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 Indie rock, dance and pop scenes |
28 North Bridge Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1JW United Kingdom +44 131 225 8382 |
The Attic is a small venue and a favorite with students for its live indie rock, retro-pop and dance music. Gigs can range from heavy rock/metal outfits to garage punk, to the more mellow end of the folk/country spectrum. It is intimate, atmospheric and the bar is not pricey. Club nights vary from hard house and trance (Sleep) to mainstream chart music (Mad on Sundays). Representing the alternative/hardcore scene is Dysfunction, which blasts out a fortnightly industrial and nu metal fix to the faithful. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Vaulted cellars and musical evenings |
212 Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1NQ United Kingdom +44 131 556 3254 |
This old establishment was built in the late 18th century and was frequented by Robert Louis Stevenson. Its vaulted cellars, wooden casks, mahogany gantry and stone features gives it an old-world charm. This pub has a comfy, pipe 'n' slippers feel to it during the daytime - something it manages despite being a large place. In the evenings it bursts into life with a youthful crowd. There are local bands on twice a week — jazz or soul on Wednesdays, and rock on Saturdays. The large selection of beers and whiskies ensures that when the bands aren't playing, it's always humming with the clink of glasses and the sound of chatter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joseph Colligan |
 Photo: kevin mccollum |
 Photo: Derry Hamilton |
 Student theatre and Fringe venue |
11b Bristo Place Edinburgh EH1 2QN United Kingdom +44 131 225 9873 http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/socie... |
Situated opposite Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk at the south end of the George IV Bridge, the Bedlam is a converted neo-Gothic church painted a striking pillarbox red. It belongs to the university and has a year-round programme of drama and concerts. It is also a popular place to see comedy and children's shows during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when it transforms itself into Venue 49, complete with the purring Fat Cat Cafe. Check with them directly or keep an eye on the listings pages for upcoming performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nicola Russell |
 Photo: Jonathan Miller |
 Photo: Camilla Adams |
 Photo: Brendan Vandor |
 Photo: David Rogulich |
 Photo: ryan  |
 Fun for all the family |
Trinity Apse, Chalmers Close The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1SS United Kingdom +44 131 556 4364 |
A warm, fun atmosphere and helpful, friendly staff make this centre a real treat for the uninitiated and experienced brass rubber. Celtic designs and informative guides provide artistic inspiration and easy to use kits are available to get you started. The ecclesiastical location, in the Trinity Apse of the former Gothic Trinity College Church (founded around 1460), enhances the soothing nature of the activity. Admission is free but costs to make a rubbing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kat Elliott |
 Photo: Andrew West |
 Photo: Andrew West |
 Original maps and sea charts |
181-183 Canongate Royal Mile Edinburgh EH8 8BN United Kingdom +44 131 556 4710 |
Situated in the cultural centre of the Old Town on the Royal Mile, this shop/gallery is Scotland's only specialist in original antique maps and sea charts. As Scotland's Map Heritage Centre, they hold maps and charts of all parts of the globe dating from the 16th to the 19th century. They also have a large selection of replica maps in stock. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Son of Groucho |
 Music for the noisy generation |
104 West Port Edinburgh EH3 9DN United Kingdom +44 131 229 4341 |
Check out this venue if you appreciate the hidden talents of more obscure bands. Squeeze into the tight space and slam and mosh to the sounds. Other than hosting some mediocre acts, this is also one of the places to hear some of the area's most exciting new musical efforts. Be prepared for a loud, sticky and dark evening. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: zapgraffiti.co.uk |
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Basement watering-hole and music venue |
1 Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1HR United Kingdom +44 131 220 4298 |
The Cellar Bar is an intimate subterranean watering-hole and music venue. The space is warm and welcoming - by night it is large enough to hold a dancing crowd, while in daylight hours it is a comfortable spot to read the papers and relax. Prints of musicians and wine labels adorn the walls and set the tone. Choose from a healthy selection of wines, draught beers, bottled lagers and spirits. There is live jazz on Sundays, regular jam sessions and frequent Latin club nights, including Son De Rumba on W - check the venue or the press for details of upcoming events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mainstream art |
2 Market Street Edinburgh EH1 1DE United Kingdom +44 131 529 3993 http://www.cac.org.uk |
The City Art Centre began life in the late 1800s as the offices of The Scotsman newspaper. In 1979 it was converted into a gallery and today makes a fantastic educational trip for both adults and kids. From Star Trek to contemporary photography, the exhibitions are modern, fun and populist. Temporary exhibitions are often on show, with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century Scottish art. Refreshments are served in the licensed cafe and souvenirs can be bought in the gallery shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jerry Herbilla |
