want to rave in a 200-year-old church basement? Done. Fancy dancing under 22,000 LED lights? We've got that too. Need somewhere that won't bankrupt you? Plenty of options.

Whether you're fresh off the plane from abroad or just moved from Glasgow, this guide's got your back.

Where the Party Actually Happens

Cowgate: Student Central

This is where you'll spend most of your nights out. Cowgate's basically one long strip of clubs underneath Edinburgh's Old Town. Students love the cheap drinks and multiple venues within stumbling distance of each other.

Here's why students love it:

• Everything's walkable from uni
• You can hit 3-4 clubs in one night
• Drinks won't destroy your bank account
• Most places stay open until 3-5 am

George Street: When You're Feeling Fancy

George Street's where you go when your parents visit and give you cash. Or when you want to impress someone. The venues here look amazing. The drinks cost more. The dress codes are stricter. But sometimes you want that bougie experience.

Perfect times to hit George Street:

• Birthday celebrations
• End of exams
• When you're trying to look sophisticated
• Group nights with a decent budget

Prefer glam living to match your weekend scene? Here’s the best luxury student accommodation in Edinburgh.

Scattered Gems Around Town

Edinburgh's got some brilliant venues tucked away in random spots. Art college bars, converted churches, basement speakeasies. These places often have the best atmosphere because they're not trying to be mainstream.

More into culture than clubs? Check out the best museums in Edinburgh for students.

The 15 Clubs You Actually Need to Know About

1. Sneaky Pete's - Tiny but Legendary

Where: Cowgate

How Many People: 100 (seriously, that's it)

Music: Electronic everything

When: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 PM – 3 AM

This place is mental. It's literally the size of your living room, but somehow hosts world-famous DJs. DJ Mag ranked it #99 club globally, which is mad when you think about it. The sound system's incredible. The vibe's unreal. But good luck getting in without booking ahead.

Pro tip: Buy tickets the second they go on sale. This place sells out constantly.

2. The Hive - Cheap as Chips

Where: Niddry Street

How Many People: 400+

Music: Pop, R&B, whatever gets people moving

When: Every day until 5 AM

If you're on a student budget (which let's face it, you are), The Hive's your best friend. It's exactly what you'd expect from a student club. Fantastic drink deals and music you can sing along to.

What you'll pay:

• Entry: Often free with student ID
• Drinks: £1.50 if you time it right
• Jagerbombs: Stupidly cheap

3. Why Not - Scotland's Favourite

Where: George Street

How Many People: 700+

Music: Commercial hits, house, chart stuff

When: Wednesday–Sunday until 3 AM

This place wins awards constantly. It is often referred to as "Scotland's Best Nightclub". It's got an LED room that's basically like being inside a computer game.

Monday nights are legendary with events like Flare Monday that have been running since 1999. That's older than some of you reading this. Drinks start at £1.50 and the place goes absolutely mental. The outdoor area is heated too, which is brilliant in Edinburgh's changing weather.

4. Cabaret Voltaire - Underground Techno Haven

Where: Blair Street (Old Town)

How Many People: 300

Music: House, techno, experimental stuff

When: Wednesday–Sunday until 3 AM

"Cab Vol" to locals. This place is proper underground - literally. It's built into old brick arches under the city. The ceilings are mental, and the sound system's built for electronic music. Weeknight entry's cheap (£5-8). Weekends cost more (£10-15), but the lineup's usually worth it. If you're into your techno music, this is Edinburgh's best spot. No question.

5. The Bongo Club - Weird and Wonderful

Where: Cowgate

How Many People: 200

Music: Everything from reggae to drum and bass

When: Wednesday–Sunday until 3 AM

Bongo's different. It's run by an arts charity, so you get proper creative vibes alongside the clubbing. Wednesday nights are Midnight Bass - pure drum and bass madness. They also do African funk nights, 90s Chicago house, and random experimental stuff. It's like if a nightclub and an art gallery had a baby. Perfect if you're bored of mainstream clubs and want something with character.

