By Pavel Gogolinski

When you think about Scotland, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably beautiful landscapes and whisky, right? Well, Scotland might be the perfect destination for outdoor lovers, but this doesn’t mean that there isn’t good nightlife and entertainment.

Since we are talking about entertainment, there are plenty of options, and let me tell you, I was quite surprised by what Scotland has to offer. I never imagined that this is a place of endless ways to entertain yourself, including cinema, bars, concerts, clubs, and casinos

So, you are a party freak or want a casual night? No worries, there are plenty of things to do in Scotland. 

With so many choices, we’ve decided to split the article into multiple categories, just to cover more ways to have fun in Scotland. 

And don’t worry, I promise you that you won’t be bored.

Edinburgh’s Pubs and Bars

You cannot say that you’ve visited Scotland without having a pint of beer and where is the best place to get some? Of course local pubs and bars. 

If you are visiting Edinburgh, then you are in for a treat. There are plenty of amazing bars that will make your head spin (literally). And the beer? Ah…If you are a beer lover, then you’ll be surprised. 

Pro Tip: Don’t get too crazy. The locals often experiment with mixing different alcohols including beer and whiskey, but I wouldn’t do it.

So, which is the best bar to visit? Well, I’d go to Black Ivy. Why? Well, there must be a reason why this pub has been voted Scotland’s best beer garden two years in a row.

If you want something chicer and want to leave the beer alone, you can visit the Absent Ear in Glasgow. This is where you’ll get the best cocktails. This is another bar that received an award for the Best Cocktail Bar of the Year.

If you are up for something more traditional, I’d suggest that you check out Teuchters Landing in Edinburgh, or something a bit more extravagant, the Lochrin Rooftop Bar at Moxy Edinburgh.

One thing is for sure, there are plenty of spots to hand out every time of the day. Whether we are talking about bars or pubs, Scotland has plenty of everything.

Concerts and Gigs

If live music gets your heart racing, you’re in for a treat. Scotland’s music scene is booming, and 2024 is ending with a bang. Big-name artists like Bob Dylan, Slipknot, and Charli XCX are all set to perform across the country. And it’s not just in Glasgow; you can catch shows in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and even smaller venues around the Highlands​.

So, when is the best time to visit Scotland in order to catch some of the biggest names? Well, I’d suggest that you book a trip anywhere from August to October. This is where you can find big concerts, as well as many cultural festivals that will keep you entertained. We are talking about Edinburgh Fringe if you are drawn to art, or the Royal Highland Show where you can eat some delicious traditional Scottish foods.

Wondering where to snag a ticket? Keep an eye on Ticketmaster, as many of these gigs sell out fast. So, whether you’re into rock, pop, or something more eclectic, Scotland’s live music venues will have you dancing through the night.

Beyond the Usual

Sure, the cities are great, but what if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path? Here are a few suggestions to spice up your itinerary:

• Fullbacks Sports & Pizza Bar in Milngavie: Named Sports Bar of the Year, this place is perfect if you want to catch a game with a slice (or several) of great pizza.
• The Ship in Irvine: A dog-friendly pub that just won the title for the best dog-friendly venue. So, if you’re traveling with a furry friend, this is your go-to spot​.
• The Smokin’ Fox in Glasgow: Crowned Sunday Mail Pub of the Year, it’s a quirky mix of rustic and chic, with a menu that will make your taste buds dance.

The Casino/Nightclub at The Corinthian Club

Unfortunately, this popular hot spot is no longer with us in the form of a casino. Why? It ran into regulatory problems. The gambling regulator found the firm didn’t have appropriate controls with regard to money laundering and identifying “high risk” problem gamblers. Consequently it issued the casino with a fine. This was enough to persuade the owners to change the use of the building and turn it into a nightclub.  If this was your preferred casino destination, you will have to find an alternative. There are several others available in each of the main Scottish cities. Or you could go online and check out some of the great alternatives that are available. The online market is instantly available and always has new exciting choices like the Bovada gambling site.

So, why did we include the Corinthian on the list? Well, just because of how good it was. We are talking about a casino that looked like it came out of a Bond movie. It had that casino-type interior that made you feel like you are playing blackjack or poker behind closed doors in a special environment.

It definitely gave that kind of vibe just because it was an old building with a retro and luxurious interior inside. It felt more like a house than a casino.

Whatever you choose to do on your trip to Scotland, you will be spoiled for choice. Whether you are going for the scenery and the whisky or you want to sample the night life I hope this guide will inspire your efforts.

Pavel Gogolinski, the author, is a freelance travel writer with a passion for Scotland.