Edinburgh’s pub scene is as rich and varied as the city’s history itself. From centuries-old taverns where literary giants once gathered to modern craft beer havens, the capital’s drinking establishments offer something for every taste. Unlike typical tourist traps, the best pubs in Edinburgh provide a genuine glimpse into Scottish culture, where locals and visitors alike can enjoy exceptional drinks, hearty food, and that famous Scottish hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a cozy fireside spot to escape the rain, a lively venue with traditional music, or simply the perfect pint of ale, this guide will lead you to the most authentic and beloved pubs across Edinburgh’s diverse neighborhoods.
Edinburgh’s Best Pubs: Where to Find Them
Edinburgh’s pub landscape stretches across distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. From the historic taverns of the Old Town to the elegant establishments of the New Town and the vibrant venues of Leith, knowing where to find these gems is half the adventure. Use this map to plan your perfect pub crawl through the city’s most celebrated drinking spots.
Interactive map of Edinburgh’s best pubs – click on markers for details
Historic Old Town Pubs
The winding closes and wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town hide some of the city’s most characterful drinking establishments. These historic pubs have witnessed centuries of Edinburgh life and continue to serve locals and visitors with equal warmth.
The Sheep Heid Inn – Scotland’s oldest pub dating back to 1360
The Sheep Heid Inn
Dating back to 1360, The Sheep Heid Inn proudly holds the title of Edinburgh’s oldest pub. Tucked away in Duddingston village, this historic tavern has welcomed royalty throughout the centuries, including Mary Queen of Scots and more recently, Queen Elizabeth II. The pub retains its country-style charm with low ceilings and antique furnishings.
What makes this pub truly unique is Scotland’s oldest surviving skittles alley, perfectly preserved and still in use today. The gastropub menu offers modern European dishes with a Scottish twist, making it worth the journey beyond the city center.
The White Hart Inn
With over 500 years of history, The White Hart Inn in the Grassmarket claims to be Edinburgh’s oldest tavern. Its walls have witnessed visits from literary giants like William Wordsworth and Robert Burns, adding to its cultural significance. The atmospheric interiors transport you back in time, while ghost stories add an extra layer of intrigue.
Regular live music sessions create a lively atmosphere, and their food menu features Scottish classics like haggis, neeps, and tatties. The pub’s central location makes it an ideal stop during an Old Town exploration.
The Halfway House
True to its name, this tiny pub is tucked halfway down the stairs of Fleshmarket Close, making it easy to miss despite being in plain sight. The Halfway House claims to be Edinburgh’s smallest pub, creating an intimate atmosphere where conversations with locals flow as freely as the beer.
CAMRA members enjoy discounted pints, and the pub serves a rotating selection of real ales. Their compact food menu offers warming Scottish dishes perfect for Edinburgh’s often chilly weather. Look for the entrance near Waverley Station – this hidden gem is worth seeking out.
Elegant New Town Establishments
Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town offers a more refined pub experience, with elegant interiors and sophisticated drink selections. These establishments blend traditional pub culture with a touch of New Town elegance.
The Cumberland Bar’s charming beer garden – a New Town favorite
The Cumberland Bar
This New Town stalwart embodies the elegant yet unpretentious character of the area. The Cumberland Bar features a traditional, unspoiled interior with a distinctively high bar adorned with an impressive array of real ale hand pumps. The pub’s lovely beer garden is a rare find in the New Town and becomes a social hub during summer months.
While you might spot some of Edinburgh’s posher residents here, the atmosphere remains welcoming to all. Their food menu offers hearty pub classics executed with finesse, making it perfect for both casual drinks and longer dining experiences.
The Bailie
The Bailie prides itself on being exactly what a local pub should be – welcoming, authentic, and deeply rooted in its community. With a good selection of real ales on traditional hand pumps and a thoughtfully crafted food menu that includes some creative offerings, it strikes the perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
In winter, the roaring fires create a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to leave. The pub’s location on St. Stephen Street puts it at the heart of Stockbridge, making it an ideal spot to experience this charming neighborhood’s local culture.
Café Royal Circle Bar
With its Parisian-style exterior and ornate Victorian interiors, the Café Royal Circle Bar is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful pubs. Located in the shadow of the famous Balmoral Hotel, this architectural gem features a stunning circular bar, brass chandeliers, cozy booths, and antique cornicing.