6. Liquid Room - The Converted Church

Where: Victoria Street

How Many People: 400

Music: Bit of everything – indie, house, retro

When: Thursday–Sunday until 3 AM

This used to be a church. Now it's a club. Here, the main floor is where all the action happens, but there's a balcony where you can watch the chaos below. Calvin Harris played here before he got massive. Franz Ferdinand, Black Eyed Peas - they've all graced this stage.

It's got that perfect mix of history and hedonism that makes Edinburgh special.

7. CC Blooms - Everyone's Welcome

Where: Leith Walk

How Many People: 300

Music: Pop, house, plus drag shows

When: Every day until 3 AM

CC Blooms is officially Edinburgh's oldest gay bar, but honestly, everyone goes here. It's just got such good vibes. Proper, inclusive, amazing drag shows, and the cocktails are decent.

During the day it's a restaurant. At night it transforms into this brilliant club with drag performances that'll blow your mind.

Why students love it: Friendly crowd, good prices, and you'll always have a laugh.

8. Mash House - Three Floors of Chaos

Where: Cowgate

How Many People: 500+ across three floors

Music: Electronic, techno, industrial

When: Thursday–Sunday until 5 AM

Mash House is big. Three floors, 5 am license, serious sound systems on every level. It's got this industrial feel that works perfectly with the electronic music they play. The cocktails here are actually brilliant too, which is rare for a proper club. Perfect for groups because there's loads of space to spread out.

9. La Belle Angele - Phoenix from the Ashes

Where: Hastie's Close, Cowgate

How Many People: 500

Music: Rock, indie, alternative club nights

When: Friday–Sunday until 3 AM

This place has history. The original venue hosted Oasis, Radiohead, and The Libertines before burning down. They rebuilt it in 2014, and it's brilliant now. It's got that rock venue vibe but does proper club nights too. Great for groups who like their music a bit heavier.

10. Shanghai Club - George Street Glamour

Where: Inside Le Monde Hotel, George Street

How Many People: 200

Music: House, R&B, commercial

When: Wednesday and weekends

Hidden under a posh hotel, Shanghai's where you go to feel fancy. Strict dress code, expensive drinks, but the interior's gorgeous. Wednesday nights are more chill. Weekends get properly glammed up. If you want to feel like you're in a music video, this is your spot.

11. The Wee Red Bar - Art Student Haven

Where: Edinburgh College of Art

How Many People: 150

Music: Indie, alternative, live bands

When: Friday–Saturday until 2 AM

This is where art students go, but everyone's welcome. It's tiny, cheap, and has proper character. The Egg on Saturday nights is an indie institution - expect Pixies, Kraftwerk, Bowie. Entry's dirt cheap if you get there before midnight. Perfect for pre-drinks or if you want something more intimate.

12. Lulu - Instagram-Ready

Where: Morningside

How Many People: 300

Music: R&B, house, commercial

When: Friday–Saturday until 3 AM

Lulu's beautiful. Seriously Instagram-worthy interiors, fancy cocktails, stylish crowd. It's not cheap, but sometimes you want to feel sophisticated. The music's good, the vibes are upmarket, and you'll definitely get some good photos for social media.

13. Club Tropicana - 80s Madness

Where: Various venues (it's a club night, not a venue)

Music: 80s classics

When: Check their events

Pure 80s nostalgia. Costumes encouraged, cheesy music guaranteed. They take over different venues around Edinburgh. Perfect for themed birthday parties or when you want something completely different.

14. Garibaldi's - Unapologetically Cheesy

Where: Hanover Street

How Many People: 200

Music: Pop sing-alongs, cheesy classics

When: Thursday–Saturday until 3 AM

Sometimes you need somewhere that plays Ke$ha and doesn't judge you for it. Garibaldi's is that place. Sticky floors, moving pole (don't ask), and the "Gari's Special" drink that'll mess you up. It's not sophisticated, but it's reliable fun.

