Cabaret Voltaire — Vaulted Club & Live-music Den, Edinburgh Old Town
Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
Cabaret Voltaire is an atmospheric, multi-level music venue and late-night club tucked into the stone vaults beneath Blair Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It combines an intimate upstairs bar with chilled DJ sets and an energetic downstairs vault used for live bands and electronic club nights, known for themed club nights, fringe shows and a moody, wood-clad interior that makes it a staple of the city’s alternative night scene.
A brief summary to Cabaret Voltaire
- 36-38 Blair St, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR, GB
- +441312474704
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Thursday 7 pm-3 am
- Friday 7 pm-3 am
- Saturday 5 pm-3 am
Local tips
- Check the event listing for door times and age limits; live gigs start earlier while club nights often peak late into the night.
- The downstairs vaults are compact and loud—use ear protection for sensitive ears and plan for limited sightlines during busy shows.
- If mobility needs are a concern, contact the venue ahead of time to confirm accessibility options and staff assistance.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Information Boards
Cabaret Voltaire location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Low-Visibility Conditions
Discover more about Cabaret Voltaire
A subterranean setting with theatrical roots
Cabaret Voltaire occupies vaulted, stone-lined spaces under Blair Street, where low ceilings, dark wood panelling and pockets of colored lighting create a theatrical, cave-like atmosphere. The venue’s plan is layered: an upstairs bar provides a gentler social space while the lower vaults are arranged as a compact performance and dance area, with raised nooks, small booths and a stage for bands and DJs. The result is a venue that feels simultaneously cosy and charged, where the architecture itself contributes to the intensity of sound and crowd energy.Music programming and venue character
Programming at Cabaret Voltaire moves between live music, acoustic sets and themed DJ nights that embrace electronic, techno, house and alternative styles. On weeknights and festival afternoons the upstairs area often hosts relaxed DJ sets or acoustic performances; on key club nights the downstairs vault transforms into a loud, rhythmic dance floor with production geared toward late-hours crowds. The venue’s character is shaped by its adaptability: intimate gigs and Fringe events sit comfortably alongside club programming, giving the space a chameleon-like quality.Layout, sights and sensory cues
Visual details that stand out are the low stone arches, exposed brick, booths edged with warm lighting and the mix of industrial fixtures and vintage touches. Sound in the vaults is immediate and close—bass carries through stonework and the room’s compactness makes music feel tactile. Expect the scent of warm wood, polished bar surfaces and the occasional tang of a busy bar; the lighting shifts from amber and soft upstairs to strobes and saturated color in the club vaults downstairs.Social scene and crowd profile
Cabaret Voltaire draws a diverse late-night crowd: local clubbers, students, festival-goers and those seeking cutting-edge or underground music nights. The venue’s layered environment encourages small social groups to gather in booths upstairs or to spill into the dance floor downstairs. Its compact footprint means social interaction is constant—bar queues, clustered conversations and energetic dancing mingle tightly with the live performance action.Practical quirks and accessibility notes
The venue occupies older, historic vaults and this can influence access: there are steps and narrower passageways that may be challenging for some mobility needs, and sightlines can be restricted in crowded configurations. Staff are experienced with busy events and private-hire setups are a regular feature; capacity is intimate rather than stadium-scale, which contributes to the close-up feel for live acts and DJs. Timings vary by event type and club nights run into the small hours on core nights.Why the venue matters in the Old Town fabric
Set beneath one of Edinburgh’s busiest historic streets, Cabaret Voltaire is part of the Old Town’s nighttime identity: a place where underground music culture, festival programming and social nightlife converge beneath the city’s stonework. Its role as both a daytime arts space and a nocturnal club gives it a dual personality—equally useful for quieter music bookings and for late, high-energy club nights—making it a distinctive and enduring piece of Edinburgh’s live-music ecosystem.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Heritage of Edinburgh
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1 Parliament Sqr
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Parliament Sqr
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Advocates Close
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Warriston's Close Stairs
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A widening staircase through medieval Edinburgh, where 120 steps transform from narrow lane to grand passage.
Unmissable attractions to see
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South Bridge
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St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum, The University of Edinburgh
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Department Of Magic
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Cowgate
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Hunter Square
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Tron Kirk Market
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City of Edinburgh Tours
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Royal Mile
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ScoziaTour.com
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Royal Mile Tavern
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Enchanted Galaxy
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Fringe Shop
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scottish experience cashmere place
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Crest Of Edinburgh
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The Wee Gift Shop
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Heritage of Scotland
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cabaret Voltaire
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Vaulted live-music rooms and a relaxed upstairs bar—Cabaret Voltaire is Edinburgh’s atmospheric hub for alternative gigs and late-night clubbing.
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Live music venue
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Nightlife
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adults Only
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
