Edinburgh

Edinburgh is home to Scotland’s small but refined scene. Between the Old Town and the New Town lies the so-called “Pink Triangle” – and in August the Fringe festival turns the whole city into a stage.

The “Pink Triangle” around Broughton Street

Most venues are located around Picardy Place, Broughton Street and Leith Walk. CC Blooms is one of Scotland’s oldest gay venues, with a dance floor and karaoke, Planet Bar offers drag and cheap drinks, and The Street is a bar and bistro in one. If you prefer things quiet, Regent Bar is a pub with real ale and no loud music.

When to go?

  • June – Pride Edinburgh: March through the city centre followed by celebrations.
  • August – Edinburgh Festival Fringe: the world’s largest arts festival, with plenty of queer shows and comedy.

Our favourites

  • CC Blooms – an institution for late evenings.
  • Regent Bar – for a pint and good conversation.

Tours & activities in Edinburgh

See all tours and activities in Edinburgh on GetYourGuide

Advertisement: these links lead to GetYourGuide. If you book, we earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you.

Practical tips

  • In August accommodation is scarce and expensive – book early.
  • The Pink Triangle lies between Waverley station and Leith Walk – everything is within walking distance.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organisers each year.

Map

To show the map, map data is loaded from OpenStreetMap. Your IP address will be sent to the OpenStreetMap Foundation.

Places in Edinburgh

Nightlife

ClubCC BloomsBar and club · Edinburgh Pink TriangleAn institution of Edinburgh's scene since 1994: CC Blooms next to the Playhouse Theatre is a bar with a kitchen by day…BarPlanet BarEdinburgh Pink TriangleKaraoke, drag and DJs every night: Planet Bar on Baxter's Place is a relaxed, long-standing dance bar in the Pink Triangle, Edinburgh's…PubRegent BarEdinburgh AbbeyhillReal ale, sofas and peace away from the tourist crowds: the Regent Bar in Abbeyhill is a cosy gay pub listed in…BarThe StreetEdinburgh Pink TriangleBig windows, a view of Picardy Place and a club in the basement: The Street at the top of Broughton Street is…

Wellness

SaunaSteamworksGay sauna · Edinburgh BroughtonEdinburgh's only gay sauna, in a side lane in the Broughton area. Men only, open seven days a week.

Stay

GuesthouseAlva HouseEdinburgh AbbeyhillAlva House is a small, gay-run guesthouse on a quiet side street between Easter Road and Abbeyhill. The Regent Bar is around…GuesthouseCastle Park Guest HouseEdinburgh TollcrossElegant small guesthouse in a Victorian townhouse south-west of the Old Town: Castle Park Guest House is run by Ian and David…HotelParliament House HotelEdinburgh Calton HillParliament House is a three-star hotel in Georgian townhouses at the foot of Calton Hill, between Princes Street and the Pink Triangle.…HotelThe GlasshouseEdinburgh Pink TriangleThe Glasshouse is a boutique hotel behind the historic facade of a former church on Greenside Place, with a roof garden and…

FAQ: Edinburgh

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Edinburgh?

The Atlas currently lists 4 bars and clubs in Edinburgh, including The Street, Regent Bar, Planet Bar and CC Blooms. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Edinburgh?

Yes, for example Steamworks.

Which gay-friendly hotels are there in Edinburgh?

Recommended options include Alva House, Castle Park Guest House, Parliament House Hotel and The Glasshouse.