The pub is also home to Edinburgh’s oldest oyster bar, with ice-laden platters regularly making their way through the elegant room. Despite its popularity with tourists, the Café Royal maintains a loyal local following, many of whom can be found propping up the central bar.
Craft Beer Havens
Edinburgh’s craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with dedicated venues showcasing the best of Scottish brewing alongside international offerings. These modern pubs focus on quality, variety, and brewing innovation.
The Hanging Bat’s impressive tap selection offers some of Edinburgh’s finest craft beers
The Hanging Bat
For craft beer enthusiasts, The Hanging Bat on Lothian Road is Edinburgh’s premier destination. Showcasing an extensive range of cask and keg beers, this modern pub takes its brewing seriously – they even have their own on-site microbrewery. The Bat proudly serves its beers in schooners rather than pints, allowing patrons to sample more varieties.
Their food menu focuses on hot dogs and smoked dishes that pair perfectly with their beer selection. Regular “meet the brewer” events offer insights into the craft beer world, making this a must-visit for anyone serious about their hops.
Cloisters Bar
Housed in an old church hall, Cloisters has become a stalwart of Edinburgh’s real ale scene. Their impressive board of rotating real ales and occasional real ciders changes almost daily, with updates often posted on their social media. The unique interior, with its ecclesiastical touches, creates a distinctive atmosphere.
Located near The Meadows, it’s the perfect spot to refresh after a walk in the park. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to offer recommendations from their extensive selection, making this a welcoming spot for both beer novices and aficionados.
BrewDog
While now an international chain, BrewDog’s Edinburgh location on Cowgate was only their second bar ever opened. True to the brand’s ethos, they proudly don’t serve “crap lagers,” focusing instead on their own innovative brews and guest craft beers. Their selection often includes some remarkably strong options, perfect for the adventurous drinker.
The industrial-chic interior creates a lively, youthful atmosphere, and their location on the Cowgate puts them at the heart of Edinburgh’s nightlife scene. Their food menu features burgers and bar snacks designed to complement their beers.
Leith’s Maritime Taverns
Once a separate port town, Leith has maintained its distinct character even as it’s been absorbed into Edinburgh. The area’s pubs reflect its maritime heritage and working-class roots, now blended with creative energy as the neighborhood gentrifies.
Teuchters Landing’s unique waterside location offers stunning views on sunny days
Teuchters Landing
Housed in an old waiting room for the steam ferry from Leith to Aberdeen, Teuchters Landing combines maritime history with excellent drinks. The cozy interior is complemented by one of Edinburgh’s best beer gardens, perched right on the dock with views across the water.
With 18 beers on tap and hundreds of whiskies, there’s something for every taste. On rare sunny days, they even offer free suntan lotion to patrons enjoying the waterside setting. Their food menu features Scottish classics with a focus on quality local ingredients.
The Lioness of Leith
As Leith has evolved into Edinburgh’s creative hub, The Lioness of Leith has become a neighborhood favorite that bridges old and new Leith. The pared-back interior preserves original features while incorporating modern touches like pinball machines, arcade games, and pop art-inspired prints.
The pub proudly celebrates its Leith heritage while embracing change, attracting a diverse clientele that reflects the area’s evolution. Many locals claim they serve the best burger in town, making it worth visiting for the food alone.
Carriers Quarters
Self-described as a “little bar with a big heart,” Carriers Quarters embodies the spirit of traditional Leith. This unpretentious pub maintains an authentic atmosphere that’s increasingly rare as the area gentrifies. The small, characterful space encourages conversation among patrons.
Their drink selection focuses on quality rather than quantity, with well-kept ales and a good range of spirits. The pub’s Bernard Street location puts it at the heart of historic Leith, making it an ideal spot to experience the area’s distinctive character.
Edinburgh’s Most Instagrammable Pubs
For those who appreciate aesthetics alongside their ales, Edinburgh offers several pubs with stunning interiors and unique design elements that are perfect for your social media feed. These visually striking venues combine photogenic settings with quality drinks.
