Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh – 40 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

Back
add_circle Add your night out listing

Cabaret Voltaire -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 40 user ratings

36 Blair Street Edinburgh EH1 1QR

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Wednesday: 8:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday: Closed

💬 What Students Say

Cabaret Voltaire, located in the heart of Edinburgh beneath the historic Old Town, is a must-visit venue for students looking to enjoy a night out filled with great music and an energetic atmosphere. This unique venue features two dancefloors and top-notch sound systems, making it a hotspot for house, techno, and bass music lovers. Students frequently rave about the venue's buzzing vibe, which is enhanced by a diverse crowd and a well-curated lineup of DJs that keeps the dancefloor packed until the early hours. The venue's commitment to providing an innovative mix of music is evident in its regular rotation of weekly and monthly residencies, ensuring that there's always something fresh to experience. Early-week nights often feature resident DJs, allowing students to enjoy lower or even no entry fees, while the weekends ramp up with higher admission charges for special events. This setup creates a perfect balance for students looking to enjoy a lively night out without breaking the bank.

The atmosphere at Cabaret Voltaire is consistently described as positive and welcoming. Many students appreciate the local feel of the venue, which contributes to a sense of community among patrons. Reviewers often mention how the crowd is friendly and in good spirits, making it a comfortable place to let loose and enjoy a night out. The mix of people adds to the venue's charm, as it attracts a variety of individuals who come together to enjoy the music and the vibrant environment. This is particularly appealing for students who want to experience a night out that feels both exciting and inclusive. The energy in the venue is palpable, with students noting that they leave feeling uplifted and happy after their visit.

When it comes to drinks, Cabaret Voltaire has garnered praise for its affordable prices and solid selection. Many students highlight the drink deals available, which make it a budget-friendly option for those looking to enjoy a night out without overspending. Reviewers frequently mention that the drinks hit the spot and are well-priced, making it easy to keep the fun going throughout the night. This affordability is a significant draw for students, as it allows them to enjoy a night of dancing and socializing without the worry of high costs. The overall value of the venue is highly regarded, with many students feeling that they get a great experience for the price they pay.

The queue and entry experience at Cabaret Voltaire also receive positive feedback. Many students appreciate that the venue has a relatively smooth entry process, with manageable waiting times. The queue rating is notably high, indicating that students generally find the experience to be hassle-free. This is especially important for those eager to get inside and start enjoying the night. The combination of a lively atmosphere and an efficient entry process contributes to an overall enjoyable experience for those attending.

However, while Cabaret Voltaire has many strengths, it is not without its caveats. Some students have noted that the atmosphere can vary from night to night, with certain evenings feeling more vibrant than others. This inconsistency can be a drawback for those seeking a guaranteed high-energy experience every time they visit. Additionally, while many appreciate the laid-back vibe, some students feel that it can be a bit too relaxed at times, which may not suit everyone's taste. It's important for prospective visitors to keep this in mind when planning their night out.

Overall, Cabaret Voltaire is a venue that caters well to students looking for a fun and affordable night out in Edinburgh. The combination of great music, a friendly atmosphere, and budget-friendly drinks makes it a go-to spot for many. Whether you're looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a few drinks with friends, this venue has something to offer for everyone. It's particularly well-suited for students who appreciate a local feel and a vibrant atmosphere, as it consistently delivers an enjoyable experience that keeps them coming back for more.

In summary, Cabaret Voltaire stands out as a top choice for students in Edinburgh seeking a lively nightlife experience. Its unique location, engaging music lineup, and affordable pricing make it a venue worth checking out. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’re likely to find something special about this hidden gem beneath the city’s historic streets.
▼ See more

✅ What Students Love

  • Vibrant atmosphere that keeps students coming back.
  • Affordable drinks that are well-priced for students.
  • Excellent music selection with a focus on house, techno, and bass.
  • Friendly crowd that creates an inclusive environment.
  • Smooth entry process with manageable queues.
  • Regularly refreshed DJ lineup keeps the experience fresh.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Atmosphere can vary from night to night.
  • Some nights may feel too laid-back for certain preferences.
  • Higher admission charges on weekends may deter budget-conscious students.
  • Inconsistent energy levels depending on the crowd and night.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a lively and affordable night out with great music.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is generally casual, but smart-casual is recommended.
  • Early-week nights often have lower or no entry fees.
  • Expect a mix of calm and energetic vibes depending on the night.
  • Check the event schedule for special DJ nights to maximize your experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is Cabaret Voltaire like?

