Edinburgh's Student Gems: Enjoy Edinburgh's Best for Students

Need a break from living off instant noodles and surviving on three hours of sleep during exam week? As a proud Auld Reekie college resident, I’ve created an epic list of the best things to do in Edinburgh that are tailor-made for us students.

Whether you’re up for cheap, delicious eats, cool hangout spots, or amazing student deals, this city has it all. Edinburgh is a playground of excitement, and as a student, you’re in for an exhilarating ride!

Get a stylish makeover at Urban Edinburgh

Website: https://www.urbanedinburgh.com/

Address: 38 Howe St, Edinburgh EH3 6TH, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Monday: 12–8 PM
Tue-Thurs: 9 AM–8 PM
Friday: 9 AM–6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM–4 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM–5:30 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 225 8216

There’s no better way to bounce back from a break-up or tough exams than with a fab new look at Urban Edinburgh. This eco-friendly salon even offers free consultation so that you get a chance to consult with the pros without spending a dime.

I recommend swinging by on a Tuesday for their Student Tuesday discount and snag amazing deals like a cut and blow-dry for just £38!

While waiting, I always feel like a VIP because they pamper guests with complimentary gin and tonic, beers, herbal teas, and sodas. You can even stay connected with their free WiFi while your phone gets charged for free.

Pro tip:

If you can’t make it to Urban Edinburgh on a Tuesday, you can still enjoy a sweet 20% student discount from Sunday to Friday. Just be sure to bring your ID.

Enjoy £1 drinks at Why Not Nightclub

Website: https://www.wnclub.co.uk/

Address: 14 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PF, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Mon, Wed: 10:30 PM–3 AM
Fri-Sat: 10:30 PM–3 AM

Contact Details: +44 131 624 8633

The day after going to a nightclub is when we prove our superhuman ability to function on minimal sleep and still make it to lectures the next morning (dark circles and all). One of the best ones I’ve been to is Why Not Nightclub at George Street.

My mates and I love their Flare Mondays – Scotland’s longest-running student-only night. This is when we can enjoy £1 drinks while dancing the night away to the hottest hiphop & R’n’B beats.

The party starts as soon as you step into their LED room, a mind-blowing space with over 22,000 mesmerising lights that you won’t find anywhere else.

Pro tip:

Download their app, which gives you exclusive access to the latest news, invites, and even a secret drinks menu. And the best part: you can enjoy weekend drinks starting at £1.50!

Have a boozy sports night at The Three Sisters

Website: https://thethreesis t ersbar.co.uk/

Address: 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Mon-Wed, Sunday: 12 PM–1 AM
Thurs-Sat: 12 PM–3 AM

Contact Details: +44 131 622 6802

Why watch sports alone when you can join rowdy fellow students in a sports bar and share the rollercoaster of emotions every game brings? For the ultimate student sports hangout, I recommend The Three Sisters – a legendary Cowgate gem.

This Old Town institution boasts state-of-the-art lighting and cushy booths with TVs. With its charming stone building, vaulted ceilings, and a delightful courtyard, it’s the perfect spot for catching live sports action while sipping on fantastic drinks deals.

Speaking of deals, us students can enjoy a whopping 20% off the main menu. Then, we can dive into an array of selected drinks for a steal – who’s up for £2 shots?

Pro tip:

If you’re going as a group, level up your night out by ordering one of their fabulous cocktail trees. You can choose from Passionfruit Martini, French Martini, Gin Perfect Serve, and Espresso Martini.

Go vintage clothes shopping at Armstrongs Vintage

Website: https://www.armstrongsvintage.co.uk/

Address: 81-83 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HJ, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 10 AM–5:30 PM
Fri-Sat: 10 AM–6 PM
Sunday: 12 PM–6 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 220 5557

Vintage clothing is the secret weapon for students on a budget – because nothing says ‘I’m fashionable’ like scoring a fabulous find for a fiver! One of my favourite vintage haunts is Armstrongs Vintage, nestled in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant Grassmarket.

Established way back in 1840, Armstrongs is a vintage haven like no other. From lovely 1950s kilts to stunning 1980s velvet dresses, their eclectic collection has something for every style.

I can get lost in the vast Grassmarket branch for hours on end, exploring antique blouses and cosy cashmere sweaters. The best part is it won’t break your already-meagre budget, so go ahead and buy that outfit!

Pro tip:

If you’re prepared to spend hours sifting through their treasures, do wear clothing that would keep you cool and comfy. This is because the place is a tad hot, with no windows or fans.

Savour mouthwatering curry at the Mosque Kitchen

Website: https://www.mosquekitchen.com/

Address: 31-33 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 12 PM–10 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 667 4035

Uni students are like a human GPS – we can find every hidden gem for cheap eats within a five-mile radius. If you’re in the mood for succulent tender chicken simmered in a rich and aromatic blend of spices, head on over to The Mosque Kitchen.

From flavourful curries to mouthwatering kebabs and delightful vegetarian options, their menu is a feast for the senses. My default order is their chicken curry and rice, which starts at just £7.00!

