The 10 Best Bars in Edinburgh: A Night Out You Won't Forget!

Oh, Edinburgh, or "Dùn Èideann" as it's whimsically known to locals in Gaelic. Home to castles, period architecture, cobbled streets, lush greenery—and some of the most incredible places to grab a drink, of course!

Dare we say, The Leaky Cauldron and The Hog's Head have nothing on the best bars and pubs in Edinburgh. From period Georgian and Victorian setups to modern and chic, the options are varied, plentiful, and IG-worthy. 

Edinburgh crowds are youthful, filled with students from the nearby Edinburgh University. Many pub go-ers are friendly and looking to have a good time, so you won't have to worry about finding good company. Edinburgh's nightlife scene is all the rage and, most importantly, hospitable and welcoming. 

Where Are All The Best Bars Located in Edinburgh?

When booking a trip, it's always a good idea to select accommodation that's conveniently located nearby to activities and hotspots. Where best to stay in Edinburgh depends on what you want to do, be it a hike, sightseeing, or a night out. However, the majority of the best bars, pubs, and clubs in Edinburgh are centrally-located. 

You can find most dotted within a 1.5 km radius of Edinburgh Castle. Particularly in Old Town, New Town, Haymarket, Holyrood, and the West End. You can easily traverse from one location to the next by foot, making Edinburgh a fantastic city for pub crawls, bar hopping, and clubbing.

How Much Will a Drink Cost Me in Edinburgh?

Grabbing a drink may not be one of the cheapest things to do in Edinburgh. With the city holding the title for the most expensive pint in Scotland, expect to shell out. Standard prices in the hippest Edinburgh bars will have you paying around £5 or more per pint and £7+ for a fancy cocktail.

On the plus side, the unbeatable ambiance should make up for any extra cash you spend. Unlike the best restaurants in Edinburgh, you're unlikely to need a booking. Most Edinburgh bars welcome walk-ins unless they're holding a private event or to capacity.

The Top 10 Bars in Edinburgh

Bars come in all shapes and sizes, especially in Edinburgh, where old-world meets new-world luxe and charm. The city offers plenty of fun and unique places to eat, drink, and merrily during the night away. If you want to experience more than one pub in one night, you can always sign up for a pub crawl!

Before you decide how you want to explore the bars in Edinburgh, you need to learn about the ones that are worth your time. Let's dive right in and tour some of the best bars in Edinburgh, Scotland!

10. For Food & Drinks: The Piper's Rest Public House - Hunter Square

Located just off Royal Mile, the Piper's Rest pub is one of the top-rated bars for drinking and dining. The ambiance here is warm and cozy, yet upmarket, featuring bar service and tables. This one's so popular that you may need to book in advance! 

When visiting this Edinburgh pub, previous patrons recommend the fried Mars bar and steak pie if you're hungry. However, it also features a great drinks menu of half and full pints of beer, shots, cocktails, wine, gin, and whisky.

9. For Cocktails: Panda & Sons - Queen Street

Undoubtedly one of the top cocktail bars in Edinburgh, Panda & Sons perfectly blends old-time charm with fun and modern innovations. While this joint looks very much like a speakeasy, its drinks menu is anything but bootleg! Each cocktail features a mix of techniques like smoking and sous vide, along with using premium liquors and fresh ingredients. All these ultimately result in a truly one-of-a-kind night out on the town!

8. For Sightseeing: Sheep Heid Inn (1360) - The Causeway

Considered the oldest pub in Edinburgh and the entirety of Scotland, the Sheep Heid is highly recommended. That said, it's located outside Edinburgh's city center near Duddingston Loch, so you'll need to travel to get there. 

Though it is a pub, aim for your Sunday best, as the Sheep Heid is a stylish spot. Its full drinks menu, including spritz, cocktails, spirits, and mocktails, is more than worth dressing up for! Plus, the trip to get there and experience an old-time pub like this is unique and probably a highlight of many people's vacation.

7. For A Nightcap: Hoot The Redeemer - Hanover Street

Can't decide between dessert or a nightcap? Don't! At Hoot The Redeemer, you can have your booze and eat it, too! The funky joint serves tipsy ice cream, offbeat cocktails, adult slushies, and make-your-own mixes. They also offer a host of spirits, wines, and liquors—all with a healthy dose of eclectic divination-inspired decor and whacky vibes. 

6. For Karaoke: Supercube - George Street & Cowgate

It's not only pubs and upmarket cocktail bars on offer in Edinburgh. The city hosts a few karaoke bars where you can have a fun night with the girls, guys, or any new friends you've made. 

Supercube is one of the best karaoke bars in Edinburgh, offering two venues: one in New Town and one in Old Town. With private rooms, attentive staff, and drink specials like beer buckets and cocktail pitchers, you're in for a fun night!

5. For Jazz: The Jazz Bar - Chambers Street

Jazz fans are in for a treat at The Jazz Bar, which hosts live music and free-to-play jam sessions daily. Besides tons of talented local and international acts, you can look forward to annual events here, including The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Being one of the top jazz bars in Edinburgh, you can also enjoy plenty of refreshments, alcoholic or non-alcoholic!

4. For Alternative Music: The Banshee Labyrinth - Niddry Street

The Old Town is the go-to place to see preserved medieval architecture of Edinburgh. Some people don't realize that it also offers fantastic, unique bars and clubs! 

For instance, The Banshee Labyrinth is one of the best alternative and rock bars in Edinburgh and is located in the heart of Old Town! Purportedly Scotland's most haunted pub, this spooky basement venue also plays host to live metal and punk acts.

3. For Bar Snacks: The Fox and Faun - Shandwick Place

The Fox and Faun is one of the best bars in West End Edinburgh to enjoy food and drinks. This well-known establishment serves delicious grub, bar snacks, cocktails, mocktails, spirits, beers, and even brunch, so you won't be left hungry! 

The location boasts a bar, quirky decor, sports entertainment, and sit-down tables and counters, many of which are indoors. As such, it's the perfect spot for those chilly Edinburgh nights. Stop by if you're heading into or out of the city from Edinburgh Airport.‍

2. For Whisky: The Black Cat - Rose Street

Fancy a Scotch? When in Scotland, you might as well! Try out The Black Cat, as it's one of the top whiskey bars in Edinburgh! 

At The Black Cat you can choose from a vast selection of whiskeys and whiskey flights from all over Scotland and beyond. Plus, bask in the picturesque settings while enjoying traditional Scottish folk music and other exciting entertainment like quiz nights.‍

1. For Traditional Entertainment & Fare: The Fiddler's Arms - West Port

Grassmarket is a popular spot to eat and drink, meaning there are plenty of bars. Fiddler's Arms is one of the best local bars in Grassmarket Edinburgh, featuring live folk entertainment and quaint decor. Acts go live at 9 pm every weeknight, and entry is free. 

As an established pub, it serves both traditional fare and drinks. Located just beneath Edinburgh Castle, the views are pretty fantastic too.

Time to Make Proper Plans for Your Next Pint!

Congrats, now you have insight into the more unique, exciting bars to visit while in Edinburgh. All that's left is getting yourself to Edinburgh! Whether you need to start planning or are halfway through and stressed, you can probably make your life easier. Introduce hassle-free planning into your life by joining Pilot!