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Collective Gallery |
22-28 Cockburn Street City of Edinburgh EH1 1NY United Kingdom +44 131 220 1260 http://www.collectivegallery.net/ |
Right at the cutting edge of contemporary art, the Collective Gallery (established 1984) is sure to please lovers of the art zeitgeist—with exhibitions featuring everything from funky video exhibits to wacky sculptures and handcrafted objects. Work comes from artists hailing from near and far. Fresh new talent is often introduced on to the art scene at this gallery, so a visit here will keep your finger on the pulse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: kevin |
 Photo: mandy_m |
 Photo: kevin |
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Hidden treasures |
Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AR United Kingdom +44 131 229 7941 |
Don't be put off by the location of this gallery (it's hidden in the depths of an Old Town courtyard off the main street) as it's well worth a visit. The frequently changing exhibitions are always interesting and often involve the community in some way. You will find some unique pieces including crafts and sculpture. This is a great place to come to if you are looking for something a little different, perhaps an unusual gift. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Talent show |
Lauriston Place Edinburgh EH3 9DF United Kingdom +44 131 221 6034 |
Edinburgh College of Art is great for spotting new talent. The highlight of the year's exhibitions are unquestionably, the degree shows in June. Come on down and admire or even purchase the students' offerings which range from the sublime to the ridiculous. Other exhibitions display a variety of pieces and media - including ceramics, glass, textiles and jewellery. If you want to buy, be prepared - credit cards are not accepted. Admission:is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lars M. Baekkevold |
 Photo: Richard Meechan |
 Photo: Gil Cocker |
 Photo: hey_madeleine |
 Photo: http://PETA.org.uk |
 Photo: Madeleine Flores |
 Photo: aidan mcraethomson |
 Photo: Leah Rothschild |
 Photo: Scot Kinoshita |
 Photo: tyler_krob |
 Photo: Kate Steele Evans |
 Photo: Neil Mulholland |
 Photo: SquigleyDidley |
 Photo: Ana Clara Barbara |
 Photo: Ross Colquhoun |
 Opera, ballet, symphony and pop |
13-29 Nicholson Street Edinburgh EH8 9FT United Kingdom +44 131 529 6000 / +44 131 662 1112 http://www.eft.co.uk/ |
Before the birth of the Festival Theatre, opera seemed to have no real home in the Scottish capital. Several plans for an Opera House were suggested, shelved and eventually rejected. Instead of constructing anew, the decision was finally taken to refurbish and revamp the old Empire Theatre, and in the summer of 1994 a new, glass-fronted Festival Theatre was opened. The large stages are now graced by a variety of performances, from ballet and opera to drama and cabaret. During the Edinburgh International Festival, the theatre hosts many prestigious concerts. The summer Proms season with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra is another annual highlight. Prices vary so call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Wendy |
 Photo: hettie mcfarlane |
 Photo: shannon mcclean |
 Photo: Greig Christie |
 Photo: Woodstock Taylor |
 Photo: danielle zheng |
 Photo: Kevin Rickis |
 Photo: gilltheaker |
 Photo: artinf |
 Photo: nwsk style |
 Photo: iris |
 Photo: Daniel McLaren |
 Photo: GOTARTOWSKI |
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The best art in Scotland |
45 Market Street Edinburgh EH1 1DF United Kingdom +44 131 225 2383 http://www.fruitmarket.co.uk/ |
Generally accepted as Scotland's best gallery for contemporary art, the Fruitmarket should not be missed. It was converted into a museum by architect Richard Murphy in 1992. It is conveniently located in the center of town and adjacent to Waverley Station. Visiting exhibits come from far and wide, with a healthy presence of Scottish artists. The Fruitmarket regularly has showcases of new talent, including the prestigious Becks Futures which is a collaboration with the ICA in London. Talks and events are a must for enthusiasts. If you'd rather just absorb the ambiance, the glass fronted cafe and excellent bookshop are always buzzing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: www.theedinburghblog |
 Photo: minimoshout |
 Photo: daphneann |
 Photo: Rodolphe de Radiguès |
 Photo: Fiona Hird |
 Photo: drawingpad |
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Prestigious classic concert series |
Lothian Road Usher Hall Edinburgh EH1 2EA United Kingdom +44 131 228 1155 (ticket office) http://www.usherhall.co.uk |
At one time Edinburgh lacked the annual program of visiting musicians often offered by other cities around the world. That's now changed since the 2002-2003 international series of classical music concerts has made its way to Usher Hall. November 7th sees the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment play under the direction of Viktoira Mullova, lead by Catherine Mackintosh. Frans Bruggen and Sir Simon Rattle are the Principal Guest Conductors for this performance. Call ahead to Usher Hall's ticket office for prices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Refreshing sounds |
9c Victoria St Edinburgh EH1 2HE United Kingdom +44 131 225 2564 http://www.liquidroom.com |
The Liquid Room is located in the dark depths of Victoria Street, purveyor of all things dance and the occasional indie and rock act. As a live music venue, it sifts out the ropier local bands and offers up the only the best. The odd big name also pops up from time to time, and it is a pleasantly intimate venue for a gig. As a nightclub, it flirts with a housey image while remaining mostly mainstream. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Calum Barr |
