Location: Edinburgh
Top Things to do in Edinburgh
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10 Concerts & Shows in Edinburgh That You Shouldn't Miss
Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, renowned for its heritage, culture and festivals.
Take a long walk around the centre to explore the World Heritage Sites of the Old Town and New Town, as well as all the area’s museums and galleries. Then stop for a delicious meal made from fresh Scottish produce before heading out to take in one of Edinburgh’s many events — including the famous summer festivals of culture, or the Winter Festivals of music, light and ceilidhs.
Restaurants in Edinburgh
1. Monkey Barrel Comedy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 305 reviews
Edinburgh's best rated Comedy Club. #1 in Edinburgh for Bars & Clubs and Concerts & Shows on TripAdvisor. 5 Edinburgh Comedy Awards nominees since 2017. 3 time Scottish Comedy Award winner. Open 7 nights a week. See monkeybarrelcomedy.com for more details.
Reviewed By Jesshoggy
Went to an open mic night on a Monday night with low expectations really & we didn’t stop laughing! Service at the bar was great, all the acts were funny and the host (think her name was Amy Matthews) smashed it, although we both said we would’ve liked to have seen more of her. All in all was a great night and I would highly recommend!
2. Traverse Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
The Traverse is Scotland’s new writing theatre. Formed in 1963 by a group of passionate theatre enthusiasts, the Traverse was founded to extend the spirit of the Edinburgh festivals throughout the year. Today, under Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin, the Traverse nurtures emerging talent, produces award-winning new plays and offers a curated programme of the best work from the UK and beyond, spanning theatre, dance, performance, music and spoken word. The Traverse has launched the careers of some of the UK’s most celebrated writers – David Greig, David Harrower and Zinnie Harris – and continues to discover and support new voices – Stef Smith, Morna Pearson, Gary McNair and Rob Drummond. With two custom-built and versatile theatre spaces, the Traverse’s home in Edinburgh’s city centre is a powerhouse of vibrant new work for, and of, our time. Every August, it holds an iconic status as the theatrical heart of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Outside the theatre walls, it runs an extensive engagement programme, offering audiences of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to explore, create and develop. Further afield, the Traverse frequently tours internationally and engages in exchanges and partnerships – most recently in Quebec, New Zealand and South Korea.
3. Festival Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
If you like a little added sparkle with your live entertainment then the prestigious Festival Theatre is the place for you. Built in 1994, the impressive glass facade imposes a sense of occasion as you enter the sleek and contemporary foyer spaces. Enjoy a drink in our spacious bars and take in the insipring views across to Arthur's Seat - but don't let the modern entrance fool you - the traditional 1915-seat auditorium, with its sumptuous decor and lavish fittings, has all the grandeur and splendour you need for a truly special theatrical experience.Designed as Scotland's premier dance and opera house in 1994, the stage is the largest in Scotland, providing the perfect platform for world-class contemporary dance and ballet, and excellent acoustics make it a number one venue for opera, musicals and concerts. The Festival Theatre continues to provide the best programme of dance and opera in the country, as well as a variety of world-class productions across all artforms. Home to the International Festival in the summer, and Christmas shows in winter, you'll find unmissable entertainment here all year round.
Reviewed By OriginalJim9357
The Theatre Clean, bright, well organised with no problems my first visit seat at Les Mis was in the stalls and my second was in the upper circle which gave me a superb view of what was going on at the back of the stage. good venue. Les Mis Great energy from the cast and solid performances throughout and for me, Javert and Valjean were the stand outs. I didn't think Madame Thernardier's voice had the commanding presence that it requires but don't get me wrong Sophie-Louise Dann has a superb voice .... maybe it was the way she was directed .... or just me? Although I like this production and the way background graphics was used in particular, when Valjean was rescuing Marius through the sewers .... I think it should be kept for tours only. The revolving stage from the original production gives an opportunity for changing the audience perspective with a simple half turn e.g. the barricade swinging round to reveal Enjorlas and Gavroche post battle. All in all though am just delighted to have been able to go watch Les Mis a mere 45 minutes from my home. :)
4. Edinburgh Experience
5. Magdalen Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
I spotted this chapel as I walked down Cowgate towards the Grassmarket. I am really glad that I noticed it and it was open to visitors. The Magdalen Chapel is a 16th century chapel located almost beneath the George IV bridge in the Cowgate in the Old Town of Edinburgh. The chapel was built between 1541 and 1544. It was bequeathed by Michael MacQueen and also his wife Janet Rynd who is buried within. A semi-circular wooden platform was installed at the east end around 1615 and the layout of the Chapel was altered. The tower and spire were added about 1620. The stained glass in the middle window of the south wall features the Royal Arms of Scotland and the Arms of Mary of Guise. It is the only intact pre-Reformation stained glass window in Scotland. The Victorian façade obscures the ancient stonework. An inscription over the door reads 'He that hath pity upon the poore lendeth unto the Lord and the Lord will recompence him that which he hath given''. Architects Simpson and Brown undertook a major restoration programme in 1992/93. It is now the headquarters of the Scottish Reformation Society. A small but really interesting chapel worth seeing.
6. The Edinburgh Dungeon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,745 reviews
The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history; a unique, award-winning visitor attraction that brings together an professional cast of theatrical actors, special effects, 360 degree sets and thrilling rides in a truly unique and immersive walk-through experience. Shows are based on real Scottish history, minus the boring bits!
Reviewed By F9857YLpatrickh
Great fun, the actors and actresses in their old Scottish accents were so authentic, the setting is very good and the props just amazing, great family fun, pre book beforehand .
7. The Jazz Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By R2839NB_ - Athens, Greece
Very friendly and cozy atmosphere in a nice place with good jazz performers and drinks at reasonable prices.
8. Dominion Cinema
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By Q9675HFbarbarab - Dalkeith, United Kingdom
Went to see 1917 - great film btw. It’s like sitting in a huge comfortable lounge. Chairs and sofas are brilliant and the Art Deco building takes you back to the real cinema experience. The staff dressed smartly in black and white are polite and helpful. All in all this is a classy place to take a date. Perfect! Only draw back is because of the building design it is not suitable for severely disabled people or wheelchairs.
9. The Lyceum Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By ContentsMayDiffer - Rosyth, United Kingdom
Superb show with emotive performances from the whole car. Some delightful contemporary nods as well a few Edinburghcentric Easter eggs. Ebeneezer. Scroggie would approve. Particular kudos for the puppeteers. A joyful experience in a glorious theatre.
10. The Lion King Playhouse Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 106harrietf
Had lunch in the The Boards, Bistro - good food but the choice is not huge. Then on to the performance. From the ladies in the gift store who were so helpful, friendly and so patient, thank you. The woman who played Raffiki blew me away, she was incredible. The cast over all were fantastic I was blown away by you all. The singing in the cast was superb and so were the orchestra and percussion guys. Thank you for an amazing experience. It would be lovely if people who go to the theatre to see a one off show stop moaning about the seating, the Playhouse is an old building, built in 1929 and was initially a cinema. It seats just over 3000 people. Theatres are notoriously uncomfortable and hot. If you can't deal with a bit of heat and uncomfortable seating - don't go! It makes me cross when you were there to see the show and the artistry of the performers and musicians and with such an amazing performance, get over yourselves! Thank you to everyone at the Theatre. Thank you to an amazing cast and amazing musicians.
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