As a city of festivals, the Scottish capital comes alive at night. While many of these free activities in Edinburgh are seasonal, there are year-round opportunities to experience the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere.
Edinburgh nightlife is not all whisky and pub crawls, though there is much of that. The capital has various active outdoor activities for starlit souls.
Give your inner night owl wings! Browse the Big Bus guide to free things to do in the evening when you visit Edinburgh.
Edinburgh’s Fun Things To Do at Night for Free
The capital has many free attractions and activities. However, many, such as The Writer’s Museum, People’s Story Museum and Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, are only open during the day.
Luckily, a night in Edinburgh offers other adventures that won’t flatten your wallet.
Discover our list of fun, free things to do at night in the beautiful capital city.
Gratis Thrills at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe
During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, over 3,500 shows take the stage, with more than 400 offering free admission. Another 600+ events operating on a ‘pay-what-you-want/can’ basis.
Though accommodation costs spike during Edinburgh’s festival-packed August, the Fringe opens doors for frugal travellers. You can potentially experience world-class comedy, theatre, music and performance art from entertainers on the brink of their big break.
The burst of creative energy is not limited to the stage, you can enjoy Edinburgh’s streets at their most vibrant. Daily life blends with celebration, as buskers, street performers and artists from around the world animate the Royal Mile. Music, dance, laughter, and applause echo through the city, creating a magical atmosphere.
Celebrate the Holiday Cheer at the East Princes Street Gardens
From November to early January, East Princes Street Gardens is decked with yuletide joy. The space transforms into the heart of Christmas in Edinburgh. A traditional market fills the gardens with twinkling lights, delicious food, and handcrafted gifts.
Entry is free, and you can wander through the stalls at your own pace. Most nights, the market stays open until 10 p.m. There’s plenty to enjoy, from mulled wine and sweet treats to unique presents and seasonal live music. With the LNER Big Wheel joining the Scott Monument in Edinburgh’s skyline, finding your way back to the market is easy. Just look up!
Chase the Sunset up Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat
Begin your evening with a relaxing stroll up one of Edinburgh’s extinct volcano peaks, Arthur’s Seat or Calton Hill. Located in Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat offers the more strenuous climb, while Calton Hill provides an accessible route for visitors of all abilities.
Both summits deliver the perfect vantage point for watching the sunset or catching the sunrise, in case your night took an unexpected turn. From either peak, you’ll enjoy sweeping vistas across Edinburgh’s historic skyline, with Edinburgh Castle dramatically illuminated against the evening sky.
Stroll down the Royal Mile & Victoria Street in Old Town
While the Royal Mile connects two ticketed royal sites, Edinburgh Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, walking the mile itself is free. Along the way, you’ll discover centuries-old stores, charming shops, street performers and layers of history etched into every stone.
Just off the Royal Mile, take a turn onto Victoria Street, often cited as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. Lined with quirky boutiques, inviting cafés, traditional pubs and roof terrace bars, the curved thoroughfare winds down gracefully into the lively Grassmarket Square. In the historic square, local culture and historic charm collide in full view of the castle above.
Pub Crawl
For an Old Town pub crawl, head over to Grassmarket, where cobblestone charm meets vibrant nightlife and pubs named for local legends and events.
The Last Drop takes its name from a darker chapter in Edinburgh’s past, the Grassmarket was once one of the city’s main sites for public hangings. Yet despite the grim inspiration, The Last Drop is far from gloomy. Its warm red facade creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Just off Grassmarket, resist rubbing the nose of Greyfriars Bobby statue and instead have a tipple at the pub a few steps away bearing its name. Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar is open until midnight most nights, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it stays open until 1 a.m. to accommodate the after-hours crew.
Chills without the Bills
The Scottish capital offers plenty of ways to get your supernatural fix without haunting your budget.
Join a Free Ghost Tour
City Explorers, easily spotted by their distinctive yellow umbrellas in all weather conditions, run a daily ghost tour that kicks off outside a Royal Mile bar. Over an hour and a half, this free walking tour delves into Edinburgh’s darkest tales.
Be introduced to the “real” Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and the city’s notorious witch trials that once terrorised its streets. While free, tips and donations are encouraged.
Wander Among the Dead at Greyfriars Kirkyard
Pay your respects at Greyfriars Kirkyard, considered one of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations. The atmospheric graveyard is a chilling glimpse into Edinburgh’s past, where the line between legend and truth grows thin. Remember a torch or headlight if you don’t want to light your way with a cellphone!
