The city that birthed The Proclaimers, Shirley Manson of Garbage, and post-punk icons like Josef K is still a breeding ground for new sounds. Tucked between historic closes and buzzing main streets, you’ll find grand art deco halls where jazz legends once played, underground vaults where folk and trad sessions stretch into the early hours, and New Town lounges where rising indie acts cut their teeth. Maybe the next Young Fathers are warming up right now. Every stage has a story, every venue a distinct energy. Explore the best live music venues in Edinburgh today.
In Edinburgh, prices of live music venues average £504 hire fee per day. 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 October 2025:
| From £250 | to £1140 | hire fee per day |
| From £500 | to £1000 | minimum spend per event |
| From £214 | to £350 | hire fee per event |
Based on the popularity and user ratings on Tagvenue (updated October 2025), the best options include:
Entire Venue at Dragonfly Cocktail Bar
in Old Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘The venue’s central location made it very easy for everyone to find.’
Beer Palace at Brewhemia
in Old Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Had all the suitable AV, was funky and quirky, additional space for breakout areas.’
Devil's Cut at Angel's Share Hotel
in New Town - rated 4.9/5
Our user said: ‘Barman was fantastic. Venue was superb.’
You'll find live music 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 (October 2025):
| Small live music venues | up to 60 guests | prices average £350 hire fee per day |
| Medium live music venues | between 80 and 120 guests | prices average £516 hire fee per day |
| Large live music venues | over 145 guests | prices average £900 minimum spend per event |
Booking 3–6 months in advance is ideal, especially for weekend slots or major gigs. Popular venues around the Old Town and New Town fill up quickly, so securing a space early ensures the best options and enough time for promotion.
Capacity, sound quality, and location are key. Does the venue have a built-in PA system, or will you need to bring your own gear? Will your audience prefer a standing-room gig or a seated arrangement? Also, consider transport links, parking, and nearby nightlife spots that can keep the party going after your set.