Edinburgh scotland gay bars

Restaurants and Cafes
7. Rooms are equipped with plush box-spring beds, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and sleek bathrooms. Keep an eye on local listings for one-off events, pop-up parties, and specific club nights that cater to the queer community. For more detailed advice, our Edinburgh club dress codesguide can offer insights.

This smaller bar has a warm, inviting atmosphere and is perfect for catching up with friends or meeting new people.

Dates: 2026 to be announced. You can base yourself in the centre and reach most nightlife in minutes, then spend your days on the Royal Mile, the museums, and long hill walks with big views. As the name suggests, it serves up the best of local Scottish fare, including Cullen skink (a hearty smoked haddock, potato, and onion soup), Aberdeen butteries with haggis (rich pastries filled with spiced offal), and a tangy rhubarb trifle.

The walk to the top is manageable for most fitness levels and takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on your chosen trail. The Pride March typically begins at the Scottish Parliament, at the foot of the Royal Mile, and proceeds all the way to Bristo Square, home to the festival village. Some rooms boast views of Calton Hill or the city skyline.

Book tour →

The Royal Mile – Stretching from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile cuts through the heart of the Old Town like a spine of stone and story. It’s a place for great drinks and a unique ambiance. Planning your evening effectively can enhance your experience significantly. For general tips on navigating the city's entertainment, check out our Edinburgh party areas guide.

Visitors can explore the opulent State Apartments, the historic chambers of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the romantic ruins of Holyrood Abbey, all surrounded by beautiful gardens with an abbey outside. Co-founded by Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kitchin and Dominic Jack, it has earned acclaim since opening in 2013 for its modern takes on traditional Scottish dishes, securing a Michelin Bib Gourmand for quality and value.

In addition to being a cultural space that hosts art exhibitions and community events in its basement, it offers great vegan-friendly food (especially the pasties) and a selection of hot and cold drinks—try the salted caramel hot chocolate. Head off Princes Street, follow the winding road, which is known as Leith Street, and you’ll be right in the mix of the “Pink Triangle.” If coming by the tram, take the St.

Andrews Square stop for the closest drop-off. 

Start off at CC Blooms, which is the mainstay of the gay venues in the area, and is steady during the week and usually packed on the weekends. Edinburgh’s got history in spades, and you’ll want to visit its majestic medieval palaces!

Discovering Edinburgh's LGBTQ+ Scene

Edinburgh's gay scene is primarily concentrated around the 'Pink Triangle' area, specifically along Broughton Street and its surrounding lanes.

Some venues like CC Blooms often feature DJ sets and themed nights, while others like Café Habana might lean into specific genres or throwback tunes. It’s a great place to stay to make friends – especially for backpackers – as they run nightly pub crawls, quiz nights, live music, and have a bar with a vintage VW van inside.