Finding memorable places to drink in Edinburgh is remarkably easy. Scotland’s capital combines centuries-old pubs, specialist whisky bars, hidden cocktail lounges, live folk music venues and stylish modern bars within a relatively compact city.
Edinburgh’s official tourism guide highlights everything from traditional institutions and cosy pubs to cocktail lounges and neighbourhood bars across the Old Town, New Town, Stockbridge, West End and Leith.
For first-time visitors, some of the best bars in Edinburgh are concentrated around the Old Town and New Town. The Royal Mile and Grassmarket provide historic atmosphere, Queen Street has several excellent cocktail destinations, while Stockbridge and Leith reward travellers willing to explore beyond the busiest tourist streets.
The best pubs in Edinburgh are equally diverse. You can listen to traditional music over a pint, explore enormous whisky collections or drink inside establishments connected with centuries of local history.
This guide brings those different experiences together, helping you choose where to drink during your Edinburgh trip.
Also Read - 10 Best Pubs in Edinburgh
1. The Devil's Advocate – Best for Whisky in the Old Town
Hidden down Advocate’s Close near the Royal Mile, The Devil’s Advocate combines the atmosphere of Edinburgh’s Old Town with an impressive drinks selection.
Edinburgh’s official tourism organisation highlights its collection of more than 300 whiskies alongside its focus on local and seasonal produce.
Its location makes it particularly convenient after exploring Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral and the Royal Mile.
For travellers searching for places to drink in Edinburgh that combine Scottish whisky with a memorable historic setting, this is one of the strongest choices.
Best for: Whisky, Old Town atmosphere and couples.
2. Panda & Sons – Best for Creative Cocktails
Panda & Sons offers something completely different.
The entrance resembles an old-fashioned barbershop, concealing a speakeasy-style cocktail bar behind it. Edinburgh’s tourism organisation particularly highlights its inventive drinks and unusual cocktail techniques.
The playful concept could easily feel gimmicky, but the cocktails remain the real attraction.
Among the best bars in Edinburgh, Panda & Sons is particularly suitable for travellers who want an experience rather than a conventional pint at a pub.
Best for: Creative cocktails, dates and unusual nightlife.
3. Bramble – Best Hidden Cocktail Bar
Bramble is another Queen Street favourite, but its atmosphere is more understated.
Descending the easily missed staircase reveals an intimate underground cocktail bar. Edinburgh’s official guide describes it as a softly lit hidden spot known for impressive drinks.
This is not the place to choose if you want a large, loud pub. Instead, Bramble suits travellers looking for carefully prepared cocktails in a more intimate environment.
It deserves a place among the best bars in Edinburgh for cocktail enthusiasts.
Best for: Cocktails, intimate evenings and hidden-bar atmosphere.
4. The World's End – Best for Royal Mile Pub Atmosphere
The World’s End is a convenient choice for visitors exploring the lower Royal Mile.
Its traditional pub character makes it a natural stop after a long day walking around Edinburgh’s Old Town.
The central location means it can become busy, but that is also part of its appeal for travellers wanting a lively Scottish pub experience without travelling away from the major attractions.
When considering the best pubs in Edinburgh for first-time visitors, location and atmosphere make The World’s End particularly easy to incorporate.
Best for: Royal Mile, traditional pub atmosphere and first-time visitors.
5. The Last Word – Best for Stockbridge Cocktails
Stockbridge offers some excellent places to drink in Edinburgh away from the busiest city-centre streets.
The Last Word provides a quirky, intimate setting on St Stephen Street. Edinburgh’s tourism guide highlights both its cocktails and its selection of small-batch spirits, wines and craft beers.
Its neighbourhood location makes the experience feel different from drinking around the Royal Mile.
Combine it with dinner in Stockbridge for a relaxed evening away from Edinburgh’s main nightlife districts.
Best for: Cocktails, Stockbridge and relaxed evenings.
6. Hey Palu – Best for a Modern Cocktail Night
Hey Palu is a strong choice for visitors who prefer contemporary cocktail bars.
Situated on Bread Street, it works particularly well before or after dinner around the Old Town or West End.
The emphasis here is less on historic Edinburgh and more on the drinks themselves, making it a useful contrast to the traditional pubs found elsewhere in the city.
A good Edinburgh nightlife itinerary should include both sides of the city, and Hey Palu helps represent its modern cocktail culture.
