Usher Hall
Usher Hall
4
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Unique concert hall in the heart of Edinburgh. Music, comedy, award ceremonies, hospitality and more. Celebrating 100 years in 2014
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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See what travelers are saying
- jeff cLiverpool, United Kingdom170 contributionsYoung Fathers hometown show!We came to Edinburgh especially to see Young Fathers, seeing as it was the final date on their current tour, and a hometown gig. The venue is stunning, such a beautiful old theatre, and we were sat upstairs in the Grand Circle. We had a great view, and the sound was fabulous. The staff at the hall were all very friendly and helpful, and Young Fathers played an incredible set. All in all it was a terrific evening!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 3, 2023
- Liked_it_or_not55 contributionsMediocre experienceI sat at the back of the Grand Circle and feel that the leg room was too limited. I also found the atmosphere quite stuffy. Certainly, in the Grand Circle, there is a need for improved ventilation and a less crammed seating arrangement, not least as this area is recommended as the best choice and therefore is advertised with higher seating charges. The acoustics are good.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 4, 2023
- Amanda BarnesSt. Andrews, United Kingdom113 contributionsNight out.What a beautiful venue. Went for the first time for The Stranglers concert. Acoustics were great the band sounded amazing. We bought our tickets through ticket master. ( Be warned they don't know the venue!!) We were sitting in the gods, but the view was grand. Seats were comfortable enough but not much knee room. The venue was very clean and well maintained. There was a lift up to the upper circle but depending where your seats are you may have stairs to climb. The staff were very helpful and friendly. The toilets were very clean and modern. Bars on all levels too. Perfect!!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 10, 2024
- NettyKilmarnock, United Kingdom141 contributionsFirst time visitDespite being avid concert goers this is the first time at the usher hall. The venue is stunning. What made it extra special was when I needed help a couple of times, I was fortunate enough to meet John. He clearly makes customer service a priority Matter of fact, tells you how it is but all with your needs in mind. Every theatre should have a John!Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 6, 2024
- frazielGlasgow, United Kingdom11 contributionsBest Concert venue in ScotlandBeen here twice recently to see 2 different bands, first time standing, last time sitting in the circle. Both times absolutely fantastic experience. Beautiful building in a lovely area with great pubs and restaurants nearby as well as close to train station to get back to Glasgow. Venue itself is modern, clean and fit for the 21st century, unlike one in Glasgow I could mention. Multiple bars and toilets on every level, good choice of drinks, if a little pricey. Atmosphere inside amazing and great views either standing or seated. Been to many concerts over many years in several cities and this is hands down the best venue I have been in. Great overall experience and friendly security too.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2024
- Xtina0325North Yorkshire, United Kingdom111 contributionsFabulous Billy Joel Songbook ConcertExcellent venue for a concert, that is spacious with great acoustics and good transport links.Friendly staff with accessible amenities and plenty of nice restaurants close by for a pre concert meal Billy Joel Songbook concert was superb with first class musicians. We left in high spirits singing and dancing all the way home. Would highly recommend the venue and the musicians. First class entertainmentVisited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 8, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
414 reviews
Excellent
194
Very good
126
Average
44
Poor
17
Terrible
33
Sarah H
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Family
Erasure 6th October
Travelled from Leeds for this event.
Covid passport required for double vaccination no problem for me to provide but no one was scanning the QR codes, just waved in. Could have provided a drawn picture and would have been let in,
Only one bar which had no draught lager £5 for a can of lager. Big queues for bar.
Over sold, venue was packed out to point people were stood in doorway with the door open to see.
Toilets a minefield !
Perhaps this venue should stick to smaller artists to accommodate.
Only good point was when I asked a steward Robert for help he was great.
Travelled from Leeds for this event.
Covid passport required for double vaccination no problem for me to provide but no one was scanning the QR codes, just waved in. Could have provided a drawn picture and would have been let in,
Only one bar which had no draught lager £5 for a can of lager. Big queues for bar.
Over sold, venue was packed out to point people were stood in doorway with the door open to see.
Toilets a minefield !
