Your guide to the best Edinburgh gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Edinburgh is Scotland's heart and soul, where charm meets a fabulous LGBTQ+ scene! This city isn't just about bagpipes and haggis; it's a canvas of Gothic spires, some of the best gay bars, and an open-hearted spirit that embraces diversity with a kilted swagger.

Our Edinburgh LGBTQ+ Travel Guide Top Picks

For all things queer and gay in Edinburgh, head out to the gayborhood known affectionately as the “Pink Triangle,” which is the pulsing heart of Edinburgh’s LGBTQ+ scene. Head off Princes Street, follow the winding road, which is known as Leith Street, and you’ll be right in the mix of the “Pink Triangle.” If coming by the tram, take the St. Andrews Square stop for the closest drop-off. 

Start off at CC Blooms, which is the mainstay of the gay venues in the area, and is steady during the week and usually packed on the weekends. Just a quick walk away, you can also hit some of the smaller gay bars to see what fancies your taste, such as Planet Bar, which boasts, it is “the longest-running gay bar in the city,” and The Street featuring 2 floors for dancing and mingling, plus is one of the more popular places on the weekend for you dance lovers. When you are ready to fill up those stomachs, we recommend trying out Tigerlily, known for its amazing floral arrangements and some of the finest Scottish recipes and seasonal dishes served by award-winning chefs. For you herbivores, we recommend trying out Paradise Palms, which is a plant-based restaurant and even has vegan cocktails! For you adventurous folk, Steamworks is the gay sauna in Edinburgh that you will want to try out for those more intimate interactions. In need of resources while in town? Stop into the LGBT Health and Wellbeing Center for support services, trans resources, and other programs to help bolster the community. 

For a little side note of LGBTQ+ history, walk to Calton Hill, which was formerly a meeting place for gay and bisexual men, (and dotted with Greek-styled monuments!), so it’s worth a walk for anyone interested in official and not-so-official histories of gay Edinburgh.

In the summertime, the city’s impressive festival season rolls out, with the Edinburgh International Festival and its eclectic offshoot, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, perennial crowd-pleasers in August. You will find amazing arts and crafts available and incredible acts from a diverse range of world-class street entertainers. August wraps with the Edinburgh International Film Festival where you can experience LGBTQ+-themed films from the UK and abroad.

And the prized event of the year in town is Pride Edinburgh, held in late June or early July, welcomes the entire city, and even all of Scotland, to join the celebration with over 30,000 pride-goers. Since starting in 1994, Pride Edinburgh has grown exponentially! There is a main stage with international and local performances and DJs, plus tons of vendors to do some shopping and maybe meet some new mates.

Little later in the year for you lovers of hair and bears, make sure to plan a trip around BearScotFest for one of the biggest bear events in the UK, with tons of theme parties and social events. Edinburgh's impressive, ongoing history welcomes you to join in on all these unique and festive experiences! 

Things To Do + See 

Don't miss a chance to sip a 'wee dram' of whisky at a traditional Scottish pub, where the only thing warmer than the welcome is the whisky itself!

Stroll into New Town and witness the grandeur of Georgian architecture. Its elegant streets are home to chic boutiques, galleries, and some of the city’s most fabulous dining experiences. Edinburgh’s got history in spades, and you’ll want to visit its majestic medieval palaces! South of Calton Hill, Old Town’s Royal Mile road links Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Edinburgh Castle has occupied the imposing Castle Rock overlooking Edinburgh since the 12th century, and it holds the crown jewels, called the Honours of Scotland. Follow Royal Mile east to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, now the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Holyroodhouse has a historical connection to Scotland’s Stuart monarchs, with exhibitions of their relics.

Scotland’s had monarchs and a culture all its own, and Edinburgh’s festival scene is just as unique. Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year celebration, is on December 31, and Edinburgh sees hundreds of thousands of revelers for all-night street parties.

Seeking solace? Visit the city's green spaces like Holyrood Park, where Arthur’s Seat offers panoramic views – a perfect selfie spot! For a more serene garden experience, the Royal Botanic Garden is a green haven of tranquility.

Edinburgh is a cultural melting pot, echoing with the sounds of Scottish Gaelic, the clink of coffee cups, and laughter from the local comedy scene. Pack your suitcase and get ready for an unforgettable Scottish adventure in Edinburgh.