15. Voodoo Rooms - The Chameleon

Where: West Register Street

How Many People: 400+

Music: Depends on what's on

When: Check listings

Voodoo Rooms does everything. Wedding venue by day, club by night, live music venue whenever. You never know what you'll get, which keeps it interesting.

Your Weekly Edinburgh Club Calendar

Here’s what a typical student week looks like on Edinburgh’s club scene:

• Monday: Why Not's Flare night (legendary student deals)
• Tuesday: CC Blooms midweek specials, Shanghai's chilled vibes
• Wednesday: Bongo Club's bass nights, Cab Vol residents (cheap entry)
• Thursday: Liquid Room warming up, Mash House getting started
• Friday: Everything's open – peak party time
• Saturday: Wee Red Bar's Egg night, Why Not's full weekend experience
• Sunday: Hive sessions, Bongo's alternative programming

Money-Saving Secrets

Look, student finance doesn't stretch far. For a full breakdown beyond club costs, here’s a complete student guide to the cost of living in Edinburgh. Also, keep in mind to track your spending, use our cost of living calculator and try to save more.

Plenty of students pick up part-time work to ease the financial load. Our guide on part-time jobs in Edinburgh shows students where to apply and how to manage work alongside uni life. Student societies regularly host nights out at popular clubs in Edinburgh. This is a great way to get group discounts while exploring the city’s nightlife. 

Here's how to party without going broke:

• Free entry nights: The Hive does loads of these. Cab Vol on Wednesdays. CC Blooms has student specials.
• Under £5 clubs: Bongo midweek, Sneaky Pete's early birds, Mash House Thursdays.
• Pre-drinking: Buy bottles from Tesco. Seriously, club drinks cost a fortune.
• Student ID: Carry it everywhere. You'd be surprised how many places give discounts.
• Group deals: Many venues do group packages. Split the cost.

If you're trying to save on rent, check out our blog on affordable student accommodation in Edinburgh for low-cost areas that are still close to everything. For a full breakdown of housing types, rent, and tips, theEdinburgh student accommodation guide covers everything you need before choosing where to live.

Getting Around Safely

Getting around the city is easy, especially if you plan ahead. For a full rundown of buses, trams, and late-night options, check out our ultimate student guide to Edinburgh's public transport—super helpful when you’re hopping between classes and clubs.

• From Edinburgh Uni: Everything in Cowgate is walkable. 5-10 minutes max.
• From other universities: Night buses run until 3 am at weekends. Taxis cost £8-15 from most campuses.
• Late-night options: Uber works, but can be pricey during peak times. Walking's fine if you stick to busy areas and stay in groups.
• Safety basics: Don't leave friends behind. Share locations on WhatsApp. Know your limits - Edinburgh drinking culture's intense.

And if you want to live close to lectures and nightlife, you can check out the student accommodation near the University of Edinburgh for top housing options just minutes from campus.

Best Areas to Live for Nightlife

Finding the right student accommodation in Edinburgh can really shape your nights out. Whether you want to roll out of bed into a club or keep things low-key, location matters. Our guide to the best areas to live in Edinburgh as a student helps you choose a spot that matches your vibe. Finding the right student accommodation in Edinburgh can really shape your nights out. Here’s how to pick the ideal spot.

• Cowgate area: Walk to Sneaky Pete's, Bongo, Hive, Mash House in 5 minutes. No taxi costs ever.
• George Street vicinity: Walking distance to Why Not, Shanghai. Safer late-night walking routes.
• University area: 15 minutes max to anywhere. Easy commute to classes, too.

And if you're comparing housing options, our blog on the best student accommodation in Edinburgh covers top-rated places for every budget—perfect if you want comfort and quick access to nightlife.

Edinburgh's Party Seasons

No matter the season, Edinburgh’s energy shifts with student life. If you’re thinking long-term, our student guide on living in Edinburgh breaks down what makes the city such a solid choice beyond the party scene.

