Edinburgh · Nightlife

Small folk pub on Forrest Road with traditional music most nights, no stage and no cover charge. Get there early, it fills fast.

Narrow West Bow pub open noon to midnight daily, heavy on cask ale and malt whisky. No music, and standing room only after about 8pm.

Cocktail bar hidden behind a mock barber shop on Queen Street, opened in 2013 by bartender Iain McPherson. Book ahead at weekends.

Tiny Cowgate club running gigs and club nights seven nights a week. Tickets sell online in advance and the room fills quickly.

Basement comedy club near York Place running stand up most nights of the week. Weeknight bills are cheap, weekends sell out early.