It's a vibrant venue known for its positive atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, with a high rating for entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, students frequently mention affordable drinks and good overall value.

What music does Cabaret Voltaire play?

The venue features house, techno, and bass music, with a rotating DJ lineup.

What kind of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a friendly mix of people, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Reviews
1 of 41
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The atmosphere on the dancefloor is always lively and the music selection keeps people moving. drink prices are reasonable and the place stays open late enough to enjoy a good night out.
By user741265 on Apr 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Cabaret voltaire had a good vibe and the drink prices were reasonable. music was solid, which kept the energy up all night. would go back for sure.
By user542288 on Apr 1st 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Stumbling into Cabaret Voltaire feels like stepping into a hidden gem where the vibe is always buzzing, drink deals are super solid, and the DJ lineup keeps the dancefloor packed until the early hours!
By user145092 on Mar 26th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Drinks were solid but the tunes really hit different. that's what keeps me coming back to cabaret voltaire.
By user445042 on Mar 23rd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Good mix of people and the music was top quality.
By user972838 on Mar 18th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Been a few times and it’s got a good atmosphere, always something happening.
By user663383 on Mar 17th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Cabaret voltaire has something special. it’s got that local feel which is what i prefer for a night out.
By user869887 on Mar 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
This is how a student night should feel. just the right mix of music and people to keep things lively.
By user539025 on Mar 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The atmosphere is always positive and people seem to be having a good time. that’s what makes it enjoyable.
By user327985 on Feb 27th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Drinks are well priced and there's a solid selection to choose from. you won't break the bank here.
By user434466 on Feb 11th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Drinks hit the spot but the tunes were what kept me coming back for more.
By user732538 on Feb 5th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user688457 on Jan 30th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
A good mix of people and the atmosphere was chill. never felt out of place or uncomfortable.
By user919612 on Jan 25th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
You leave feeling pretty upbeat, just a good atmosphere all around
By user701817 on Jan 20th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Drinks are pretty cheap and the crowd's usually decent, not a bad combo.
By user926690 on Jan 17th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Been a few times and it’s a mix of calm and madness, kinda weird but it works 😅
By user411191 on Jan 13th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Been a few times and it feels pretty good most nights. some nights just hit different though 😌
By user557763 on Jan 10th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Place has a good atmosphere that makes you wanna come back, just the right mix of energy and space to enjoy it.
By user952107 on Jan 6th 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The whole atmosphere felt really spontaneous and lively. small details like that make it a spot you want to keep coming back to.
By user570381 on Jan 2nd 2026
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Affordable drinks make it a go-to for student nights. that’s what keeps me coming back to cabaret voltaire.
By user171803 on Dec 28th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's the main draw here. everyone gets into it and you can feel the energy.
By user229881 on Dec 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Staff were really friendly but the atmosphere was a bit too laid back for my taste. not a huge deal though.
By user837604 on Dec 19th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user156656 on Dec 15th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's always pretty solid and everyone seems to be in sync with it. feels like a good crowd every time.
By user134574 on Dec 11th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always a laugh — every visit ends up a story.
By user783740 on Dec 4th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
There are more laid-back places, but this one just feels like a good time every visit. it's a spot that lifts your mood.
By user551383 on Dec 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never had a bad night here – always a vibe!
By user178165 on Nov 26th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
The atmosphere at cabaret voltaire is just buzzing every time you go. it's what keeps me coming back.
By user919659 on Nov 22nd 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Everyone seemed to be in a good mood when i was there. it felt like a spot where people actually enjoy being.
By user511141 on Nov 16th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user914748 on Nov 9th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user955633 on Nov 1st 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user971685 on Oct 27th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user287880 on Oct 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Atmosphere is always buzzing, exactly what you want on a night out.
By user301993 on Oct 20th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music is loud and the crowd is fun, things that make a night out better when you're a student
By user307868 on Oct 17th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music was sick and the staff were really sound
By user586238 on Oct 13th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Music's the main draw here. it's one of the best nights for students.
By user154774 on Oct 10th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Cabaret voltaire is a cool spot for dancing with mates. it’s got a laid-back feel that makes it easy to hang out.
By user537763 on Oct 5th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user461125 on Sep 29th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Looking back, met loads of cool people there. the atmosphere made it easy to connect and hang out.
By user908776 on Sep 24th 2025
Overall
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
One of the highlights of student life – great place to go.
By user518733 on Sep 16th 2025