• August (Festival): Mentally busy. Every venue's packed. Book accommodation months ahead. Special festival club nights everywhere.
• September (Freshers): Universities partner with clubs for welcome events. Loads of student deals. Extended opening hours.
• Hogmanay (New Year): Premium prices but epic parties. Book tickets early. Most venues host special events.
• Exam periods: Quieter clubs mean cheaper deals. Post-exam parties are legendary.

For weekends (or post-exam relief), there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh. The city is packed with hidden gems and full-on adventures, so you’re never short of things to explore.

What Music Scene Are You Into?

• Electronic heads: Sneaky Pete's, Cab Vol, Mash House, Bongo Club. Edinburgh's electronic scene is proper good.
• Indie kids: Wee Red Bar, Liquid Room, La Belle Angele. Strong local indie community.
• Pop lovers: Hive, Why Not, Garibaldi's. Sing-along vibes and high energy.
• LGBTQ+ scene: Most venues are welcoming, but CC Blooms is the main spot. There are regular drag shows and pride events.

Want to impress your mates with trivia on nights out? Check out fun facts about Edinburgh students should know.

What to Actually Wear

• Most places: Jeans and a nice top. Trainers are usually fine. Don't overthink it.
• George Street venues: No trainers, collared shirts for guys. They're stricter on weekends.
• Art venues: Wear whatever. The weirder the better sometimes.
• Edinburgh weather tip: Always bring a jacket. Seriously. It's Scotland.

Essential Apps for Your Phone

• Skiddle: Buy tickets for most venues. Essential for Sneaky Pete's.
• Lothian Buses: Night bus times and routes.
• Uber: Taxi backup when buses stop.
• WhatsApp: Share live location with friends. Safety first.

Pre-Drinks Spots

Before hitting the clubs, warm up at these student favourites:

• Three Sisters: Massive beer garden, right in Cowgate.
• Pear Tree: Huge outdoor space, cheap drinks.
• Belushi's: Sports bar with screens everywhere. Dirt cheap.
• Pilgrim: Old Town location, student discounts.

Eat something before drinking. Edinburgh nights go long, and the drinking culture's strong here. Want to grab proper food before the club? Check out the best restaurants in Edinburgh for students.

International Student Tips

Edinburgh is home to amazing institutions like The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, and Queen Margaret University, so wherever you’re studying, these tips will help you settle in.

• Cultural stuff: The drinking age is 18. Always carry a passport/driving license as ID. Tipping isn't expected but appreciated.
• Making friends: Join university societies first. Freshers' events are perfect for meeting people. Edinburgh students are generally sound.
• Budget planning: Everything's in pounds. Student discounts are everywhere - just ask. Keep emergency money for a taxi home.

Just moved here? Check out the top universities in Edinburgh before you dive into student life. Don’t forget to consider the pros and cons of studying in Edinburgh before making your decision.

Staying Safe on Nights Out

Choose verified student accommodation in safe areas near the venues. Safety first, especially for new students. Here’s a full guide on safety in Edinburgh for international students.

• Before going out: Plan your route home. Charge your phone fully. Tell someone where you're going.
• During the night: Stick with friends. Never leave drinks unattended. Know your limits. Edinburgh's drinking culture can be intense for newcomers.
• Getting home: Book taxis in advance during peak times. Share rides to split costs. Don't walk alone late at night.

Conclusion: Your Edinburgh Adventure Starts Here

Edinburgh's nightlife scene is something special. You've got ancient venues in medieval vaults, cutting-edge electronic music, student-friendly prices, and a party culture that runs deep.

Start with the student classics - Hive for budget fun, Why Not for the full experience. Then explore the underground gems like Sneaky Pete's and Bongo Club.

The city's small enough that you can venue-hop easily. Whether you're into techno or pop, there's somewhere perfect for you. The student community is massive and welcoming. With the variety of new experiences, you are guaranteed to enjoy student life in Edinburgh. 

Most importantly, be safe, have fun, and make the most of your Edinburgh student experience. These club memories will stick with you long after graduation. Still wondering why students love this city? Discover 8 reasons why Edinburgh life totally sparkles.