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“Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky.” Yes, we Scots do hold one of the world titles for our alcohol consumption. We know how to have a good time during all seasons. When it rains, it pours, so there is only one thing for it: a trip to the pub. Of course, when the sun appears, you will find us ‘taps aff’ at one of the city’s bars with a garden area.
Let’s raise a glass to the best pubs in Edinburgh guide, divided up by area, recommended by me (Gemma) and fans who love Edinburgh.
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Edinburgh Pubs
Edinburgh’s Old Town/Grassmarket
Every night of the week, Edinburgh’s Grassmarket is buzzing, and one of my favourite Edinburgh pubs can be found here.
The Last Drop, Grassmarket
The Last Drop has a nice mix of tourists and locals, possibly because the music over the stereo is always banging but not too loud.
The Last Drop also serves typical Edinburgh pub grub.
Secret Arcade
I don’t like gin, whisky, or (craft) beer, which pretty much makes me a useless drink-tasting guest in Scotland since those three are all the rage.
It’s OK, though, because Edinburgh has the Secret Arcade, a cool Polish vodka bar that is pretty unpretentious.
Whistle Binkies
Live music in a dark cave with a sweaty crowd of all ages.
Salt Horse
Unassuming craft beer pub with commended veg food options. Dog-friendly.
Cold Town House
Epic views of the Castle? Check.
Brewed beer and cocktail menu. Check.
Stone-baked pizzas. Check.
Monteiths
Head down the fairy light tunnel to the ultra-cool Monteiths.
Gorgeous decor, cute coat hangers under the bar and a great selection of unusual cocktails.
Outside seats with heaters because it is Scotland!
City Centre/George/Rose Street
George Street is an upmarket city area, while Rose Street is where you’ll find friendly casual pubs with live music.
Twenty Princess Street
Views of the City and Edinburgh Castle with a nice cocktail list.
Brewhemia Edinburgh
With its super Instagrammable front entrance and flower arch, Brewhemia is like a stylish beer hall with live music on weekends.
Read next: Where to stay in Edinburgh, the best areas explained.
Planet Bar
Friendly gay bar in Edinburgh with live music and drag queens.
The Dome
The Dome is the most popular Edinburgh bar at Christmas time.
You have to book a table in advance or join the long line of hopefuls looking to sniff that special Dome festive scent and see the changing coloured tree.
The Black Rose Tavern
Always rammed on a Saturday night—an eclectic mix of punters at this alternative music pub.
The Black Cat
Intimate pub with an extensive range of whisky and live music.
Auld Hundred
Cosy city centre pub with excellent pub grub; always busy.
Milnes Bar
Cheap and cheerful bar, which is part of the Edinburgh Heritage Pub Trail.
Hoot the Redeemer
Hoot the Redeemer deserves a shoutout, as it is one of Edinburgh’s speakeasy bars.
Flashing lights in glasses, seats from the cinema and a fortune-telling machine.
Ghillie Dhu
Moving away from Edinburgh bars on George Street, Ghillie Dhu on Rutland Street (near Princes Street Gardens) offers a fun night for those seeking more traditional Scottish vibes.
It also puts on sporadic a ceilidh night!
It is a must for tourists and locals alike.
Get your dancing shoes on, and be prepared to twirl (and kick and clap!)
Leith Pubs
I love Leith.
It’s like a village in the city where all the cool kids live.
I used to live on Maritime Lane, which has one of my favourite pubs on its doorstep.
Nobles
Lovely stained glass windows and a lovely brunch spot with outdoor seating.
It’s great to see the bars along Constitution Street embracing European vibes with outdoor seating.
Port o’ Leith
Historically, the Port ‘o Leith is where the sailors used to meet some short-term loving.
When I lived in Leith, the exterior was painted red, but apart from that one time, it was changed to green for filming, which outraged locals (football).
Back in the day, the last song was a Proclaimer’s tune, and we frequently danced in the bar.
The clientele was a mash-up of Human Traffic, Coronation Street and the few timid students who had come to investigate this infamous scene for their dissertations.
Today, it has been gentrified, stripped of its red skin and given a far more attractive shop front.
Pop in and try a Ting and Tequila cocktail! Bring ID; I was rejected the night before our wedding party at Leith Theatre, sob.
What is your favourite bar in Edinburgh? Tell us below.
Yeah! What a nice post! 🙂 I am planning to visit Edinburgh soon so it will be very helpful 😀 Thanks! 🙂
Good to hear Ollie! It’s a very pretty city, lots of history and drinking opps.
What a good article topic! Every time I travel, I make sure to go where the locals drink and sometimes, it’s really challenging if you don’t know anyone in the area. Thanks for sharing this information!
It really is, I hate going to a city without the insider knowledge.
The singalongs are the best part! We did some bar hopping in Edinburgh and although I don’t think we actually found a real local hangout, we had a really great time trying. They love to drink, party, sing and be rowdy there. It’s so fun.
We really are! Booze a bit too much some might say!
Love this post guys! I’m always wanting to find local hangouts, and it’s so difficult unless you can connect with locals (surprise, surprise!). I’m flagging this for my next visit. Cheers!
Port o’ Leith is a definite for that!
Great list of places to drink in Edinburgh! I’ll have to remember these when we visit next summer.
Lovely time to visit. For the Festival?