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Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of the best cities to live in if you are a music lover. The city’s association with music dates to the 18th century, when the Musical Society of Edinburgh was formed in 1728. The city also hosts the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, which is also the biggest music festival in the world.
Edinburgh also features iconic venues like the Usher Hall and a thriving year-round live scene. Therefore, in this blog, we shall discuss what the nightlife in Edinburgh looks like for students. We’ll also cover some of the best bars, clubs and events that students living in Edinburgh must not miss.
Best Bars in Edinburgh for Students
The Bars in Edinburgh are some of the best in England and are known for their good food and vibes. Let’s have a look at some of the best bars in Edinburgh for students.
Sandy Bell’s
Sandy Bell’s is one of the most iconic Scottish pubs in Edinburgh and is heaven for people who love Scottish Folk music. This bar is famous for conducting energetic live folk music sessions with a hint of trance almost every night! Sandy Bell’s has a strong connection to the Scottish folk revival and has an excellent collection of cask ales and malt whiskies. The environment of the place is quite cosy and is a popular spot among locals and students alike.
The Last Drop
The next bar on our list is The Last Drop. Located at a former execution site in Grassmarket, the place has an old school vibe with a deep-rooted history underneath! The Last Drop is a traditional Scottish pub with a warm and classic interior. They are popular for their outdoor seating during the warmer summer months, and people absolutely love the vibe of this place. They have a wide range of beers, ales and whiskies and is loved by both, students and locals.
Brewhemia
Brewhemia is a comparatively large and lively venue near Market Street in Edinburgh. Brewhemia is one of the most famous bars in Edinburgh and is known for combining good food with soul-wrenching drinks and live music. They regularly host live performances across multiple genres; New Day, New Music! Brewhemia is popular for its themed nights and social gatherings. For the people who love socialising, Brewhemia is your place. This bar has a modern atmosphere with a strong focus on entertainment. If you come to Brewhemia alone, I bet you won’t be bored.
The Jazz Bar
The Jazz Bar is an intimate underground venue that has to be on your list of top bars in Edinburgh. They specialise in live jazz music and are known for their late-night performances. The place has a relaxed interior and candlelight to light up your stressful day after college! The Jazz Bar has a strong music-focused crowd and is popular among students and live music lovers. The Jazz Bar is a key part of the nightlife in Edinburgh!
Best Clubs in Edinburgh for Students
The clubbing scene in Edinburgh is pretty insane and is just never-ending. You can club hop at least 2-3 clubs in one single night and enjoy the best out of the most! Let’s see what clubs in Edinburgh bring in for students!
Hive Club
Hive Club is one of the oldest and longest-running nightclubs in Edinburgh and is extremely popular among students due to its proximity to student rooms Edinburgh. It is also known for its affordable entry and pocket-friendly drinks that it has to offer. Hive Club suits every genre of music; they play a mix of commercial hits, EDM, and themed nights. It opens late at night and is an ideal spot for some spontaneous night outs. The energy of the place is extreme and is made for people who love a fast-paced party atmosphere.
The Bongo Club
The Bongo Club is an underground club located in Cowgate that focuses mainly on electronic and alternative music genres. It is a popular spot among students and regularly hosts DJ nights, cultural events, and themed club nights. The drinks do not drain your pocket, and the food is to die for! The Bongo Club attracts a music-driven and creative crowd and is known for its unique, non-mainstream vibe.
Why Not Nightclub
Located on George Street, the Why Not Nightclub is one of the finest clubs in Edinburgh. The location focuses on a large dance floor with some advanced LED lighting to cater to the demands of the hundreds of drunkards who stomp into the club every night. This club plays a mix of hip-hop, R&B, house and some commercial music as well and trust me; this is not the best part yet! The club has VIP areas for exclusive guests and outdoor spaces as well. It is a popular spot for group celebrations and weekend parties.
Safety & Tips for Students Enjoying Edinburgh Nightlife
Although the Scottish capital is one of the safest cities in the country, you never know what you will do after getting a little tipsy. If you are with your friends, peer pressure might force you to have a couple more beers. Therefore, it is advised that students take care of themselves and follow some guidelines for their betterment:
- Know your limits! Do not say YES to every drink that is offered to you.
- Do not accept drinks from strangers. You never know when it was spiked.
- Always carry some spare cash for an Uber back home. Do not spend all your money on drinks so you have to walk back to your home.
- Some places offer student discounts. Don’t forget to carry your student ID and drink responsibly!
Conclusion
The nightlife in Edinburgh is very different from the rest of the UK. It is more on a softer yet energetic side. Edinburgh is also one of the safest cities in the British Isles, and therefore, students absolutely love clubs in the city. Several public transit systems keep running at night to help people reach their homes. Also, not to forget, all of the major clubs and bars in the city are located at proximity from student accommodation in Edinburgh, and therefore, students face no problem even in leaving late at night.
