Edinburgh is widely regarded as a cultural hub in the UK and the rest of Europe, and music is a key aspect of this. Anyone living or visiting is spoilt for choice when looking for live music venues in Edinburgh. What better way to celebrate Edinburgh than to join CrossCountry as we explore some of the best live music venues the Scottish capital has to offer.
Sandy Bell's
A popular spot for locals and fans of folk music in particular, Sandy Bell’s has been building a thriving atmosphere ever since they started hosting nightly music sessions back in 1942. Since then, the pub has gone from strength to strength, staking a claim as one of the major music venues in Edinburgh. The venue is seen as an institution by both musicians and patrons and aims to keep the traditional folk music scene alive. Whilst being renowned globally, the pub still wants to maintain the local culture of traditional folk music.
Walking into Sandy Bell’s, visitors will immediately be met with a warm welcome and the history of folk music here will soon be apparent. Many famous folk musicians have stepped foot in Sandy Bells and performed in the intimate space, and even other Scots, such as Billy Connolly. Sandy Bell’s is only a fifteen minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley, so you are only moments away from being immersed in the traditional folk music scene.
The Queen's Hall
The Queen’s Hall is another famous concert venue in Edinburgh for live music. This venue started off life as Hope Park Chapel in 1823 and remained a place of worship until 1976. Three years later, it became the venue that locals know and love today. The distinctive design of the venue, its high ceilings, arched windows, and horseshoe shape, enriches the live musical performances. Rock, opera, jazz and folk are all common genres that are frequently played at The Queen’s Hall.
With regular buses from the station, you’re only ten minutes from a moving live music experience. With a number of newer and up and coming acts performing at The Queen’s Hall, you might find your new favourite musician.
Whistle Binkies
Taking its name from Scottish anthology in the 1800’s meaning ‘the piper of the party’, Whistle Binkies has been a mainstay of Edinburgh’s South Bridge area for over thirty years. Music is the heartbeat of this venue, as they host musicians every night of the week that are some of the more popular free events in the city. Mondays are designated for their famous open mic night, where bands from Edinburgh take to the stage to perform to a live audience for, what could be, the very first time. Who knows, you could be there to discover the next big thing.
If you’re not there for the open mic night, there are still plenty of opportunities to see some local favourites ranging from original rock n roll bands to cover bands playing everyone’s favourite indie and pop songs. Located just over five minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station, you won’t have to travel far to hear some of your favourite songs live.
Summerhall
When looking for live music and more in Edinburgh, Summerhall is a must visit. This historic space was once home to the prestigious Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies up until 2011. Following that, this space has taken on a new persona, and now hosts a wide range of events and activities. Live music is at the core of Summerhall, with live acts performing year-round. Summerhall is not only a space for musicians to perform, but they also host different music events, such as album launch parties.
Past performers vary from Grandmaster Flash to The Big Moon, and it’s not just the acts that are varied at Summerhall. The space also hosts regular food and drink events and visual art exhibitions, so there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. They also have their own annual festival, where some of the world’s most creative minds gather to highlight the best in theatre, music, dance and art. Getting to Summerhall is simple too, with regular buses from Edinburgh Waverley that take only fifteen minutes.
O2 Academy Edinburgh
When looking at Edinburgh gig venues, one venue that can’t be overlooked is the O2 Academy Edinburgh. An ever-present venue in Edinburgh for some of the world’s best-known acts. Formerly known as the Corn Exchange, the building has been hosting some of the most famous musical acts since it was established back in 1909. More recently, it has hosted legendary acts such as The Chemical Brothers, Elbow, and Arctic Monkeys.
The award-winning venue is also home to a number of different events throughout the year besides live music, such as sporting events and bingo. The venues versatility and varied array of events held here is part of the reason it is so popular with locals, and if you’re visiting Edinburgh for the day or for even longer, it is definitely worth a visit where you might be lucky to catch one of your favourite acts live. A short train journey of less than ten minutes from Edinburgh Waverley is what is between you and an unforgettable night!
If you’re planning to visit Edinburgh, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Written by Julia