The Scottish city of Edinburgh charms with its old buildings, a spectacular castle, and pubs that are just as lively. An Edinburgh pub crawl isn’t only for drinking; it also lets you explore the city and discover the places and atmosphere other people miss. With this guide, you will find out all the tips needed to visit the top places, steer clear of mistakes, and enjoy your pub crawl with ease.
You can decide if you want to stick to the classics or see some unusual places on your Edinburgh pub crawl route.
The best thing about an Edinburgh pub crawl is that it can change depending on the crowd. If you prefer tradition, visit iconic pubs that have a lot of history. Otherwise, you could wander away from the usual tracks to try something original. You will usually walk through the Old Town on a classic route, visiting the town’s renowned narrow streets and important sights. You could also go for a different type of route and visit the hidden watering holes in the New Town or make your way to the buzzing Leith area with its unique and independent bars.
Make choices based on your particular interests when making your plans. Is it the old-style Scottish pubs with a nice cozy environment that attract you? Perhaps modern craft beer bars with a big variety of local beer attract your attention? When you do your research, you see which pubs you want to include on your route. Various websites and apps include pub guides and reviews, so you can pick a place that matches your preferences.
A few popular ideas for Old Town pub crawling are featured below.
People often start their journey with a stop at Sandy Bell’s, a famous pub that entertains with music and a great environment. From that point, you could stroll down the Royal Mile and head to Salt Horse, which is known for its wide selection of craft beers, finally ending up at The Sheep Heid Inn, a pub with a very special atmosphere. Before visiting, check when the attraction is open and if it requires reservations, mainly for places people enjoy the most.
Great Places to Experience the Weird and Unique Side of Edinburgh Pubs
If you want something different, try having a drink at Stockbridge’s smaller pubs, as the neighborhood is famous for independent and relaxed bars. Head to the New Town and discover the hidden bars, or take a walk down Leith Walk and visit some of the pubs that include both classic and trendy places. In the past few years, people have started flocking to the Leith area because of its many cafes and the lovely waterfront scenery.
Key Ways to Ensure You Have a Smooth Nightout in Edinburgh
It is important to prepare in advance to have a good and safe Edinburgh pub crawl. Make sure to plan where you are going, record the opening hours, and note the stores’ locations. Visit online sites to choose nice walking routes and stay away from extra walks. Since the weather is not always predictable in Edinburgh, make sure to dress according to the season.

Pace yourself. Even if you feel like moving fast from bar to bar, taking time to enjoy each place adds to what the experience has to offer. It is important to avoid overdoing it with alcohol and make sure to alternate alcohol with water drinks. It will help you stay in control and enjoy your time at every pub.
Be Responsible: How to Stay Safe while Drinking and Going Home
Responsible consumption of alcohol is very important. Don’t driving while under the influence, and instead, use buses, taxis, or carpooling apps to move around. If you will be drinking, have a person who can drive or use the bus to travel. Since public transport in Edinburgh runs smoothly and is easy to reach, it’s a good and secure option for coming home.
Go with your friends or family when you travel. Taking someone with you is safer and also more pleasant. Pay close attention to your items and notice what is happening around you, mainly in crowded places. Paying attention to the surroundings lets you relax and avoid most issues while pub crawling.
Taking a Lofixed at Edinburgh’s Pub Etiquette
You do more than drink when you go on an Edinburgh crawl; you also learn about the culture. Stop to notice the architecture in the pubs, as plenty of them are located inside old buildings. Get to know the locals by talking to them and feel the friendly atmosphere around you.
Live music is found in many pubs, and Scottish folk music is the most popular kind. Make use of the Internet or local newspapers to discover the entertainment that is available during your stay. Hearing live music brings another element that makes the evening outstanding. People who visit pubs are generally friendly, so take the chance to talk to them; these moments usually become the best memories.
Try the best food and drinks that match the Scottish way of life.
Many traditional dishes from Scotland, like haggis, neeps and tatties, and Cullen skink are on the menu at Edinburgh’s pubs. Try each drink with a regional dish to add more enjoyment to your bar hopping night. There is usually a big selection of beers, whiskies, and spirits at pubs, so you can try locally brewed products.
A lot of pubs stand out with different atmospheres and ambiances. Some people decide to spruce up their homes with traditional details, and others choose sleeker and more contemporary designs. Giving importance to such details enhances the full experience of the pub crawl adventure. Going to different pubs helps you notice the variety in Edinburgh’s pub scene.
Here’s Our Guide with All the Steps to Achieve Your Best Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Be sure to go through this list before you begin your Edinburgh pub crawl. Before making bofixedings, review different bars online and see what other people say to make sure the place is right for you. Prepare your itinerary considering the schedule of each place, its distance, and the expected weather.
Make sure you lofixed at your budget. Since some places in Edinburgh are more expensive, planning your budget in advance helps you stick to it. Take enough cash with you or find out if operating bank cards is common for the pub, just in case. Telling somebody your plans, including the way you will go and when you expect to come back, is a wise safety step.
Basically, dive into the experience and enjoy the time spent with your friends. Let things happen naturally, take part in the local activities, and remember the experiences for a long time. The pubs in Edinburgh are lively and friendly, making everyone feel welcomed and giving an experience worth remembering. When you follow these steps, your pub crawl is bound to be a lot of fun and teach you new things about the area’s culture.

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