 Photo: Rory Cooper |
 Photo: Graeme Latimer |
 Photo: Scott Russell |
 Museum screen showing arthouse films |
Royal Museum, Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JF United Kingdom +44 131 247 4219 |
Situated at the back of the Royal Museum on Chamber Street is this wee cinema with cafe-bar attached. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the 278 capacity cinema shows a programme of foreign and experimental arthouse films. For horror fans, the Lumiere hosts the brief but blood-curdling Dead by Dawn festival in the spring. A more high-profile event is the well-known Edinburgh International Film Festival. With only one screen and small attendances, this new venue has a uniquely intimate atmosphere. Tickets: adults £4.50; concessions £2.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lively old timer |
92 Grassmarket Edinburgh EH1 2JR United Kingdom +44 131 225 6601 |
This is a well-established and popular macabre theme pub, based on the local legend of Maggie Dickson, who survived a hanging. Ask inside and look on the walls for a fuller description of this chilling tale. There is a long thin bar which is packed with a lively bunch of locals and students, especially at weekends. There is frequently live music of the guitar and amp variety as well as a quiz night on Mondays; check out local listings or call the pub to find out the further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Karel Cech |
 Photo: Hans Cornette |
 Photo: Travisandkylie |
 Photo: Cheryl Gaumont |
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Top of the class |
20-22 Chambers Street 20 Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1JZ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2342 http://www.caad.ed.ac.uk/event... |
Since its opening in 1992, Matthew Architecture Gallery has become Scotland's best-known gallery for architecture. It is the place to see the best in Scottish and international architectural practices as well as exhibitions by internationally renowned architects. During the summer there are often shows of the work of final year architectural students. Times of exhibitions vary, so call to check. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New arts and crafts |
55/61 Bread Street Edinburgh EH3 9AH United Kingdom +44 131 477 4524 |
Hidden behind the Usher Hall and the Traverse Theatre, these two sister galleries are recent additions to Edinburgh's burgeoning art scene - and very smart they are too. The smaller of the two galleries lends itself well to exhibitions of paintings, whilst the larger is great for mixed shows. The ethos is predominately contemporary, with local and new artists featured in changing exhibitions. All of these items are for sale. It is not open permanently - check that there's a show on before arranging a visit. Admission: is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The pre-party fiesta |
George Street Edinburgh EH1 1BW United Kingdom +44 131 473 1999 http://www.hogmanay.net |
A warm up to Edinburgh's famed Hogmany New Year's Eve party, this free fiesta features world music, dancing and entertainment for the whole family. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: dayna mason |
 Photo: Zach Everson |
 Photo: Zach Everson |
 Photo: Katherine Belyea |
 Photo: Kevin Tierney |
 Photo: coryn3 |
 Photo: Mossfield |
 Celtic music and cosy snugs |
82 South Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1HN United Kingdom +44 131 226 7251 |
This Irish theme pub isn't as overtly fake as some are today. The decor is all oak wood and salvaged pieces of curious junk. Try some of the chunky portions of hearty fare and watch the place fill up with a mixture of tourists, students and locals. Live Celtic music can be heard on Fridays and Saturdays - whilst some may find it a little clichéd, it does make for a buzzing, fun atmosphere. Settle into one of the cosy snugs with a pint of Guinness or one of the superb draught beers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Contemporary shots |
43 Candlemaker Row Edinburgh EH1 2QB United Kingdom +44 131 220 1911 |
This is a beautifully lit, calm and pleasant venue in which to view the best in contemporary photography from Scotland and the rest of the world. This converted bookshop is well worth a visit for photo enthusiasts. The gallery is only open when there is an exhibition on, so call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Arts and architecture |
15 Rutland Square Edinburgh EH1 2BE United Kingdom +44 131 229 7545 http://www.rias.org.uk/events.... |
Stuck out on its own amidst the Georgian crescents of the New Town, this gallery space is a wonderful place to wander around. It is big enough for huge photographic works, and intimate enough for displays of smaller prints. The RIAS is a Scottish architectural organisation - as you'd expect, there is always a show on about either architecture, materials and interiors. It shows a variety of work in regularly themed exhibitions, from drawings to models, and occasional work by University of Edinburgh students. It's a beautifully peaceful haven from the city bustle - refined but not intimidating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An Impressive Victorian venue |
Bristo Square Edinburgh EH8 9AL United Kingdom +44 131 650 2427 |
