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Scotland’s buzzing capital has a world-famous reputation as a giant in arts and culture, but it is also home to the largest gay scene in Scotland, Edinburgh’s vibrant ‘Pink Triangle’ is the place to visit for low-key pubs, lively clubs, and day-time hangouts. Explore our LGBTQIA+ city guide for the lowdown on the best neighbourhoods, hotels and events in the city.

Dates for the diary

Get to know Edinburgh

The Street, an independent LGBTQIA+ bar and bistro on the edge of the Pink Triangle, serves coffee and comforting street food by day and has a buzzing party atmosphere by night. With a selection of outdoor and indoor seating available to reserve, it provides a relaxing hangout spot in the Scottish capital. Don’t forget to snap a unique souvenir in their retro black-and-white photo booth, too!

Looking to soak up some culture in the capital? Catch some striking contemporary art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, home to world-class sculptures, enthralling landscape gardens and a range of captivating exhibitions. Look out for the exhibition ‘A Taste for Impressionism’ which brings works from the likes of Van Gogh and Degas to the gallery (30 July - November 2022).

Out and about

Edinburgh’s oldest gay venue brings the party with late night dancing, creative cocktails and drag queens.

Find out more about CC Blooms

CC Blooms

Large wall mural of a funky zebra hodling a cocktail saying "Amazing" inside the bar at CC Blooms.
CC Blooms

The place to be for a traditional Scottish meal, and real ale pint.

Find out more about Regent Bar

VisitScotland/The Regent Bar

A series of pride and LGTBQ+ flags on display at the Regent Bar in Edinburgh
Regent Bar

A must visit for drag open mic nights, late karaoke nights and late-night dancing.

Find out more about Planet Bar

planetbarandkitchen

Planet Bar
Planet Bar

Disco balls and cocktails in Edinburgh’s cool LGBTQIA+ hangout.

Find out more about Habana
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Habana

Edinburgh’s oldest gay venue brings the party with late night dancing, creative cocktails and drag queens.

Find out more about CC Blooms

CC Blooms

Large wall mural of a funky zebra hodling a cocktail saying "Amazing" inside the bar at CC Blooms.
CC Blooms

The place to be for a traditional Scottish meal, and real ale pint.

Find out more about Regent Bar

VisitScotland/The Regent Bar

A series of pride and LGTBQ+ flags on display at the Regent Bar in Edinburgh
Regent Bar

A must visit for drag open mic nights, late karaoke nights and late-night dancing.

Find out more about Planet Bar

planetbarandkitchen

Planet Bar
Planet Bar

Disco balls and cocktails in Edinburgh’s cool LGBTQIA+ hangout.

Find out more about Habana
Awaiting image
Habana

Stylish stays

Edinburgh

Spend a night in luxury in a converted 176 year-old church fusing together modern styles in a historic setting.

purpurpurpur

The Glasshouse
Edinburgh

A part of the city for over 100 years, standing nine floors tall and each room uniquely designed.

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Edinburgh

A city icon, stay in one of the 167 rooms and 20 suites on offer in a prime location.

annikagruendel

Balmoral hotel

Getting here

Edinburgh is in Scotland, four-and-a-half hours north of London by train. Planning to fly? Edinburgh Airport is served by many international and low-cost airlines, and is located 7.5 miles (12 km) from the city centre.