Drink Among the Spirits
Billed as “Scotland’s most haunted bar” by its owners, the Banshee Labyrinth sprawls across several underground vaults beneath the city. True to its name, this venue winds through a maze of three distinct bar areas, plus a stage and cinema.
Catch free alternative music at open mic nights in this delightfully kooky-spooky vibe. Alternatively, join karaoke nights or ticketed events that span every flavour of entertainment.
Enjoy a Quiet Night Out on the Town
Missed the Edinburgh International Book Festival? You can still celebrate the spirit of the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature in plenty of other ways.
Central Library
Located in a dramatic Victorian building, the Central Library has late hours and a wealth of reading material to fill the time. They offer regular reading groups for adults, teens, and big kids between the ages of eight and 11.
But it’s not all shushing. The venue frequently hosts free live music for those fortunate enough to snag their complimentary ticket.
Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Late Night Bookshops
These are some of our favourite bookshops to get lost in.
- Lighthouse – Edinburgh’s Radical Bookshop: An independent gem, the Lighthouse is a welcoming space filled with volumes on progressive thought and ideas. The bookshop is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- The Portobello Bookshop: A short stroll from Portobello Beach, this indie bookseller stocks incredible first editions, signed books, and, of course, fun beach reads. They are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Waterstones: This cosy chain has several locations across Edinburgh, and the West End branch on Princes Street offers a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle. Most stores are open until 7 p.m., with some staying open as late as 8 p.m.
Twilight touchdown? Discover Auld Reekie’s nighttime charm as a budget traveler [“traveller”], starting with a £5 airport transfer!
FAQs — Things To Do in Edinburgh at Night for Free
Is Edinburgh safe to explore at night?
Edinburgh offers a relatively secure environment for nighttime exploration, though basic urban awareness remains important.
- Stick to well-lit main streets, such as those in New Town, Old Town and Leith, when walking alone late at night.
- Always have a trusted plan for getting home safely.
- Consider wearing comfortable shoes as there are many cobblestone streets throughout the city.
- Emergency situations: Call 999 for police, fire, or ambulance (available 24/7)
- Non-emergency police: Call 101 anywhere in Scotland
- Non-emergency health: Call NHS 24 at 111 anywhere in Scotland
What can I do in Edinburgh on a budget?
While some of the best things in Edinburgh are free, it’s worthwhile to budget for some spoils.
- Fine Dining: Follow the fairy lights down the alley beside John Knox House for Monteith. It’s a fine dining experience with the soul of a gastropub. Open until late, you can relish the inspired cocktail menu and vast whiskey list.
- Museum Lates: Although free during daylight hours, the National Museum of Scotland has regular Museum Lates. The festivities of the event change, but expect everything from live music, traditional dance and Scottish art exhibitions at this supreme national museum.
- Rooftop bars: As a shopping centre, St James Quarter might not be to everyone’s taste while travelling, but the rooftop bar is worth it. The space has exquisite views of Calton Hill and over Leith.
What transportation options are available for late-night travel in Edinburgh?
Getting around Edinburgh after hours is manageable with several transport options, though schedules become more limited.
- Buses: Run 24/7 on selected routes with reduced frequency after midnight
- Airport transfers: Bright Bus Tours’ Airport Express runs until 9 p.m. from Edinburgh Airport and 9:30 p.m. from Waverley Bridge
- Taxis: Available around the clock
- Trams: Typically run until approximately 11 p.m. (varies by route and station)
What are the key laws I should be aware of in Scotland?
Understanding local regulations helps ensure your visit remains trouble-free and enjoyable.
- The legal drinking age is 18
- The legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco is 18
- Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public spaces (bars, offices, university buildings)
- Carrying illegal drugs or substances is strictly forbidden
- Weapons of any kind are illegal to carry, including knives and pepper spray
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Big Bus Tours: See Edinburgh’s Lights from the Best Seat
Big Bus Tours will be there for you when your flights hit the runway after dark. Our reliable Airport Express transfer service runs from the city centre to the Edinburgh Airport every 15 minutes during peak times.
Experience all the free things to do in Edinburgh at night and keep your finances tight from the moment you land. Buy Edinburgh Airport Transfers to the city centre at £5 single and £7 return.