Looking for gig venues in Edinburgh? The city centre is full of bars and multi-purpose venues where new artists and touring bands take the stage. Old Town’s underground spaces and repurposed buildings bring character to any performance, while the New Town has a number of well-equipped spots suited for ticketed events. You can also head to Leith and Fountainbridge for spots able to accommodate even bigger crowds. Whether you're looking for a small space for an acoustic set or a venue that can handle a full band with professional sound and lighting, finding the right space is easy with Tagvenue. Explore our top picks today!
Booking costs of gig venues average £350 hire fee per event. Costs vary depending on guest capacity, popularity, location, and amenities like sound systems or bar services. Extra charges may apply for custom catering, decor, or event planning services. Packages with add-ons, such as DJs, photo booths, or other entertainment services, can also increase the overall cost. Check out the typical price ranges in Edinburgh, based on Tagvenue data:
| From £210 | to £615 | hire fee per event |
| From £500 | to £1500 | minimum spend per event |
| From £195 | to £420 | hire fee per day |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated September 2026), the best options include:
Whole Space at Little Picardy
in New Town - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘The place was beautiful, cool and perfect place to host 40 people, so much space!!’
Versatile Space at Slow Progress Records and Coffee
in Old Town - rated 5/5
Our user said: ‘Would definitely recommend using this room for similar events.’
The Speakeasy at The Voodoo Rooms
in New Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Great service, great help. Supported our charity! The bar staff downstairs in the speakeasy was exceptional!’
You'll find gig venues in various sizes, from smaller spots to larger venues; keep in mind that the type of space and your chosen layout will affect the capacity! Below you can see the typical venue sizes in Edinburgh, together with the standard prices in each size range, based on Tagvenue data (September 2026):
| Small | up to 50 guests | prices average £500 minimum spend per event |
| Medium | between 60 and 100 guests | prices average £350 hire fee per event |
| Large | over 130 guests | prices average £1400 minimum spend per event |
These are the venues within 0.3 mi from central Edinburgh, available to book on Tagvenue:
Based on Tagvenue data (as of September 2026), users looking for gig venues most commonly go for these venue types:
| Event Space | prices average £70 hire fee per hour | typically between 50 and 200 guests |
| Pub | prices average £350 hire fee per event | typically between 50 and 200 guests |
| Hall | prices average £362 hire fee per event | typically between 55 and 160 guests |
Cheap gig venues in Edinburgh start from £100 hire fee per event or £150 hire fee per day. Check out these budget-friendly spaces you can book through Tagvenue, as of September 2026:
The Gallery at Le Monde Hotel, from £100 hire fee per event
(up to 50 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Friendly bar staff and lovely private area to host my 30th.’
The Other Room at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar, from £150 hire fee per day
(up to 67 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Great venue at a great price!’
Raised Area at Chanter Edinburgh, from £100 minimum spend per event
(up to 50 guests standing)
Our user said: ‘Great location, reasonable pricing and really friendly staff...’
Most gig venues provide basic sound and lighting equipment, but the specifics depend on the space. Some come with PA systems, microphones, and stage lighting, while others require external hire. Larger venues often offer full AV setups, while smaller ones might just provide a stage area and require you to bring your own gear.
For smaller gig venues in Edinburgh, booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance is usually enough, especially for weekday events. If you're planning a Friday or Saturday night gig, securing a venue at least 3 months ahead is recommended, as these dates fill up quickly. For mid-sized venues in areas like Old Town, New Town, and Leith, it's best to book 4 to 6 months in advance, particularly during festival season or peak event months especially for major events or ticketed shows. If you're aiming for a high-demand venue during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, booking a year in advance is strongly advised.
Yes, many unconventional spaces welcome live music. Some cafés, churches, and creative hubs allow performances and offer something different from the usual gig setup. Always confirm noise restrictions, licensing rules, and available equipment before booking to avoid any surprises.
Page last updated in September 2026
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