This impressive hall is part of the university complex of buildings arranged around the old town's Bristo Square. It plays regular host to full orchestral works and is an important classical venue during the Edinburgh International Festival. The 1858 built edifice features an ornate cornice, a modern organ and the fascinating Edinburgh University Collection of Musical Instruments. There are frequent concerts that explore some of the greatest pieces of music written for the organ - check out the popular Organs Of Edinburgh series. Performances start at around 7p and cost between £6 and £12 for a seat. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Theatrical performances |
Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX United Kingdom +44 131 248 4848 http://www.infoser.com/infothe... |
Just off the bustling Lothian Road, the Royal Lyceum mixes mainstream, populist drama with adventurous explorations into new territories. It's a production theatre, which means it creates plays for the stage from scratch. Inside, they offer four theatre bars, the Tuscan Square for food and they still have ice-cream available at the interval. There are good disabled facilities, including audio-described performances. Take advantage of a unique service whereby you can hire some of their costumes - so perhaps that Heathcliff fantasy can come true after all. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Scotish Halloween Tradition |
4B Gayfield Place (Royal Mile) St. Giles Cathedral Edinburgh EH1 1BW United Kingdom +44 (0)131 228 5353 http://www.beltane.org/celticy... |
Samhuinn means summer's end, and this free festival does that by mixing a medieval procession, theatre, folk dance, drama and a pyrotechnic spectacle into Britain's biggest Halloween party. Commencing in the Upper Bow by the Hub, a procession makes it way to Parliament Square with music and revelry where dancers, jesters and acrobats perform on the main stage. Then, with a sudden boom, fireworks sparkle over the crowd as the King of Summer battles the King of Winter. The partying continues at the Carlton Studios bar with admission funds going to charity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Barrett |
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Stand up |
49/50 Scruffy Murphy's, George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EJ United Kingdom |
The only alternative to The Stand comedy venue, this Irish theme bar offers stand-up on a Friday night. It's free, as you're presumably buying from the bar, and the regular compere is Reg "Voodoo" Anderson. Starting around 8p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Classical concerts |
Niddry Street (Cowgate) Edinburgh EH1 1LJ United Kingdom +44 131 650 2805 http://www.music.ed.ac.uk/russ... |
St. Cecilia's Hall, Edinburgh's oldest concert hall (1763) is located on the corner of Niddry Street in the Old Town. Many times throughout the year it hosts concerts by various orchestras and ensembles, including The Georgian Concert Society. It now also houses the Russell Collection of Early Keyboard Instruments. Staff will happily demonstrate the wonderful sounding spinets, virginals and clavichords held here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: doris_lee_03 |
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Snap shots and art forms |
23 Cockburn Street Edinburgh EH1 1BP United Kingdom +44 131 622 6200 |
Once an exclusively photographic gallery, Stills has recently been converted to hold a wider range of contemporary art. Thanks to space created by Edinburgh architects Reiach and Hall, there is now a modern, light area for exhibits and a cafe, which often holds its own mini-exhibitions. Digital-imagery labs and a bookshop complete the complex. This gallery is vibrant and fun to visit; artists shown include Cornelia Parker and Tracy Emin. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nic rue |
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Fine Art |
Chambers Street South Bridge Edinburgh EH8 9YL United Kingdom +44 131 650 2211 |
This gallery takes its name from the late David Talbot Rice, former Watson Gordon Professor of Fine Art at Edinburgh University. It held its first exhibition in 1975 and has the university's Torrie collection on permanent display. This collection predominately features landscape and genre scenes by Italian and Dutch luminaries. There is also an impressive display of bronzes, including the Florentine work, anatomical figure of a horse. Some of the remaining space is taken over by the Hope Scott Collection which includes work by Picasso, Bonnard and Max Ernst. Check the gallery for details of temporary exhibitions of contemporary pieces and retrospectives of more established artists. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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New writing and left-field performance art |
10 Cambridge Street Edinburgh EH1 2ED United Kingdom +44 131 228 1404 http://www.traverse.co.uk/ |
The Traverse is a haven for new writers and lesser-known touring companies. As such, the clientele leans toward the left-field hip end of the theatre-going spectrum - they especially love to hang-out at the Traverse Bar Cafe. Drama, dance and comedy all regularly feature on the theatre's program. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Yumiko Hayakawa |
 Jazz Folk |
9 Hunter Square Edinburgh EH1 1QW United Kingdom +44 131 226 0931 |
This is an informal Jazz & Folk music haven. These music genres may not be usual bed-fellows, yet they lie together quite comfortably across the four levels of this bar. There are often informal sessions, so be prepared to spring on-stage at any given moment and give it some welly. There's a varied menu here too, from the traditional to the distinctly Cajun - it's all good stuff and good value. Upstairs is the Jazz cafe - which serves varied fare with a dash of style. Check listings for further details on gigs and club nights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
