The city of Edinburgh is full of history and character and its pubs and pub culture are as entertaining as its medieval alleyways and dominant castle. Edinburgh pub crawl is not a mere plan to drink but to dive into the very soul of this city, to explore all those hidden treasures and to enjoy the special atmosphere of this very place. The following detailed pub crawl guide will provide you with all the required tools to organize the best pub crawl, set some traps to avoid, and make this experience unforgettable.
The selection of your Edinburgh Pub Crawl route: The Classic or the Quirky one?
The joy of Edinburgh pub crawl is its flexibility. You could follow a traditional path, visiting famous pubs that are full of history or you could go off the mainstream and find small unusual places. Traditional tours usually centre on the Old Town, and they will lead you through closes and past historical sites. Alternatively, one of the quirky options could be a tour of the hidden bars of the New Town, or an excursion to the lively Leith, home of the diverse and independent pubs.
Plan according to your interests. Do you like the traditional Scottish pubs that are warm and small? Or do you fancy contemporary craft beer bars and their big choice of local brews? By doing some research on possible pubs in advance, you can create the itinerary that will perfectly suit your tastes. There are lots of sites on the net providing excellent pub guides and reviews so you can be sure of making the right choices.
Old Town Pub Crawl Classic Route Ideas:
A traditional tour could start with a visit to Sandy Bell, a traditional pub with an exciting atmosphere and live music. Then you might as well stroll along the Royal Mile, popping into Salt Horse, with its wide choice of craft beers, and finally ending up at The Sheep Held Inn, an old pub with a lovely atmosphere. Be sure to lofixed at opening hours and possible reservation needs, particularly of famous amenities.
Edinburgh Pubs: The Wacky Side of the City:
To have a not so traditional experience, you should head to Stockbridge, a small neighborhood full of independent pubs and a slow pace of life. Seek out the secret speakeasies of the New Town, or head to Leith Walk, which has a balance of classic and contemporary pubs. Leith is an area which has grown in popularity over the last few years both because of its pubs and also due to its beautiful waterfront setting.
The Do and Don Ts of a Hassle Free Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Preparation is the main factor that will make your Edinburgh pub crawl enjoyable and safe. Have a plan of the route you want to take and note the opening times and places. Explore available resources and online maps to find the most suitable walking directions without making extra detours. The weather in Edinburgh is unpredictable so it is better to consider the time of a year and dress appropriately.
Pace yourself. Although the desire to run pub to pub is understandable, taking your time and enjoying the vibe of the place is an element of the process. Don t forget to alternate alcoholic drinks with water to keep yourself hydrated. This should guide you in preventing excessive drunkenness and you will be assured of having a good time during your pub crawl.
Safety First: Designated Drinking and Travel.
Moderate drinking is very important. Always avoid drinking and driving and think of taking a bus, a taxi, or a ride-sharing car. Appoint a driver or use the bus when you are going to drink. The public transport in Edinburgh is mostly reliable and easily available; thus, this mode of transport is safe and convenient when it comes to getting home.
Adhere to groups. It is safer and more fun to just stay with friends or a group. It is advisable to watch your possessions and be aware of your environment particularly in busy places. Keeping your eyes open will also help you avoid any possible troubles and will provide you with the opportunity to enjoy your pub crawl without any fear.
There is More to Edinburgh Pubs than the Booze: The Pub Culture of Edinburgh.
An Edinburgh pub crawl is not all about the alcohol it is about experiencing the culture that the city has to offer. Have a lofixed at the architecture of the pubs, most of which are located in old buildings. Talk to the locals, make acquaintances and enjoy the friendly surroundings.
Live music can be found in many pubs, and traditional Scottish folk music is a special treat. Pub web sites or local listings will tell what entertainment is available when you are visiting. Live music makes the experience even more special, as it makes the evening quite memorable. And do not hesitate to start conversations with other visitors of the pub; some of the best stories usually happen this way.
Special delicacies of Scotland: Food and Drink Pairing
The pubs in Edinburgh may also offer traditional Scottish food, including haggis, neeps and tatties or Cullen skink. You might want to have some local delicacies to accompany your drinks and make the pub crawl complete. Most pubs as well have numerous kinds of beers, whiskies and other spirits, where you can taste the local produce.
Most of the pubs are different in their atmosphere and ambiance. One may give attention to the classic decorations and atmosphere, whereas another one selects the more fashionable and cooler designs. These are some of the details that you should pay attention to because they contribute to the overall nature of your pub crawl experience. By visiting the various pubs you get to experience the variety that is the Edinburgh pub scene.
The Checklist to Planning your Ideal Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Make sure to check off this list before you go on your Edinburgh pub crawl so that you have a pleasant time. Enquire about pubs in advance and choose the ones that suit you on the basis of reviews and other online material. Research your route, consider opening times, distances and the possible weather conditions.
Take your budget into consideration. The price of pubs in Edinburgh may be different, and it would be better to have some budget to control your expenses. Be prepared with the sufficient amount of cash or right payment options since not every pub takes cards. Also tell someone of your plans and your route and you expected time of returning home just in case.
Above all have a good time and relax! It is all about going with the flow and experiencing the local culture and making memories of a lifetime. The pub culture in Edinburgh is very lively and friendly and one which would leave the visitor with an experience to remember, whatever their background may be. These tips will ensure that you have a legendary pub crawl experience full of fun, laughter, and cultural experiences you would not forget in a hurry.
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