Pro tip:

If you’re on the go, don’t miss out on their bestselling chicken shawarma wrap. Grab one to fuel your busy student life with deliciousness.

Pet a cat at Maison de Moggy

Website: https://www.maisondemoggy.com/

Address: 17 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2JA, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 10:30 AM–6:30 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 629 5530

Did you know that petting a cat can lower heart rate and blood pressure, aiding in relaxation? Let me share with you the purrfect way I ease my exam jitters: by popping on over to Scotland’s first cat cafe, Maison de Moggy.

I love spending my day here, enjoying a cuppa, nibbling a tasty treat, and being surrounded by a host of playful kitties. Some of my personal faves are Marcel, the fancy Bengal Siamese, and Guillaume, the fluffy Chinchilla Persian.

Speaking of tasty treats, I make it a point to treat myself to their daily changing cake menu, which includes gluten-free and vegan options. Do note that they have a special half-price entry fee – only £7 – for students from Monday to Friday.

Pro tip:

As mentioned, you can enjoy half-price student entry from Mon-Fri, but keep in mind it’s on a drop-in basis, and spaces are limited. Arrive early for a better chance of securing a spot with their adorable feline companions!

Catch a flick at Dominion Cinema

Website: https://www.dominioncinema.co.uk/home

Address: Newbattle Terrace, Edinburgh EH10 4RT, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Mon-Tue: 6 PM–9 PM
Wednesday: 3 PM–9 PM
Thurs-Fri: 1 PM–9 PM
Sat-Sun: 12 PM–9 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 447 4771

For the best movie experience with friends, I highly recommend Dominion Cinema. This iconic art deco venue is Edinburgh’s only independent and family-run cinema.

They’ve been delighting patrons for over 85 years with exceptional service and cosy leather sofas – yes, you can even take your shoes off!

I do appreciate their complimentary refills on soft drinks. Also, students, teachers, and veterans can enjoy up to 30% off.

Pro tip:

If you’re feeling fancy, try their exclusive First Class lounge. It boasts fully reclining sofa and armchair seating, extra legroom, and privacy screens – a service unique to Edinburgh.

There’s also complimentary Pringles snacks and chocolates waiting on your table upon arrival; as well as an extensive selection of wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and champagne, along with classic cinema treats like popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs.

Treat yourself to wings and beer at Wings

Website: https://www.facebook.com/wings.edinburgh/

Address: 5 – 7 Old Fishmarket Cl, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RW, United Kingdom

Operating hours:

Mon-Wed: 4 PM–10:30 PM
Thurs-Sun: 12 PM–10:30 PM

Contact details: +44 131 629 1234

“Wings and beer.” For students, this tantalising phrase instantly provides comfort – it’s a classic cheap indulgence. In fact, this yummy phrase makes me want to go to Wings right this second!

Here, you can treat yourself to boozy milkshakes, refreshing cocktails, and of course, a finger-licking selection of wings and sides. For just £5.60, you can indulge in three full and flavour-packed chicken wings.

After satisfying your cravings, I suggest you go downstairs and immerse yourself in their gaming haven, featuring nostalgic classics like Gamecube and N64.

Pro tip:

For that wing-tastic touch at home, feel free to purchase one (or maybe two) of their delicious bottled sauces.

Solve mind-bending riddles at Escape Hunt

Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/edinburgh/

Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AU, United Kingdom

Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM–10 PM

Contact details: +44 131 225 5522

If student life is weighing you down, I suggest you break free with an escape room adventure at Escape Hunt! As a cherry on top, students can score a fantastic 15% off from Monday to Thursday.

You and your squad can choose from their four escape rooms with different themes. Then, challenge yourselves in teams of 2-4 players for just £27 per person, or join forces with 5-6 players at only £22 per person.

The whole escapade takes around 90 minutes, including the 60-minute room challenge. Plus, there’s a quick briefing before and a lounge, in-house bar, and photo opportunity space to relish afterward.

Pro tip:

To get their discount, remember to bring your valid student ID card, as they may charge the difference via card payment if you forget to bring it.

Recharge your senses at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/

Address: Edinburgh EH3 5NZ, United Kingdom

Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Contact details: +44 131 248 2909

Facilities: Accessible Toilets, Cafe, Wifi, Hearing Loop, Accessible Parking

If you find the day to be surprisingly sunny, I suggest a visit to The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Here, you can bask in the unexpected Scottish sun and feel your finals-related stress vanish into thin air!

As the second oldest botanic garden in the world and the oldest in the UK, it’s an oasis of natural wonder. It also houses the UK’s National Tree Seed Bank, where seeds from all corners of the globe are safeguarded for conservation.

I love aimlessly wandering through its enchanting spaces while mentally composing a list of errands to run. Make sure to visit the Chinese Hillside, Rock Garden, and Scottish Native Plants Collection.

Pro tip:

Do plan your visit to The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in May to catch their fabulous annual garden festival. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the vibrant blooms and immerse yourself in a world of horticultural wonders.