Edinburgh skyline at dusk from Calton Hill with Dugald Stewart Monument, Balmoral clock

Gay Edinburgh

LGBTQ+ Edinburgh

Edinburgh blends historic streets with a modern LGBTQ+ scene that feels easy to navigate. The city is compact, so you can walk from its grand castle and cobbled closes straight to pubs, bars, and clubs within minutes. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with locals open to conversation and visitors quickly feeling at home.

Most of the city’s gay nightlife is centered around the Pink Triangle, a cluster of venues near the top of Leith Walk. Here you’ll find a mix of lively bars, drag shows, and clubs that stay open late. Edinburgh Pride adds extra sparkle in summer, filling the streets with music and color.

Beyond nightlife, the city offers a rich cultural backdrop: galleries, theaters, and striking architecture. Daytimes are for strolling the Royal Mile or relaxing in cafés, while evenings shift easily into socializing. It’s a city that balances culture with fun, making it ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Gay nightlife

Edinburgh has several gay bars, all located close to each other, in what they call the pink triangle. Many of these places are also open during the day and have a food menu.

In the weekend the bars are very busy. Also a lot of (str8) girls come to the bar, probably for a 'safe girls night out'.

Where to stay in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is walkable, so staying central makes exploring simple. The Old Town offers charm, with cobbled streets and historic hotels near the Royal Mile. Across the bridge, the New Town has stylish options with Georgian flair and easy access to shops and cafés. For nightlife, the area around Leith Walk is practical, keeping you close to the Pink Triangle’s bars and clubs.

Boutique hotels and guesthouses give character, while larger chains provide comfort and reliability. Wherever you stay, the city’s compact size means you’re never far from attractions, nightlife, and transport connections.

Hotel recommendations

Radisson Blu Hotel, Edinburgh
Radisson Blu Hotelgradegradegradegrade

230+ rooms

Radisson Blu

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Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburgh
Leonardo Royal Hotel Edinburghgradegradegradegrade

190+ rooms

Leonardo Hotels

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hotel Fraser Suites Edinburgh
Fraser Suites Edinburghgradegradegradegrade

70+ rooms

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hotel Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh City Centre by IHGgradegradegrade

180+ rooms

Holiday Inn Express

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hotel ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Mile
ibis Edinburgh Centre South Bridge – Royal Milegradegradegrade

250+ rooms

ibis

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hotel Motel One Edinburgh-Princes
Motel One Edinburgh-Princesgradegradegrade

140+ rooms

Motel One

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pets allowed
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hotel ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Square
ibis Styles Edinburgh St Andrew Squaregradegradegrade

90+ rooms

ibis Styles

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hotel Motel One Edinburgh-Royal
Motel One Edinburgh-Royalgradegradegrade

160+ rooms

Motel One

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Edinburgh gay bars and clubs

CC Blooms

CC Blooms is one of the main gay venues in Edinburgh. It's a large place, and open all day for food, dinner and drinks. At night at turns into a bar and nightclub.

In the weekend it can be packed. Including many young female visitors doing a "safe night out". Fortunately in the weekend the club in the basement is open which is more gay. There is limited internet reception  downstairs, which probably makes it less interesting for the girls night out with their instagrams ;-)

In the basement you can also find a coat check. The venue has security guards outside. If you look young make sure to bring ID for checks.

place
23-24 Greenside Pl, pink triangle, Edinburgh
schedule
Hoursarrow_drop_down
  • mon - thu
    11:00 - 05:00
  • fri
    13:00 - 05:00
  • sat - sun
    11:00 - 05:00
Hours may vary.

Planet Bar

The Planet Bar is one of the more campy gay bars in the pink triangle. 

It opens early in the afternoon, but closes more early than the other bars in the area.

place
6 Baxter's Pl, Edinburgh
schedule
Hoursarrow_drop_down
  • mon - thu
    15:00 - 01:00
  • fri - sat
    13:00 - 03:00
  • sun
    15:00 - 01:00
Hours may vary.

The Regent Bar

The Regent Bar is a relaxed gay bar, with a home atmosphere. Serving drinks and food.

place
2 Montrose Terrace, pink triangle, Edinburgh
schedule
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  • mon - sun
    16:00 - 00:00
Hours may vary.
Hotels

Map of hotels in Edinburgh

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