Live Music Bars in Edinburgh (2024)

You don’t need to look far to find a fantastic array of live music in Edinburgh. On any given night of the week a variety of music is performed in the city’s pubs and bars.

Ideal for those who prefer their music on a smaller, more intimate level, these bars pride themselves on hosting established artists as well as shining a light on up-and-coming talent.

Combining great music with good food and drink in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, have a look at our top live music bars for a night of fun and friendly entertainment…..

A pioneer of the Scottish folk music scene,Sandy Bell’shas been attracting musicians, writers and poets since the 1920’s – Barbara Dickson, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty have all dropped by for an impromptu performance. If the walls ofThe Royal Oakcould speak, they would certainly have a tale to tell – this 200 year old pub has been at the heart of the Scottish folk music scene since the 1960s. Pop along to hear live music every night, with piano, guitar and other instruments free to use, if you want to join in.

Popular with locals and visitors alike, bothThe Captain’s BarandThe Black Catoffer lively folk music performances, as well as a good selection of craft beer to sip while you enjoy the lively tunes.

For family-friendly music taverns,The Ensign EwartandThe Fiddler’s Armsare worth visiting, the latter of which also has a tasty food menu with a firm emphasis on Scottish dining. If you want to feed your eyes, as well as your ears, be sure to pay a visit to TheVoodoo Rooms. This ornate bar was originally intended to be a gas appliance showroom before it became a hotel and then The Cafe Royal Bistro Bar. Today, the building’s original features have been restored to their former glory and it’s a popular city centre venue showcasing leading Scottish folk singers.

What was once a mission hall before being converted into a pub in 1800, the Auld Hundred is one of Rose Street’s oldest pubs. Admire their epic whisky selection, before taking your seat and enjoying live music evening performances, which run every Thursday to Monday. Or if you fancy yourself as a budding musician, why not put your skills to the test with their regular Sunday Open Mic night.

Biddy Mulligans, locatedin the Grassmarket, is one of Edinburgh’s most popular traditional bars. Not only do they provide live music every night, but it’s a great spot to watch live sports on large screens. Fill up with their delicious food, washed down with an Irish ale. Head to the Cowgate area and you’ll come acrossDropkick Murphys. Offering live music 7 days a week, itresounds with the uplifting sounds of Irish folk music. Be sure to order a pint of the black stuff to truly appreciate the jigs and reels.

Or indulge your literary side in the Victoria Street bar named after Irish writer James Joyce’s novel,Finnegan’s Wake. Live music till late can be found at this lively Irish themed bar each night, and it’s extensive whisky selection takes some beating.

If you’re in the mood for musical entertainment and open to any genre, you won’t struggle to find a bar in the city playing a variety of crowd-pleasing music.

Open 6 nights a week,Bannermansfeatures everything from traditional folk through to hard metal, whileGeorge IV Baris the place to be for live music ranging from folk and ceilidh to Motown and indie. Music is a big deal atFootlights Bar & Grillwith open mic nights every second Thursday. If blues music is your thing, be sure to hot foot it toThe Scotman’s Loungeevery Monday night.

Not much has changed inThe Royal Mile Tavernover the years, and it’s all the better for it – decked out in retro wood panelling and vintage mirrors it’s a cosy place to hear a selection of live music featuring local musicians. If the sounds and look of the 50s are more your thing, then don’t missThe Rat Pack Piano Barwhere you can experience live piano and jazz every night. Or head to Leith’s shore and you’ll findThe Shore Bar & Restaurant,an 18^thcentury inn complete with open fires and more than just a hint of jazz in the air.

Part of Edinburgh’s College of Art,The Wee Red Baris so much more than a student bar. Yes, the drinks are ridiculously cheap, but the venue’s unique sound system attracts an in the know crowd keen to see up-and-coming bands.

Hosting live music, open nights and dance events,Banshee Labyrinthis a maze of three unique bars, underground dancefloor and cinema – and it’s also regarded as Edinburgh’s most haunted pub! For something less scary, if you fancy testing your vocal talents on Edinburgh’s patrons, Monday is Open Mic Night atWhistle Binkies,the longest running open mic night in the city.

For soaring acoustics, head toStramash– housed in a converted church this massive bar has a huge stage with dance floor and a cosy bar and seating area downstairs. Open until 3am daily, it showcases some of the best up and coming bands from Scotland and beyond.

Enjoy a feast for your ears and eyes atSuperico Bar and Lounge– this 19th century Georgian building and former banking hall is a ‘fiesta for the eyes’, having been transformed into a Chilean-inspired, sun-drenched party palace complete with state-of-the-art sound system and DJ sessions.