The Best Things to Do at Night in Edinburgh

Take a tour of the gothic Old Town as a cloaked guide reveals Edinburgh’s grizzly history. Tales of witch trials, body snatchers and the ghostly figures that haunt the narrow wynds of the Royal Mile will keep you engrossed on this deep dive into the dark past. The tour ends with a visit to the underground vaults, where the down-and-out once lived in cramped conditions. It is said that the pent up energy has created one of the most paranormally active spots in the country. Not for the faint-hearted.

Fans of the wizarding world should head to this interactive cocktail experience on Frederick Street. At this wizard-themed speakeasy, don a robe and grab a wand at the door before being guided through some witchy brewing by your costumed “potions master”. You’ll be directed on how to concoct sweet and herby cocktails in a (you guessed it) cauldron. There’s plenty of wand-waving, trickery and dry-ice smoke to set the scene, and of course, you’ll get to sample your creations at the end. Alcohol-free experiences are also available.

For a proper Scottish knees-up, head to Ghillie-Dhu at the end of Princes Street. In the bones of an old church, this vast, gothic space comes alive at the weekend with country dance music. A live band belting out fast-paced accordion tunes will power you through reels, rigs and jigs. After a few drinks at the dedicated whisky bar, you won’t be able to stop from letting out the whoops and “eeh-oohs” that accompany a proper Scottish ceilidh.

Just remember, if a Scottish person makes fun of you, it means they like you. Get a full taste of Scottish banter in the front row of the Stand. Scotland’s original comedy club has been running for more than 20 years, and the likes of Frankie Boyle and Kevin Bridges have stood in front of the club’s signature cowboy mural on stage. It’s normally an intimate affair, but that makes the laughs feel all the louder.

Join your character guides Clart and McBrain as they lead you through the streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town to the drinking holes frequented by some of Scotland’s famous authors. A Unesco City of Literature, Edinburgh isn’t short of literary history to quench the thirst of the biggest bibliophile. Hear stories of Rabbie Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as Scots poetry readings and tales from the 17th-century rumour mill, all while enjoying a dram or two in the Old Town’s atmospheric pubs.

In the vaulted interior of St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, the ethereal lull of choral singing or dancing melody of a string quartet is all the more atmospheric. There’s a programme of late-night concerts throughout the year. Book a ticket, and you’ll be treated to a musical experience, where the flickering candlelight, stained-glass backdrop and blanket of sound in the rafters all combine to create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Edinburgh is not short of whisky bars, but for a tasting experience that covers the length and breadth of Scotland’s whisky trade, it’s hard to beat the Devil’s Advocate. Hidden down Advocate’s Close off the Royal Mile, this bar oozes industrial-chic charm. Whisky flights allow you to try a variety of malts from the rows and rows of amber bottles behind the bar. Staff are happy to guide you through your choice of a peaty Speyside classic or a sweet sherry-cask number. Some excellent Scottish fare is on offer as well.

A mix of horror and comedy, the Ghost Bus leaving from the Royal Mile is an unmistakable, night-time moving landmark in Edinburgh. The black London bus is decked out with cobwebs and skulls, and the onboard guides tell the creepy history of the city, with all stories laced with a dark sense of humour. Perfect for big groups looking to have a bit of fun.