Just off Princes St is Edinburgh's gay district, a busy little area mapped out by Broughton St, Picardy Place and Leith Walk. Composed of a cluster of bars and clubs, the capital's gay scene may be small but is nonetheless the liveliest in Scotland, providing the city's large LGBT community and their friends with fun nights out in a laid-back, comfortable environment. The area is also home to a selection of restaurants, cafes and shops marketed as being gay-oriented, or at least gay-friendly. It may lack the variety of San Fran or Sydney, but what it lacks in size, Edinburgh's "Pink Triangle" certainly makes up for in character, and what's most striking about the area is the colourful assortment of people you'll meet there. It's not uncommon to see a family sitting down to a meal opposite a pair of drag queens, or friends chatting over drinks in an age group that spans a few decades; the important thing to remember is that as long as they are tolerant and open minded, everyone - gay, straight, bi or other - is welcome.

Other, less commercial events (for example, workshops, meetings, film nights) often take place in venues around the city, offering alternatives to those looking to meet people in a different environment, away from alcohol or perhaps from the pop-centric entertainment provided by GHQ and CC Blooms.