Edinburgh Nightlife

The interior of this classic boozer has remained unchanged since the start of the 20th century - but Bennets Bar is no old mans pub. It's a favourite with actors both in and out of festival season, thanks to its immense whisky selection, no-nonsense Scottish fare, and upbeat atmosphere.

Named after northeast Scotland's local dialect (head to Aberdeen for a near-incomprehensible example), The Doric is a handy stopping-off point by the station. The 17th-century gastro pub boasts an impressive selection of single malts, including the wallet-busting yet velvety 30-year-old Isle of Jura and Balvenie whiskies.

The dramatic frontage of this pub reflects its location next to Edinburgh's Playhouse theatre at the top of Leith Walk. In summer you can sit outside and watch the world go by, while in winter two cosy fires offer a welcome respite from the cold. The pub serves a fine range of Scottish ales and malt whiskies.

Within staggering distance of the Royal Mile and the Grassmarket, Espionage offers five fun-filled floors of clubbing action. The club is a veritable maze of bars, hidden nooks and dance floors decked out in a multitude of funky designs. Each night has a theme, with different music on every level.

Opal Lounge is a George Street hipster haunt, whose clientele included Prince William during his student days at St Andrews. If you like the idea of booking a spot on the guest list, splashing out on a VIP table, and quaffing Moët, this is the place for you.

If you find yourself in Edinburgh on a rainy Tuesday and fancy a big night out, this is the place to come. The Hive is set just off the Royal Mile and prides itself on being open seven nights a week. Nights cover everything from electro and hip-hop to rock, indie, and retro music.

Appealing to a student crowd, Cabaret Voltaire is located in the ancient subterranean caverns in Edinburgh's Cowgate district and buzzes to dance music seven nights a week. Expect to hear everything from drum 'n' bass and disco to reggae and rap. This is a popular live music venue with around 30 gigs each month.

Presenting many live shows a week, with daily after-work, mid-evening, and late-night gigs, plus an afternoon session on Saturdays, The Jazz Bar must be the hardest working gig venue in showbiz. While it's the jazz greats that keep the crowds coming, it also hosts other acts across the musical spectrum in this intimate space.

This is a well-established live music bar staging up to four bands during the week and as many as six on the weekends. Monday it hosts Edinburgh's longest-running open mic night, which has been going for over a decade. On Tuesdays, you'll see four fresh acts hoping to land themselves a regular gig at the bar.