They have played host to big names like music superstar Elton John, American rock icon Tina Turner and Russian ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, as well as hundreds of lesser known actors, dancers and musicians.
Theatres are an essential part of the city's fabric and integral to the Capital's cultural scene.
Here are some fascinating black and white photos, selected from the Evening News archive, of shows, stars and staging from 40 years ago.
Scroll through the old pictures and get a flavour of what was happening on stage in the mid-1980s.
9. A Day Down a Gold Mine
Stuart Gorman, George Wyllie and Bill Paterson in a scene from 'A Day Down a Gold Mine' at the Assembly Rooms during Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1985. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
10. Stanley Baxter and Snoopy
Scottish entertainer Stanley Baxter, playing Widow Twankey in Aladdin at the King's theatre, presents a Snoopy telephone to four children from Graysmill school in Edinburgh, December 1985. | TSPL Photo: Stan Warburton
11. Doctor in the House
Children's TV presenter and actor Brian Cant was appearing in Doctor in the House at the King's Theatre Edinburgh in November 1985. | TSPL Photo: Bill Newton
12. Russ Abbot comes to town
Comic and actor Russ Abbot came to Edinburgh to promote his Christmas show in September 1985. | TSPL Photo: Joe Steele