Edinburgh Playhouse
Planning a visit to the Edinburgh Playhouse? Whether you’re coming to see a big touring musical, a concert, comedy show or another live performance, this guide will help you plan your trip.
From what’s on and how to get there to nearby restaurants, parking, accommodation and accessibility information, you’ll find everything you need to start planning your visit to one of Edinburgh’s best-known entertainment venues.
What’s On at Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse regularly welcomes some of the biggest touring productions to the capital, including major West End musicals alongside concerts, comedy and other live entertainment.
If you’re looking for your next show, take a look at what’s coming to the Edinburgh Playhouse and start planning your visit.
About Edinburgh Playhouse
Located at the top of Leith Walk, the Edinburgh Playhouse is one of the city’s most recognisable entertainment venues.
The building originally opened as a cinema in 1929 before later becoming the theatre and live entertainment venue we know today. With more than 3,000 seats, it is also the UK’s largest all-seated theatre.
Its size makes the Playhouse particularly well suited to large touring productions, and over the years it has welcomed many major musicals, concerts, comedians and other performers.
For musical fans visiting Edinburgh, it is one of the city’s most important venues and regularly features in our What’s On listings.
Edinburgh Playhouse
Where to Eat Near Edinburgh Playhouse
Planning a meal before the show? There are plenty of places to eat around the Edinburgh Playhouse, with restaurants, cafés and bars around Leith Walk, St James Quarter, the OMNi Centre and the surrounding city centre.
When choosing somewhere for a pre-theatre meal, we recommend checking three things:
- How long it will take to walk to the theatre
- Whether you need to book a table
- How much time you’ll have before the performance starts
For evening and weekend performances in particular, booking ahead can take some of the stress out of your visit. We’ve put together a separate guide to help you find somewhere suitable close to the theatre.
Discover Restaurants Near Edinburgh Playhouse
You can also explore our latest Edinburgh dining offers if you’re looking to combine your theatre visit with a restaurant deal.
Hotels Near Edinburgh Playhouse
Staying overnight can turn a trip to the theatre into a full Edinburgh city break.
There are plenty of hotels and other accommodation options within the city centre, including properties around Leith Walk, York Place, St James Quarter and the New Town.
If the theatre is the main reason for your visit, check the actual walking distance between your accommodation and the Playhouse before booking. A hotel described as being in “central Edinburgh” isn’t necessarily right beside the theatre.
Staying nearby can be particularly useful after an evening performance, as you won’t need to worry as much about catching a late train or travelling a long distance after the show.
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Parking Near Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse doesn’t have its own dedicated car park, but there are public parking options nearby.
Q-Park OMNI is beside the theatre, while parking is also available at St James Quarter.
If you’re planning to drive, check current prices, opening times and any available theatre parking offers before your visit.
It’s also worth allowing extra time on busy days. Edinburgh city centre can become particularly busy during weekends, festivals and major events.
Edinburgh Playhouse Seating
The Edinburgh Playhouse is a large theatre with seating spread across different areas of the auditorium.
Your ideal seat will depend on your budget, the production you’re seeing and your personal preferences. For some visitors, being closer to the stage is most important, while others may prefer a more central position that gives a wider view of a large musical production.
If you have specific mobility or accessibility requirements, check the theatre’s official accessibility information before choosing your seats.
Accessibility at Edinburgh Playhouse
Edinburgh Playhouse provides accessible seating and facilities, but the layout of this historic building means it’s particularly important to choose the appropriate seating area if you have mobility requirements.
Step-free access is available to designated wheelchair spaces at Circle level. Other areas of the auditorium involve stairs, and there is no lift providing access between all seating levels.
An accessible toilet is available at Circle level, and additional assistance may be available depending on your requirements and the performance you’re attending.
Because individual access requirements vary, we recommend checking the latest accessibility information directly with the Edinburgh Playhouse before booking.
Check Official Edinburgh Playhouse Accessibility Information
Things to Do Near Edinburgh Playhouse
If you’re visiting Edinburgh for more than just the performance, the Playhouse is well placed for exploring more of the city.
Nearby areas include Leith Walk, Princes Street and the New Town, while Edinburgh’s Old Town and Royal Mile can also be reached from the theatre.
Depending on the time of your performance, you could spend part of the day sightseeing, have a pre-theatre meal and then finish your visit with a musical at the Playhouse.
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll have even more time to explore Edinburgh before travelling home.
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Planning Your Edinburgh Playhouse Visit
A little planning can make your theatre visit much more enjoyable.
Before you travel, it’s worth checking:
- Your performance start time
- The expected running time
- How you’re getting to the theatre
- Your return transport
- Where you’d like to eat
- Whether you need to book a restaurant
- Any accessibility requirements
- Where you’re staying if you’re making an overnight trip
Try to arrive at the theatre around 30 minutes before the performance starts. This should give you time to enter the venue, find your seats and get settled without rushing.
For particularly busy performances, you may prefer to arrive a little earlier.
FAQ
Planning a trip the Edinburgh Playhouse often raises questions about timings, travel, dining and where to stay. These answers cover some of the most common things visitors need to know before heading to the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Make More of Your Edinburgh Theatre Visit
Seeing a show at the Edinburgh Playhouse doesn’t have to be the only part of your trip.
You could enjoy a pre-theatre meal, explore some of Edinburgh’s attractions, stay overnight or turn your visit into a full weekend in the capital.
Our Edinburgh visitor guides will help you bring everything together, from choosing your musical and getting to the theatre to finding restaurants, accommodation and things to do around your performance.