Edinburgh Guide for Tourist
ENTERTAINMENT
The summer sees an especially joyful string of events music in the gardens, plays and films, and ceilidhs even before the Festival comes to town. In winter, shorter days and the crush of students promote a flourishing nightlife. For the most up-to-date info on what’s going on, check out The List (£2.20), a comprehensive bi-weekly guide to events, available from any local newsstand.
THEATER, FILM, AND MUSIC. The Festival Theatre, 13-29 Nicholson St. stages ballet and opera, while the affiliated King’s Theatre, 2 Leven St. hosts comedy, drama, musicals, and opera Tickets range from £8 matinees to £52 operas. ( 529 6000. Box office open M-Sa 10am-6pm.) The Stand Comedy Club, 5 York PL, has nightly acts. ( 558 7272. Tickets £1-8.) The Filmhouse, 88 Lothian Rd. offers quality European, arthouse, and Hollywood cinema. ( 228 2688. Tickets £3.50-5.50.) Thanks to an abundance of students, Edinburgh’s live music scene is alive and well. For a run-down of upcoming acts, look to The List. Free live jazz can be found at Henry’s Jazz Bar, 8 Morrison St. (Open W-Su 8pm-3am. £5.) The Venue, 15 Calton Rd. (557 3073), and The Liquid Room, 9c Victoria St. (225 2528), often host rock and progressive shows. Whistle Binkie’s, 4-6 South Bridge, off High St. is a subterranean pub with live music most nights. (Open daily until 3am.)
SCOTLAND NIGHTLIFE PUBS
Edinburgh claims to have the highest density of pubs anywhere in Europe. Pubs directly on the Royal Mile usually attract a mixed crowd, while students tend to loiter in the Old Town just to the south.
El The Tron, 9 Hunter Sq. behind the Tron Kirk. Wildly popular for its incredible deals. Frequent live music on 3 hopping floors. Students and hostelers get £1 drinks on W nights. A mix of alcoves and pool tables can be found downstairs. Open daily ll:30am-lam.
The Globe, 13 Niddry St. This backpacker’s abode is recommended up and down the Royal Mile. A great place to relax and meet fellow travelers. Hosts DJs and karaoke. Open Su-Th 4pm-lam, F-Sa noon-lam.
Finnegan’s Wake, 9b Victoria St. Promotes the Irish way with several stouts on tap and live Irish music every weekend. Open daily lpm-lam.
The Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate. Loads of space for dancing, drinking, and socializing. Three themed bars (Irish, Gothic, and Style) and an outdoor beer garden draw a boisterous, young crowd. Open daily 9am-lam.
Pop Rokit, corner of Broughton St. and Picardy PI. More London-chic than Edinburgh-cozy, this trendy bar is a favorite pre-club hangout. Open daily llam-lam.
The Abbotsford, 3 Rose St. The most authentic of the Rose St. pubs. Built in 1902, it retains the era’s elegant ambience with a central and ornate wooden bar. Popular with locals. Open daily llam-llpm.