The Dome’s spectacular Christmas decorations make it Edinburgh’s most photographed pub during the festive season
The Dome
This grand George Street establishment is housed in a former bank building, with architecture that demands attention. The Dome is particularly famous for its Christmas decorations, which transform the already impressive space into a festive wonderland that draws visitors from across the city.
The central bar area features a stunning glass dome, while the various dining spaces offer different atmospheres. While more restaurant than traditional pub, their bar area serves excellent cocktails and a good selection of wines and spirits. Booking is recommended, especially during the festive season.
The Frankenstein
Housed in a converted church, Frankenstein embraces its gothic theme with theatrical flair. The centerpiece of this unique pub is a seven-foot monster that periodically emerges from the wall on chains, lowered above the drinking area while lightning effects and dramatic music play – a spectacle that never fails to delight first-time visitors.
Beyond the theatrical elements, the pub offers reasonably priced drinks and a lively atmosphere. Its location on George IV Bridge makes it easily accessible during Old Town explorations, and the converted church setting provides a distinctive architectural backdrop.
Nobles
Located in Leith, Nobles combines Victorian elegance with modern comfort. The pub’s stunning stained-glass windows, steampunk-style brass and wood bar, and ornate tiled floor create an atmosphere that feels like stepping onto a historical film set. The high ceilings and large windows fill the space with light during the day.
Beyond its photogenic interior, Nobles offers excellent food and a thoughtful selection of drinks. Their brunch is particularly popular with locals, making this a great spot to start your day before exploring Leith’s many attractions.
Hidden Gems Off the Tourist Trail
With so many outstanding pubs to choose from, an organized crawl is the perfect way to experience Edinburgh’s diverse drinking establishments. Here are three suggested routes based on different areas of the city, each offering a distinctive flavor of Edinburgh’s pub culture.
Experience Edinburgh’s pub culture with friends on a well-planned crawl through the city
Ready to explore Edinburgh’s pub scene?
Download our free Edinburgh Pub Crawl Map featuring all the pubs mentioned in this guide, plus suggested routes organized by neighborhood.
What’s the best time to visit Edinburgh pubs?
Most Edinburgh pubs are at their liveliest in the early evening (5-8pm) when locals stop by after work. For a more relaxed experience, visit during weekday afternoons. Many pubs host traditional music sessions on Sunday afternoons, offering a perfect cultural experience. During the Edinburgh Festival in August and around Hogmanay (New Year), pubs will be exceptionally busy, so arrive early to secure a spot.
What should I order in an Edinburgh pub?
While in Edinburgh, try a locally brewed ale from breweries like Barney’s Beer, Pilot, or Stewart Brewing. Scotland is also famous for its whisky, with most pubs offering an extensive selection – don’t hesitate to ask staff for recommendations based on your taste preferences. Many pubs also serve traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup), or stovies (potato-based dish) that pair perfectly with local drinks.
What’s the tipping etiquette in Edinburgh pubs?
Tipping isn’t expected when ordering drinks at the bar in Edinburgh pubs, though you can round up to the nearest pound or tell them to “keep the change” if you wish. For table service or if you’re ordering food, a 10-15% tip is appreciated but not mandatory. Some pubs may add a service charge for larger groups, so check your bill before adding extra.
Experience Edinburgh’s Pub Culture Like a Local
Edinburgh’s pubs offer far more than just places to drink – they’re living museums of Scottish culture, social hubs where stories are shared, and showcases for the country’s brewing and distilling heritage. From historic taverns that have served patrons for centuries to cutting-edge craft beer bars pushing brewing boundaries, the city’s diverse pub scene has something to satisfy every taste.
What makes Edinburgh’s pubs truly special is their authenticity. Despite the city’s popularity with tourists, many establishments maintain their local character, providing visitors with genuine experiences rather than watered-down versions created for tourism. By venturing beyond the obvious choices and exploring pubs in different neighborhoods, you’ll gain deeper insights into Edinburgh’s character and perhaps make some Scottish friends along the way.
The warm, welcoming atmosphere of Edinburgh’s pubs creates memories that last long after your visit
Share Your Edinburgh Pub Experiences
Have you discovered a hidden gem we missed? Let fellow travelers know about your favorite Edinburgh pubs in the comments below!
