4 Best Nightlife in Edinburgh and the Lothians, Scotland

Situated right opposite Edinburgh Waverley Station, Juniper cultivates an air of glamorous fun with its plant-filled interior and postcard-worthy views of the city and the castle. The wine list is good (if a little pricey), but it's the imaginative cocktails that really make this place, from Smoke on the Water (a combo of peaty whisky and peach iced tea) to Late Night Tough Guy Colada (a mix of pineapple rum, coconut, and white chocolate liqueur).

This easily walked-by basement bar on Queen Street—take the stairs down to a clothing-alteration shop and you'll see a small sign—is one of Edinburgh's great hidden gems. Expect superb cocktails, eclectic music (DJs spin most nights), young crowds, and lots of nooks and crannies.

This stylish basement bar has bouncy stools, comfy sofas, and a long list of superb, throwback cocktails. Resident DJs play Thursday through Sunday.

As the name suggests, this shabby-chic cocktail bar-cum-bistro is tucked away below street level. A cozy, low-ceilinged place, full of quirky furniture and hip art exhibits, Under the Stairs serves specialty, seasonal cocktails—as well as superb bar food—to a mostly young crowd.