As a warm and welcoming city, Edinburgh has a thriving LGBTQ+ friendly scene.
From cosy pubs with real ale to buzzing nightclubs with fabulous cocktails and DJ nights, Edinburgh has lots of friendly and safe hangouts for the LGBTQ+ community.
You’ll find a lot of venues at the top of Leith Walk, in the popular neighbourhood of Leith and across to Broughton Street, known locally as the ‘Pink Triangle’.
LGBTQ+ Favourites
1.
CC Blooms
23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AA
Edinburgh’s most established LGBTQ+ venue, CC Blooms opened its doors in 1994. Named after Bette Midler’s character in the film Beaches, CC’s (as it is commonly known) serves up great cocktails, tasty food and a welcoming atmosphere. During the day you can watch the world go by from their outdoor seating area, while in the evening you can dance the night away in the lively club.
Keep an eye on their social channels for details of forthcoming events, including the hugely popular Rabbit Hole club night which boasts some of the city’s best drag performers.
2.
The Regent Bar
2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL
Enjoy real ales and good pub grub at this relaxed and inclusive bar in the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh. The Regent Bar is a great place to enjoy a chilled-out pint with a great range of rotating guest ales. The food menu includes a wide range of comfort food and a good selection of vegetarian dishes.
As you relax in the comfy sofas, why not enjoy one of their table-top games or bring your own?
3.
The Street
2b Picardy Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JT
On the corner of the Pink Triangle, you’ll find The Street, an independently owned café bar with friendly staff. By day, the glass front and outdoor seating area make a great place to people-watch, while at night the bar attracts a lively crowd with a buzzing atmosphere.
On Friday and Saturday nights you’ll find resident DJs keeping the party going into the wee hours, joined by live percussion, saxophone, vocalists and more. Want to strike a pose? Then don’t leave The Street without paying a visit to their vintage-style black and white photo booth, where you can get your very own personal momento to take home.
4.
Victoria Bar
265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 8PD
A cosy bar with a great selection of drinks, Victoria Bar is an inclusive friendly bar at the top of Leith Walk.
They offer an ever-changing selection of beers, wines, gins and whiskies. Don’t see your favourite drink? Don’t worry, they can whip up just about any drink you fancy, just ask.
5.
Planet
6 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3AF
Right next door to CC Bloom’s you’ll find Planet, Edinburgh’s longest running gay bar.
This buzzing bar is renowned for its friendly crowd, where you can expect reasonably priced drinks and daily entertainment.
DJs perform every night of the week, including Drag DJs on Thursdays and Sundays. Showtime Fridays feature amazing local and international Drag Queens – past line-ups have included the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK 2019, The Vivienne and finalist, Baga Chipz. They also host regular retro, karaoke and bingo nights.
As well as being involved with several local LGBT charities and campaigns, Planet are also a sponsor of Hot Scots, Scotland’s first LGBTQ+ football team.
6.
Kafe Kweer
5 St Peter’s Building, Edinburgh, EH3 9PG
Not only is Kafe Kweer open for hot and cold drinks, breakfast pastries, soup and lunch options (all of which are vegan), this LGBTQ+ friendly café also doubles as a grocery store, gallery and art space.
Their regular event programme offers a variety of fun activities, including art workshops, poetry and games nights, and tarot readings.
7.
Paradise Palms
41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HB
Paradise Palms is an LGBTQ+ friendly venue well-known for its award-winning vegetarian food, local and international beers and live music.
While there, be sure to visit their music partner, Paradise Vinyl. Selling vinyl from local and international acts plus curated second-hand disco and electronic gold, you can also pick up books, clothes and works by local artists.
8.
Pride Edinburgh
Scotland’s first Pride march took place in Edinburgh in 1995. The city now hosts Pride Edinburgh every year around June or July, where people from all backgrounds gather to celebrate diversity and personal identity in Scotland’s capital. As well as the march, the free Edinburgh Pride festival boasts a full and fun programme of live music, a health and community fair and lots more.
Explore our neighbourhoods
From cosmopolitan Leith to Portobello, Edinburgh’s seaside resort – venture beyond the city centre and you’ll find a host of varied and attractive districts.
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