The Wee Red Bar

The Wee Red Bar is a proper Edinburgh institution that has managed to stay independent and authentic despite being surrounded by university bureaucracy. Located in the grounds of the Edinburgh College of Art, this small bar-come-gig venue feels like a step up from your average sticky-floored student pub. The drinks are cheap, which is always a plus, but what really sets this place apart is the quality of the entertainment.

Throughout the year, they host a solid roster of live bands ranging from indie rock and reggae to post-metal and acoustic sets. The Saturday night indie session, called The Egg, is legendary among locals and students alike, featuring everything from Pixies to Bowie. During the August festival season, the bar transforms into an arts venue with a pop-up bar and café outside, making it a perfect spot to catch a show or grab a drink between gigs.

While it's primarily a student hangout, it's open to everyone and offers a genuinely cool, unpretentious atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere in Edinburgh. The only downside is its location—tucked away in the ECA grounds means it can be a bit tricky to find if you don't know where you're going. But that's part of its charm; it's a proper local secret rather than a tourist trap.