Location: Old Town
Top Things to do in Old Town
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What to do and see in Old Town, Scotland: The Best Concerts & Shows
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.
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4. 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.
5. 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 .
6. 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.
7. Stramash
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 726 reviews
Stramash is a lively live music bar and late night diner open until 3am every night. Showcasing the best bands from across Scotland and all around the world. Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town in a converted church with a capacity of 900. Stramash also boasts the largest HD Screen in Scotland showing all top sports fixtures.
Reviewed By chrisreeves2017 - Weston super Mare, United Kingdom
When visiting Edinburgh we always make a bee line for Stramash, this is a great live music venue and always has a decent band playing regardless of which day you visit, I've always found the door staff pleasent and welcoming even though some times you have to queue to get in.
8. Scottish Storytelling Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
The Scottish Storytelling Centre is an award-winning public building designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, halfway along Edinburgh's Royal Mile.The Centre includes the historic John Knox House, 99-seat Netherbow Theatre and the George Mackay Brown Library, and is the headquarters of the Scottish Storytelling Network. Our light and airy Storytelling Court is open to the public, and includes a free child-friendly exhibition, Scotland's Stories, as well as a programme of temporary displays. Our book and gift shop, housed in John Knox House's traditional 'luckenbooths', stocks a range of storytelling books, CDs and resources. The Storytelling Cafe serves delicious homemade lunches, coffees and snacks, as well as wines and beers and a special children's menu. The Centre is a friendly and welcoming space for meeting friends, finding out about Scotland's rich story heritage and experiencing the magic of live stories. We look forward to your visit!
Reviewed By Sallydavies - Durham, United Kingdom
As grandparents with a very small boy and a large pushchair we were looking for a child friendly spot with decent food at a reasonable price and plenty of space. This was so good our toddler wanted to stay longer so I had to try the coffee as well as the tea- both great. Our carrot cake was generous and delicious. There was a large wooden floor to roll around on or play on with the basket of toys provided but the big hit was the storytelling wall. This had various hands on features about Scottish children's stories which fascinated children although some were too high for our toddler. If we ever find ourselves in Edinburgh again we would definitely return.
9. Assembly Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By hungryharold - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Attended what was possibly the best show of the Fringe '18, in the theatre at the Assembly Hall. A fantastic, relevant political satire with a very sexy bent. Lady Rizo has gritty, powerful vocal delivery honed with studied stagecraft, resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable experience for all. Don't miss her or a chance to visit the Assembly Hall in future Fringes.
10. Innis & Gunn Comedy Attic
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Edinburgh's only late-night comedy chow, showcasing lashings of unadulterated comedy mayhem to tickle the fancy of every twisted night owl. Each night follows a trusted formula: One hysterical MC plus three amazing acts and a couple of hours of booze-soaked laughter. What happens in the Attic stays in the Attic!
