Gay triangle edinburgh

Depending on which room you stay in, you’ll get picturesque views, either of New Town or of Calton Hill. See the best of contemporary and modern artwork when many special – and often free – events are held by Edinburgh’s leading galleries, museums, and artist-run spaces during the festival.

Edinburgh Fringe

The World-famous festival of wonder in which thousands of performers take over the city and bring their talents to the city-wide extravaganza.

For all you bears, cubs, chasers, otters and admirers, there are plenty of parties, club nights, fab brunches and a Mr. BearScot competition – topped all off by a raunchy pool party!

Edinburgh International Film Festival

The oldest continually running film festival in the world, welcoming actors, directors and film fans from around the world.

This historic thoroughfare is lined with medieval tenements, shadowy closes, lively pubs, and offbeat shops brimming with charm.

And, of course, plenty of historic streets, panoramic views, and architectural gems!

Plus – if you ever get bored the bigger but less-known Gay Glasgow scene is not too far away!

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Scotland since 2014, and in this peaceful and open-minded country, queer travelers are welcomed everywhere with small rainbow flags on almost every store, club and restaurant window.

We found Scotts in Edinburgh warm, open and sincere…once you can figure out their accent, though thankfully, the local ‘posh’ Edinburgh dialect is easier to get the hang of.

It has gained distinction previously as one of the top 10 most welcoming cities in the world for LGBTQ people. This museum tells the tale of Scot’s national drink, including a fantastic – if somewhat – bizarre barrel ride.

Budget

Kick Ass Greyfriars – Right up in the action of Edinburgh’s Old Town (not far from the Pink Triangle), this cheekily named, adults-only hostel indeed kicks ass.

Each of its uniquely styled suites is a decadent hideaway, featuring antique furnishings, roll-top baths, ornate wood paneling, and plush seating areas. Want something dirtier and more post-industrial?

Check out nearby Gay Glasgow, with some of Europe’s best clubbing if you don’t find what you are looking for here! 

CC Blooms

The biggest gay club in Edinburgh and a long-standing part of the Edinburgh gay scene.

We love this venue – and they love anyone and everyone!

Bramble

A short walk from the Edinburgh gay village, Bramble is one of the best cocktail bars in the UK. If you want to escape the world – or just the gay anthems and horny twinks – here you can sip classic and signature cocktails in a rustic setting with chilled music and great company.

St Andrews Brewing Co.

Outhouse

Tucked down Broughton Street Lane, The Outhouse is a renowned venue in Edinburgh, known for brilliantly themed parties and a focus on live music and supporting and promoting local artists. If you have valuables you don’t want to take with you when you go out for the day, you can store them in one of their safes.

Albany Ballantrae Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel

Apex Waterloo Place Hotel is another accommodation option situated between the Pink Triangle and Princes Street.

The hosts are amazing and the rooms are beautiful, perfect for a romantic getaway. If you do run into any issues, you can consider reaching out to a group like Galop or LGBT Health & Wellbeing for assistance.

The gay area in Edinburgh: The Pink Triangle

You’ll find gay bars, pubs, and clubs mostly concentrated on Broughton Street and towards the top of Leith Walk.

For those who value privacy, like to host drinks – or more – and want more space to relax in.

Dakota Edinburgh ☆☆☆☆

A 25-minute drive out of Edinburgh close to Queensferry and the Forth Bridge, this hotel is ultra-modern and has a Scottish farm that meets industrial design.

It offers breakfast each morning, and you can store food in the shared fridge. For you herbivores, we recommend trying out Paradise Palms, which is a plant-based restaurant and even has vegan cocktails! As the name suggests, it serves up the best of local Scottish fare, including Cullen skink (a hearty smoked haddock, potato, and onion soup), Aberdeen butteries with haggis (rich pastries filled with spiced offal), and a tangy rhubarb trifle.

There truly is something for everyone.

Hogmanay

While many gay travelers might be inclined to celebrate New Year on the beaches of Hawaii or surrounded by thousands of hunky men in Gay Bangkok’s White Party, if you can bare the cold, then Edinburgh offers one of the world’s best New Year celebrations.

A trip over the Forth Road Bridge is pretty spectacular too!

3-Day Isle of Skye, Inverness, and Highlands

See and do everything all at once on this iconic tour of Scotland’s best nature. The star of the show is the Victorian-era Camera Obscura itself—a fascinating device that projects a live image of the city. The Pride March typically begins at the Scottish Parliament, at the foot of the Royal Mile, and proceeds all the way to Bristo Square, home to the festival village.

Live performances, karaoke nights, and DJs are common, so you won’t have to go far to find some evening entertainment. Everything culminates in March and a fabulous festival that goes into the night. Walking distance to all tourist attractions during the day if you’re up for it!

The Baxter ☆☆☆

A beautiful boutique hostel that has gathered a loyal following for its hotel-level design.