Best for: Cocktails, couples and modern nightlife.
7. The Raging Bull – Best for Coffee Cocktails
The Raging Bull on Lothian Road brings a distinctive speciality to Edinburgh’s cocktail scene.
Edinburgh’s official tourism guide specifically recommends trying its coffee cocktails and describes the bar’s cosy interior of rustic walls, marble tables and natural foliage.
Its location also makes it convenient for visitors staying around the West End.
For travellers comparing the best bars in Edinburgh and looking for something beyond traditional whisky and beer, The Raging Bull offers a fun alternative.
Best for: Coffee cocktails, groups and West End nightlife.
8. SCOTCH Whisky Bar – Best for a Dedicated Whisky Experience
Whisky deserves a significant place in any guide to Edinburgh drinking.
SCOTCH Whisky Bar provides a dedicated setting for visitors who want to explore Scotland’s national spirit in the heart of the city.
Its Princes Street location is particularly convenient if you are staying around the New Town or Waverley Station.
Rather than treating whisky as something you simply order after dinner, visiting a dedicated whisky bar allows you to make it a central part of the evening.
Best for: Whisky enthusiasts and Scottish drinks.
9. Whiski Rooms – Best for Whisky Near Edinburgh Castle
Whiski Rooms is conveniently positioned close to Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town.
Its combination of whisky and central location makes it particularly useful for first-time visitors who want to incorporate a Scottish drinks experience without travelling to another neighbourhood.
Stop after exploring the castle and Royal Mile, or include it before dinner.
When searching for places to drink in Edinburgh during a short city break, conveniently located whisky bars can be especially valuable.
Best for: Whisky, sightseeing breaks and central location.
10. Whiski Bar & Restaurant – Best for Whisky on the Royal Mile
Whiski Bar & Restaurant provides another accessible whisky option directly on the High Street.
It is well positioned for visitors spending most of their day in the Old Town and works naturally as part of an evening around the Royal Mile.
The combination of drinks and food can also be useful when your group includes people who are more interested in Scottish cuisine than whisky.
Among the best bars in Edinburgh for tourists, its location is a significant advantage.
Best for: Whisky, Scottish atmosphere and Royal Mile visitors.
11. Royal Mile Tavern – Best for a Lively Central Pub
The Royal Mile Tavern is another straightforward choice when you want a traditional pub experience in the heart of Edinburgh.
Its central High Street location makes it easy to reach after sightseeing.
Rather than travelling across the city for every drink, spending an evening moving between selected Old Town pubs can be an enjoyable way to experience Edinburgh after dark.
For visitors looking for some of the best pubs in Edinburgh close to the main attractions, this is a practical addition to the itinerary.
Best for: Traditional atmosphere, groups and Old Town nights.
12. The Queens Arms – Best for a Cosy New Town Pub
The Queens Arms brings classic pub atmosphere to Edinburgh’s New Town.
Located on Frederick Street, it is well positioned for visitors exploring Princes Street, George Street and surrounding areas.
Its setting provides a useful contrast to Edinburgh’s cocktail-heavy New Town nightlife.
Not every evening needs elaborate mixology. Sometimes the best pubs in Edinburgh are simply those where you can settle into a comfortable setting and enjoy a relaxed drink.
Best for: Cosy atmosphere, New Town and casual evenings.
13. The Last Drop – Best for Grassmarket Atmosphere
Grassmarket is one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric areas for an evening drink.
Historic buildings surround the open square beneath Edinburgh Castle, creating an unmistakably Old Town setting.
The Last Drop occupies a prominent position here and works particularly well as part of a wider evening exploring Grassmarket and nearby streets.
For first-time visitors, this area provides some of the easiest places to drink in Edinburgh while remaining surrounded by the city’s historic character.
Best for: Grassmarket, Old Town atmosphere and groups.
14. The Auld Hundred – Best for a Rose Street Pub Stop
Rose Street has long been associated with Edinburgh’s pubs.
The Auld Hundred gives visitors another traditional option between Princes Street and George Street.
This area works particularly well for travellers staying in the New Town because several pubs and bars can be explored on foot without relying on taxis or public transport.
If your idea of the best pubs in Edinburgh involves traditional surroundings rather than hidden cocktail lounges, Rose Street deserves space in your plans.
Best for: Traditional pub experience and New Town evenings.
15. Sheep Heid Inn Edinburgh – Best for Historic Pub Character
The Sheep Heid Inn requires travelling away from the centre, but its history makes the journey worthwhile.
