Edinburgh has some of the finest pubs in Britain. From medieval taverns that have served drinkers for 700 years to Victorian palaces with original fittings, the city rewards pub explorers. Here's our guide to the best.
Historic Pubs
The Sheep Heid Inn
Est. 1360Duddingston
Scotland's oldest surviving pub, tucked away in Duddingston village near Arthur's Seat. Features a traditional skittles alley in the garden. Cosy, authentic, and worth the trip.
Best for: History, skittles, Sunday roast
The White Hart Inn
Est. 1516Grassmarket
Edinburgh's oldest pub in the city centre. Robert Burns drank here. The building has original features and a welcoming atmosphere beneath the castle.
Best for: History, location, traditional feel
Deacon Brodie's Tavern
Est. 1806Royal Mile
Named after the infamous Deacon Brodie - respectable cabinet maker by day, burglar by night. He inspired Jekyll and Hyde. Two-floor pub with good food.
Best for: Royal Mile location, history
The Café Royal Circle Bar
Est. 1863West Register Street
Stunning Victorian interior with ornate tiled murals, stained glass, and a magnificent island bar. One of Edinburgh's most beautiful pub interiors.
Best for: Architecture, oysters, elegance
Bennets Bar
Est. 1839Tollcross
Perfectly preserved Victorian pub with original fittings, mirrors, and gas lamps (now electric). A time capsule of old Edinburgh.
Best for: Authentic Victorian atmosphere
Whisky Bars
The Bow Bar
400+ whiskiesWest Bow
No TV, no music, just good whisky and conversation. Over 400 malts behind the bar. Regularly voted one of Scotland's best whisky pubs.
Vibe: Serious whisky, quiet atmosphere
The Devil's Advocate
300+ whiskiesAdvocates Close
Hidden down a Royal Mile close, this former pump house has exposed stone walls and an excellent whisky selection. Also does great cocktails.
Vibe: Atmospheric, sophisticated
Whiski Bar
450+ whiskiesRoyal Mile
Huge whisky selection with knowledgeable staff who can guide beginners. Tasting flights available. More accessible than some whisky bars.
Vibe: Tourist-friendly, educational
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society
Members whiskiesQueen Street
Members' club in a Georgian townhouse. Day passes available. Exclusive single cask whiskies you won't find anywhere else.
Vibe: Exclusive, unique bottlings
Grassmarket Pubs
The Grassmarket is Edinburgh's pub heartland - a historic square beneath the castle with more pubs per square metre than anywhere in the city.
The Last Drop
Named for the gallows that stood in the Grassmarket. Traditional pub with good beer selection and history-soaked atmosphere.
Best for: Dark history, traditional pub
Maggie Dickson's
Named after a local woman who survived her own hanging in 1724. Lively pub with good food and outdoor seating with castle views.
Best for: Castle views, atmosphere
The Beehive Inn
18th-century inn with a cosy interior and beer garden. One of the more relaxed Grassmarket options.
Best for: Quieter vibe, beer garden
Biddy Mulligans
Irish pub with live music most nights. Good craic, Guinness, and a friendly atmosphere.
Best for: Live music, atmosphere
Craft Beer Bars
BrewDog Edinburgh
Cowgate
Scottish craft brewery's Edinburgh outpost. Huge range of craft beers on tap plus guest beers.
The Hanging Bat
Lothian Road
Dedicated craft beer bar with rotating taps and knowledgeable staff. Great bottle selection too.
Salt Horse Beer Shop & Bar
Blackfriars Street
Part bottle shop, part bar. Excellent curated selection of Scottish and international craft beers.
Holyrood 9A
Holyrood Road
Gourmet burgers and craft beer in a converted space near Holyrood. Great food and beer matching.
Live Music Pubs
Sandy Bell's
Traditional folkForrest Road
Legendary folk pub with live traditional music most nights. Tiny, packed, and utterly authentic. No stage - musicians just sit in the corner.
The Royal Oak
Folk sessionsInfirmary Street
Another Edinburgh institution for folk music. Regular sessions in the basement bar. Warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Whistlebinkies
Rock, indie, coversSouth Bridge
Live music seven nights a week, often until 3am. Rock, indie, and covers bands. No cover charge.
Bannermans
Rock, metal, alternativeCowgate
Edinburgh's rock pub in the vaults beneath South Bridge. Live bands and club nights.
Pub Tips
- 🍺Scottish pubs often don't do table service - order at the bar
- 🍺Tipping isn't expected at the bar, but appreciated for table service
- 🍺Many pubs serve food until 9pm, some later
- 🍺Grassmarket gets very busy on weekend nights
- 🍺Whisky is 'whisky' in Scotland - never 'Scotch' or 'whiskey'
- 🍺Ask for a recommendation - bartenders love sharing their favourites
- 🍺Many historic pubs have no TV or music - it's intentional
- 🍺Last orders are typically 11pm-12am depending on the venue