Cabaret Voltaire
Edinburgh is that child that refuses to sit still; all it can think about is the copious amount of brilliant bars, gorgeous restaurants and buzzing clubs that fill its streets. There's just so much happening, it can sometimes be hard to keep track of all the goings-on. To keep you in the know, we've built a guide to all of the best things to do in Edinburgh, from hilarious comedy nights to lovely live music sessions.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 18th November 2024
@ Omni Centre on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024
At the Edinburgh Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt, you can have a brilliant day out exploring the city and its hidden secrets. As one of the most fun things to do with friends in Edinburgh, it'll challenge you with riddles and puzzles that you'll need to complete to get your prize (20% off at a local pub).
@ Flight Club Edinburgh on Various dates from Saturday 23rd November 2024
When it comes to fun things to do with friends in Edinburgh city centre, Flight Club is blowing it out of the water. Head to its weekend Brunch Socials and you'll get to play a round of social darts with your mates while enjoying prosecco and bottomless pizza.
Located in Edinburgh city centre, Fayre Play is a fantastic watering hole. You'll get to enjoy retro fairground games with the chance to win fun prizes. Even better? There's hot dogs, burgers and cocktails to crack on with.
Fun things to do around Edinburgh? At Escape Hunt, you and your mates will have four thrilling, themed rooms to choose from, each with a series of gripping puzzles that you'll need to complete in order to earn your freedom.
@ Cab-arette Cab on Various dates from Thursday 21st November 2024
Look no further for immersive Edinburgh events as Cab-arette is bound to have you laughing your socks off. Take a seat in the moving car as you are taken around the city by Lola and The Gang who promise non-stop entertainment, 80s music and much more.
The neon graffiti-splattered NQ64 is one of the city's best arcade bars, showcasing 27 different retro and modern consoles and games. You can get competitive over the likes of PacMan, Dance Dance Revolution and the original Mario Kart, while munching on tasty slices from Pizza Geeks. Alongside these, you'll find quirky cocktails such as a Lemmingade or the Aku Aku fruit punch, alongside a choice of craft beer, making it one of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh for students.
Get on down to Ghillie Dhu for gorgeous interiors alongside scrumptious food and drink. But that's not all it's good for, as it also holds a fantastic range of fun things to do in Edinburgh at night; think the Burly Ceilidh Club, live music sessions and late-night DJ parties.
@ YO! Edinburgh Princes St on Wednesday 27th November 2024 and 2 other Wednesdays
So, you've mastered eating it in record time, but can you make it yourself? Learn how to whip up the Japanese bite at YO!'s Sushi School on Princes Street. Perfect for date nights or unique evenings out, this sees you preparing nigiri, maki and cali rolls, with beer or prosecco to wash it down.
CityDays is one of the most fun things to do outdoors in Edinburgh, bringing you immersive exploration while also providing brain-teasing puzzles and riddles for you to solve. Better yet? There's plenty of rest-stops in store for the group.
Meet your match at one of Original Dating's singles events. Taking place at various venues in the city, it lets you get to know people of a similar age over delicious cocktails. Found someone you fancy? You'll be able to get back in touch the very next day.
Frankenstein and his monster have been huge literary characters, and an even bigger inspiration for this unusual bar. It hosts some of the most fun things to do in Edinburgh city centre, from daily shows and a roster of DJs and karaoke nights. Plus, there's sloshing steins and pizza to match.
Ready to dive deep into Edinburgh's gin culture? The Edinburgh Gin Distillery at The Arches offers you the chance to do just that. Situated within the iconic arches of Old Town, this is where the city's finest gins are made - and where you can experience them in all their glory.
Take a tour of the distillery, learn about the meticulous process behind each bottle, and then let your taste buds explore their expertly crafted spirits. For an extra treat, book into a gin-making experience and create your own gin. Whether you're looking for a relaxed drink with friends, a fun workshop, or a celebration with a gin twist, The Arches offers a spirited escape like no other. Cheers.
Looking to meet that special someone? That's where SpeedDater come in. They host fun events across the city, where you can get to know a fabulous foray of like-minded singletons on eight to 12 mini-dates. And, of course, there will be lots of breaks for drinks and chatting.
If it's fun things for couples to do in Edinburgh you're after, then get on down to Biddy Mulligans. This bustling Irish boozer hosts performances literally every night of the week, so whether you fancy a hump day pick-me-up or weekend shenanigans, this place is sure to provide.
When you're not admiring the stylish decor or making your way through the menu of Scottish classics, treat your ears to live music at Murrayfield Bothy. With events every Saturday, it showcases a fab roster of up-and-coming artists. Plus, there are pub quizzes on Tuesdays.
@ The Three Sisters on Various dates from Thursday 31st July 2025
During the 2025 Fringe Festival, be sure to catch Joke Thieves at The Three Sisters in the Old Town. This hilarious performance is hosted by Will Mars and Beatboxing World Champion Bass6, seeing four different comedians telling their own jokes - and then each other's. The hit show costs as little as £5 per person to attend, with a 'pay what you can' system.
Warm up those vocal pipes and pick out your song of choice over at The Tron. It hosts fun-filled karaoke events from Tuesday through to Thursday, offering you the ultimate group night out. Or if you just fancy testing your knowledge? Try out its Bad Boy Pub Quiz.
@ The Bongo Club on Every Tuesday
Get ready to mosh your way into the next day to heavy jungle, DnB and grime over at The Bongo Club. On Tuesday nights, it holds its famous Midnight Bass events, where you can party to top tunes and enjoy bargain bevs.
@ Whiski Rooms on Every Saturday
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you've got to try some of Scotland's most famous export. With over 120 whisky distillers across the country, you can sample some of the finest tipples around while pairing it with tasty cheeses over at Whiski Rooms in the city centre.
Be sure to check out Apex Waterloo, where you'll find a whole roster of events to keep you busy all week long. From jazz sessions and cabaret nights to workshops and whisky pairings, this place is positively buzzing with fun things to do near Edinburgh.
If you're a lover of all things hip hop, then Lulu's Tipsy Sundays are the nights out for you. Taking place weekly, these raucous goings-on see you tearing up the dancefloor to banging tunes from a range of live artists and DJs 'til 3am.
@ Monkey Barrel Comedy on Every Friday
Catch some of the country's most hilarious stand-ups at this cracking comedy show every Friday and Saturday. With Rick Molland as your host, you'll be grinning ear-to-ear all night long. Or if it's a mid-week cackle you're after, then nab a £4 ticket to the club's Wednesday event Top Banana.
So, you've reached the end of the work week and aren't sure what to do? Head on over to Why Not, where they're holding their ever-popular Filthy Fridays. With DJs spinning the best in house, tech and club, this joint is gonna be poppin'.