Forever Edinburgh notes that the site has had a bar since the 14th century and describes it as Edinburgh’s oldest pub.
Located in Duddingston near Arthur’s Seat, it works especially well after exploring Holyrood Park or as a destination in its own right.
For history enthusiasts searching for the best pubs in Edinburgh, few places provide a stronger connection with the city’s centuries-old drinking culture.
Best for: History, traditional pub culture and Duddingston.
16. The Cocktail Geeks – Best for Themed Cocktails
The Cocktail Geeks offers another playful alternative to Edinburgh’s traditional pubs.
Its location around East Market Street makes it convenient for travellers exploring the Old Town and Waverley area.
This is the type of bar to choose when you want imaginative cocktails rather than whisky flights or pints.
Combining one creative cocktail destination with a traditional pub later in the evening provides an excellent introduction to the diversity of the best bars in Edinburgh.
Best for: Themed cocktails, groups and something different.
17. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society – Best for Serious Whisky Fans
Visitors particularly interested in Scotch whisky should consider making time for The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Its Queen Street location places it conveniently within New Town, close to several other cocktail and drinking destinations.
The experience is especially suitable for travellers who already know they enjoy whisky and want to explore the spirit beyond the most familiar bottles.
Whisky-focused places to drink in Edinburgh range from accessible Royal Mile bars to specialist destinations like this, giving enthusiasts plenty of variety.
Best for: Whisky enthusiasts and specialist drams.
18. Amber Restaurant & Whisky Bar – Best for Whisky Near the Castle
Amber provides another whisky-focused stop close to Edinburgh Castle.
Its Castlehill location makes it exceptionally convenient when your itinerary is centred around the Old Town.
This is useful for travellers who want to sample Scotch whisky without dedicating an entire evening to visiting bars.
Pair the experience with Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and dinner nearby for an easy Old Town itinerary.
Best for: Whisky, Castlehill and first-time visitors.
19. Freddy's Edinburgh – Best for Late-Night Drinks
Freddy’s provides a livelier option for travellers whose evening does not end after a quiet whisky.
Located on Frederick Street, it is well positioned within Edinburgh’s central nightlife area.
This is more appropriate for groups looking for late-night energy than travellers searching for traditional pub heritage.
Including a venue like this demonstrates why the best bars in Edinburgh cannot be reduced entirely to whisky bars and historic taverns—the city also has an active late-night scene.
Best for: Late nights, groups and lively nightlife.
20. Sandy Bell’s – Best for Traditional Folk Music
Sandy Bell’s deserves particular attention from visitors who want Scottish music alongside their drinks.
Forever Edinburgh describes the small Forrest Road pub as being highly regarded for its ales, spirits and live folk music, with music taking place every night of the week.
The intimate atmosphere is part of the attraction.
For travellers looking for the best pubs in Edinburgh rather than polished cocktail lounges, a traditional music session can become one of the most memorable evenings of the trip.
Best for: Folk music, traditional atmosphere and Scottish culture.
Best Bars in Edinburgh by Drinking Style
| What You Want | Where to Consider |
|---|---|
| Creative cocktails | Panda & Sons, Bramble, Hey Palu |
| Whisky | The Devil’s Advocate, SCOTCH Whisky Bar, Whiski Rooms |
| Traditional pubs | The World’s End, Queens Arms, Sheep Heid Inn |
| Live music | Sandy Bell’s |
| Old Town drinks | The Devil’s Advocate, Royal Mile Tavern, The Last Drop |
| New Town drinks | Panda & Sons, Bramble, Queens Arms |
| Late-night atmosphere | Freddy’s |
| Historic experience | Sheep Heid Inn |
| Grassmarket drinks | The Last Drop |
| Hidden bars | Panda & Sons, Bramble |
Best Places to Drink in Edinburgh for First-Time Visitors
First-time visitors should begin around the Old Town.
The Royal Mile, Grassmarket and surrounding closes combine drinking with the historic atmosphere that makes Edinburgh distinctive. The Devil’s Advocate works particularly well for whisky, while traditional pubs provide a more casual experience.
However, do not spend every evening around the Royal Mile.
New Town contains several of the best bars in Edinburgh, particularly for cocktails. Queen Street alone provides access to Panda & Sons, Bramble and other nearby drinking options.