Perhaps this venue should stick to smaller artists to accommodate.
Only good point was when I asked a steward Robert for help he was great.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iain A
Kirkcaldy, UK675 contributions
Dec 2019
Our first visit in a very long time, we saw Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes Just before Christmas. A great show with great seating in the circle allowed us great views of the stage. The sound system allowed us to hear every song clearly.
The tickets were bought the Box Office via telephone. The process was easy and flawless, our tickets being delivered within two days of placing our order. Just the way it should be.
A great place to watch a show only five minutes walk from the West End of Princes Street.
The tickets were bought the Box Office via telephone. The process was easy and flawless, our tickets being delivered within two days of placing our order. Just the way it should be.
A great place to watch a show only five minutes walk from the West End of Princes Street.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
graham B
1 contribution
Dec 2021
On a gig night to wait 45 minutes for a drink at the bar, even taking into account Covid is rubbish. Everyone had to show covid pass which is fine, but once inside very few people wearing masks and no enforcement. Good acoustics in the venue for a gig though.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cat L
26 contributions
Dec 2022
I absolutely love the Usher Hall in Edinburgh and find the building to be very beautiful and dazzling. The staff who work at the concerts are always so friendly and helpful if you have any questions or aren't sure where to go. The view from any area of the venue can't be faulted and I always find the fact the floor raises the further back you get always helps to ensure your view isn't obstructed even if standing near the mixing desk etc. The sound quality is crystal clear and artists of live music who are performing there always comment on how lovely the venue is. 10/10 would recommend for live music!
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stuart1122018
Edinburgh, UK21 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Went to see James Morrison was really looking forward to this but was a major let down due to the venue. Bar prices were extortionate. No area for standing was all seated. People seated near us were asked to leave for dancing! Was ridiculous won’t ever be back to a concert at the Usher Hall would not recommend.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CheekyMonkey2013
Liverpool, UK16 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
It’s certainly not a 5 star theatre. If you’re thinking of spending your hard earned money don’t bother buying a seat in the upper circle, you are sat in the poor man’s seat! Pure torture to seat on a hard wooden seat for nearly 2 hrs with no space for your legs or knees.
Seating costs at a theatre are on a sliding scale of the view not the quality of comfort. The seats are of better quality in the stalls, mediocre in the grand circle & diabolical in the upper circle. Steps down to the seats are also a huge safety issue, no warning of how steep they are, very disappointing event.
Seating costs at a theatre are on a sliding scale of the view not the quality of comfort. The seats are of better quality in the stalls, mediocre in the grand circle & diabolical in the upper circle. Steps down to the seats are also a huge safety issue, no warning of how steep they are, very disappointing event.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim P
Edinburgh, UK2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Friends
I have just picked up my eldest Son (31) from the Train Station 25 minutes after being refused admission for the Underworld concert. His Younger Brother and friend went in without issue. The doorman claimed he was too drunk. I have just picked him up and he is nowhere near in the slightest drunk, although he has had a couple of drinks. Do these arrogant doorman just pick a few people at random to prove they are needed and retain their employment. The ticket for tonight was a Christmas gift from his Brother to see a band he has been waiting years to see. To say they are extremely disappointed and angry at the arrogant and unfair attitude of the doorman goes without saying.
Written April 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Usher Hall Walking Tour by the Usher family is well worth the time. Douglas is knowledgeable, entertaining and has a gift for story telling making history come to life. Our small group tour guide, extraordinaire, Douglas, enraptured us with his stories and historical knowledge and left us wanting for much more. He touched on topics of architectural periods and styles to the contemporary use of old world places which influenced the settings for the Harry Potter books. Douglas is animated as he succinctly shares stories of the macabre and Edinburghs spiritual history. He even shared Scottish etymologies providing a well rounded tour. We’d rebook a tour with him in a heartbeat!
Written July 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian
Carlisle, UK159 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Gorgeous, beautiful, historic theatre. It's a real privilege just to view a show at this theatre. We saw a muppet christmas carol with a live orchestra here recently and it's just a wonderful old theatre. The decor is tasteful and subtle in places but also grand and very deserving of such a wonderful venue.
