Edinburgh, Scotland has a reputation for its beautiful gothic architecture, historical culture worthy of UNESCO World Heritage status, and buzzing nightlife. It’s also home to a vibrant gay scene in a neighborhood known as the “Pink Triangle.”
Located at the north end of Broughton and Leith Street in Edinburgh’s New Town, you’ll find the city’s most iconic gay clubs and eateries. This area is accessible by foot from the Old Town, but can also be accessed via public transport on local buses.
If you find yourself in the Pink Triangle during the day, you’ll want to grab a coffee and bite to eat at The Street, an LGBTQIA+ eatery that serves comfort food and freshly brewed coffee. When day turns to night on Friday and Saturdays, this spot trades in coffee for cocktails with a nightclub experience in their basement. Try the Porn Star Martini and enjoy a lively set from local DJs and performers.
Gay-owned CC Blooms has been a mainstay in Edinburgh’s queer nightlife scene for almost 30 years. Named after Bette Midler’s character in the 1988 film “Beaches,” CC’s offers a full bar menu, burgers, nachos, and traditional Scottish fare including haggis.
Down the street from CC’s you’ll find Edinburgh’s oldest gay bar, Planet Bar, which offers affordable drinks and Showtime Fridays and typically feature a drag show with some of the best queens in Scotland. You can also join in on the fun with karaoke, bingo, retro nights, and more. A few blocks from the bar is its sister business, Steamworks Sauna, a male only health club open every day. Here themes apply to each weekday so bring a friend for “Buddy Day” on Mondays or forget your towel on Wednesdays for “Naked Day.”
Edinburgh is a progressive city, so you won’t have to stay in the triangle to find gay clubs and nightlife. Other LGBTQ+ friendly clubs and bars outside the triangle include: Victoria Bar, Regent Bar, and Paradise Palms. For those who don’t drink, try out Kafe Kweer, a queer sober space selling food, groceries, and art, and hosting monthly events including sexual health testing, workshops, markets, and poetry nights.
in 2024, Edinburgh will celebrate 30 years of Pride celebrations, and Pride Edinburgh remains the longest running celebration of LGBTQ+ identities in all of Scotland.