Stockbridge offers a more neighbourhood-oriented experience, while Leith is worth exploring if you have additional time.
Best Pubs in Edinburgh for Traditional Atmosphere
Edinburgh’s pub culture is closely connected with its history.
The Sheep Heid Inn stands out because of its extraordinary longevity, with a drinking establishment documented on the site since the 14th century. Sandy Bell’s provides another kind of tradition through its association with folk music.
Traditional pubs are particularly appealing during colder months when stone buildings, cosy interiors and a dram of whisky seem perfectly suited to Edinburgh.
Visitors interested in history should therefore make at least one classic pub part of their itinerary rather than concentrating exclusively on contemporary cocktail bars.
Best Bars in Edinburgh for Cocktails
Cocktail enthusiasts have plenty of options.
Panda & Sons is perhaps the most distinctive, combining its disguised barbershop entrance with inventive drinks. Forever Edinburgh currently features it among both the city’s quirky and hidden bars.
Bramble provides a darker and more understated experience, while Hey Palu and The Raging Bull add further variety.
These venues demonstrate how far Edinburgh’s drinking culture extends beyond Scotch whisky.
For a cocktail-focused evening, New Town and the surrounding central neighbourhoods provide some of the best places to drink in Edinburgh.
Best Edinburgh Bars for Whisky
You cannot discuss drinking in Scotland without whisky.
The Devil’s Advocate is particularly impressive because its selection exceeds 300 whiskies. Teuchters Bar, another venue recommended by Edinburgh’s official tourism guide, has around 90 single malts.
Dedicated whisky bars can also help newcomers understand regional differences and discover styles they might not otherwise order.
If you are unfamiliar with Scotch, tell the bartender what flavours you normally enjoy rather than simply ordering the oldest or most expensive whisky.
Best Areas for Edinburgh Nightlife
The best bars in Edinburgh are spread across several neighbourhoods, so choosing the right area can simplify your evening.
Old Town is best for history, traditional pubs and drinking around the Royal Mile or Grassmarket.
New Town works particularly well for cocktails, stylish bars and an evening around Queen Street, George Street or Rose Street.
West End provides another mixture of traditional pubs and modern bars.
Stockbridge feels more local and relaxed, making it ideal for couples and travellers who prefer neighbourhood drinking.
Leith has its own thriving pub and bar scene. Edinburgh’s tourism organisation notes that the neighbourhood is easily accessible from the centre by public transport.
Where to Drink in Edinburgh for Live Music?
Sandy Bell’s should be high on your list if traditional folk music matters.
Live music changes the experience completely because the pub becomes more than simply somewhere to order a drink.
Edinburgh’s wider nightlife scene also includes entertainment venues, DJs and events, so check individual schedules when planning your evening.
If live music is a priority, avoid building a rigid pub crawl. Spending longer in one atmospheric venue can be much more memorable than rushing through five different bars.
Edinburgh Beer Gardens and Outdoor Drinking
Edinburgh is not always associated with outdoor drinking, but warmer and brighter days create opportunities to enjoy beer gardens.
Forever Edinburgh highlights several venues with outdoor areas, including Black Ivy, noting that covered and heated spaces can make outdoor drinking possible even when conditions are less than perfect.
Summer is naturally the most appealing period for this style of evening.
A sunny afternoon in a beer garden can provide a welcome contrast to Edinburgh’s underground cocktail bars and dark historic pubs.
Final Thoughts
The variety of places to drink in Edinburgh is one of the strongest features of the city’s nightlife. You can begin with whisky near Edinburgh Castle, move to a centuries-old pub, discover a hidden cocktail bar behind an unexpected entrance and finish the evening listening to traditional folk music.
The best bars in Edinburgh depend on the experience you want. Panda & Sons and Bramble stand out for cocktails, while The Devil’s Advocate and specialist whisky bars appeal to travellers wanting to explore Scotch. Neighbourhoods such as Stockbridge provide a quieter alternative to the busy Old Town.
Meanwhile, the best pubs in Edinburgh reveal another side of the city. Historic establishments, traditional music venues and cosy local pubs preserve the atmosphere many travellers imagine when planning a trip to Scotland.
For a first visit, combine rather than choose between them. Spend one evening exploring historic Old Town pubs, another discovering New Town cocktails and make time for at least one dedicated whisky experience. That mixture provides a far more complete introduction to Edinburgh’s drinking culture than staying on a single street all night.
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