Written December 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob P
Edinburgh, UK31 contributions
Mar 2023
Received an email stating doors open at 18:30. We arrived at 18:30 and were met by around 100 people who were trying to get shelter from the torrential rain. It’s not acceptable making people wait in that weather for 12 minutes until you’re ready to open the doors. (No apologies were given) We then made our way to the bar at the left side of the stalls to buy a drink. No seats in the bar area and we’re told we can’t gain access to our seats until 19:00. (Why) The stench from the toilet at the bar area was overpowering which is where we were told to stand until our seats were ready.
Luckily the concert was superb as the Usher Hall is a great venue.
Customers would be a lot happier if the venue is ready to accept customers when they are told the doors open.
Luckily the concert was superb as the Usher Hall is a great venue.
Customers would be a lot happier if the venue is ready to accept customers when they are told the doors open.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
I would be grateful for advice on good parking spots in the vicinity of the Usher Hall for a Saturday night visit.
Written November 6, 2023
Hi
I would be grateful for advice on good parking spots in the vicinity of the Usher Hall for a Saturday night visit.
Written November 6, 2023
What time on average do gigs finish? I’ll need to catch the last train home which is at 11pm. I looked for digs but there very expensive for some reason. Thanks for any help as usual.
Written March 9, 2023
It's the only time we've been there as we were visiting the city so can't really give an average, from memory it finished before 11pm. My advice would be to contact venue direct for a specific gig.
Written March 10, 2023
Is alcohol permitted in the arena when standing, I have tickets for Paul Weller in November .
Written March 3, 2020
Hi I have standing tickets booked for the paul weller gig on 16th November, is alcohol permitted in the arena.
Written March 2, 2020
Hi, my wife and I are attending the classical concert at the usher hall on Saturday 28th December, we have never been to this venue, not sure what dress code would be suitable? We like to dress up whenever possible, but don't want to stand out like a sore thumb, does anyone know if tux and bow tie are commonly worn? Thanks
Written December 15, 2019
Hi Darren,
A tux and bow tie although very smart in its own right is not necessary however it is entirely up to you at the end of the day how you wish to present yourself.
In my opinion you can present yourself in a smart casual manner then following your event you may wish to try the Rat Pack club or the Ghillie Dhu for a traditional Scottish club atmosphere both these clubs are beside one another.
Enjoy Edinburgh
Written December 16, 2019
Hi good evening planning on attending Jack savoretti concert, however, only limited standi g tickets available, where is this area loacted, any info greatly appreciated.
Cheers
Jamie
Written November 5, 2019
Differs for each concert. I would expect them to be in the front of the stalls area, under the stage. Viewing should be good.
Written November 8, 2019
Has anyone used the accessible seats in the grand circle of Usher Hall? if so what is the view like? are the easy to get to? near toilets ect?
Written September 7, 2019
Imo the usher Hall needs to rethink their wheelchair seating. Row q is awful, people going past all the time, many a time I've had someone knock into me causing me great pain as I'm wheelchair bound with rheumatoid arthritis! As far as the wheelchair seating imo should be is front row in the middle, so we have an uninterrupted view. I'm fed up with going to gigs there and staring at someone's butt for hrs!! Nit good enough. I've been banging on about the usher halls disabled seating for yrs, nobody really listens!?
Written September 2, 2022
We have tickets for kelly Jones - upper circle row e - 15/16 both tall and well built - are we in for an uncomfortable evening ?
Written May 30, 2019
Sorry but as we were sitting in stalls on ground floor I’m not sure about where you are but our seats were comfortable and had a decent amount of leg room. I am 6 foot tall so appreciate the need for space for my legs
Written May 31, 2019
Is there a cloakroom for leaving jackets? Attending colours classical this weekend and will fancy a dance. Thanks
Written February 11, 2019
As far as I am aware there are cloakroom facilities, but I think these are dependant on what is on, best phone and check with the venue
Written February 11, 2019
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