The city of Edinburgh is a historical city full of character and stacked with the largest number of captivating pubs, medieval streets, and an imposing castle that make it even more entertaining. Organizing an Edinburgh pub crawl does not mean only drinking but exploring the soul of this city, its secrets, and getting the atmosphere of this place. Our ultimate guide is all you need to have to organize the best pub crawl, to avoid the most typical mistakes, and to have an incredible experience during your pub crawl session.
Classic or quirky: how to pick your Edinburgh pub crawl route?
The great thing about an Edinburgh pub crawl is that it is flexible. You might follow a traditional path, visiting famous pubs with a long history, or you can move away to the beaten track and find unusual places, full of eccentricities. Traditional tours usually centre on the Old Town, and they will lead you through closes and past historical sites. Alternatively, a more off-beat tour could visit some of the secret bars of the New Town, or head into the lively district of Leith, with its wide variety of independent and unusual pubs.
When planning, take into consideration what interests you. Do you like small Scottish pubs that are traditional in nature? Or do you rather fancy contemporary craft beer bars that offer a great variety of local beers? By researching which pubs there are in advance, you can even create the most optimal route that will suit your tastes. There are numerous websites with in-depth pub guides and reviews so you can always make the right choices.
Suggested Old Town Pub Crawl Route Classics:
A traditional walk would start in a traditional pub, Sandy Bell, which is famous due to its live music and great atmosphere. Then you might as well stroll along the Royal Mile, popping in Salt Horse, a place with a great variety of craft beers, and ending up in The Sheep Held Inn, an old pub with a lovely atmosphere. Note the opening hours and any possible bofixeding in advance, particularly of busy establishments.
The Pub Scene in Edinburgh has a quirky Side to it:
To have a less traditional experience, why not check out the bars of Stockbridge, a lovely residential area with a collection of independent pubs and a laid back atmosphere. Seek out the secret speakeasies of the New Town, or head to Leith Walk which has a variety of both traditional and trendy pubs. Leith area is getting more popular over the last couple of years both in terms of pubs and the beautiful waterfront setting that it offers.
Useful Hints on a successful Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Preparation is the best way to make sure that your Edinburgh pub crawl will be amazing and risk-free. Begin by creating a plan of the route you want to take, the opening times and places. Take advantage of the online maps and resources determining the most suitable paths to walk without making extra costs in terms of time and effort. Check what time of year it is as weather in Edinburgh is not always predictable and wear accordingly.
Pace yourself. Although the urge to bar hop around the pubs is great, taking your time to enjoy the ambience of the different places is also a feature of the process. Don t forget to hydrate yourself by alternating drinks alcoholic drinks with water. It will allow you not to get too drunk and make sure you have fun at every step of your pub crawl.
Safety First: Designated Drinking and Travel
Moderate drinking is very important. Also, never drive under the alcohol, and think about taking a bus, a taxi, or a ride-sharing car. Assume a driver or use the mass transportation in case you intend to drink. Public transport in Edinburgh is mostly reliable and easily available thus making it a convenient and safe means to go home.
Always go in parties. Remaining with friends or a group increases thelevel of safety and also makes the experience more fun. As you carry your valuables, watch them and be aware of your environment, particularly in the places where there is a crowd. It is always good to be aware of your environment which will help you avoid any problems and you will enjoy your pub crawl trouble free.
And country matters: The Culture of the Pub in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh pub crawl is not just about drinking, but also about soaking in the special culture in the city. Make sure to admire the architecture of the pubs, lots of which are located in old buildings. Talk to the locals, initiate small talk and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Live music is available in many pubs, and traditional Scottish folk music is a real treat. Pub websites or local listings will tell you what kind of entertainment is available when you are visiting. There is something extra about listening to live music and this makes it an unforgettable evening. And do not hesitate to start contacts with other visitors of the pub; this is how the most unforgettable events usually happen.
Indulge in the Scottish Tastes: Food and Drink Combination
The pubs in Edinburgh can also offer traditional Scottish food, including haggis, neeps and tatties or Cullen skink. You can also consider having some local delicacies to accompany your drinks and make the pub crawl more interesting. A great choice of beers, whiskies and other spirits is available in many pubs as well, so that you can taste the local products.
Most pubs are special in their ambiance and atmosphere. There are those who would emphasize on the classic furnishings and atmosphere and there are those who prefer contemporary and fashionable interiors. These are some of the details which you should pay attention to because they contribute to the overall nature of your pub crawl experience. By visiting various pubs, you can experience the variety of the Edinburgh pubs scene).
The Ultimate Checklist to Planning the Ultimate Edinburgh Pub Crawl
To make your Edinburgh pub crawl enjoyable, check this list before you set out to have a successful time. Do some research Pubs, check them out online and through reviews and choose places that fit what you want. Make a plan of the route you are going to take, consider opening times, distances and the possible weather conditions..
Take into consideration your budget. The cost of pubs in Edinburgh may range, hence having a budget will enable you to control your expenditure. You also need to ensure that you are well prepared with enough cash or the right modes of payment because not every pub accepts cards. To be on the safer side, inform someone of your intentions, your route and the expected time of your return.
Above all have fun! Try the unpredictability, immerse into the local culture and get memories of a lifetime. The pub culture in Edinburgh is a very lively and friendly one and the experience which it provides to the visitor is truly memorable as the visitor can interact with people of all kinds. These tips will help you have a memorable pub crawl full of fun, laughter and peculiar cultural experiences.
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