Home to medieval streets and an imposing castle, Edinburgh is a city with a rich history and countless amounts of character; it also happens to have an incredible pub culture that is as interesting as it is diverse. An Edinburgh pub crawl cannot be arranged with the sole purpose of drinking: you have to plunge into the very soul of the city, explore the backstreets and alleyways and enjoy the unusual atmosphere of pubs and bars. Being an all-in-one guide, it will give everything you require to know to find your way through the best pubs, what to avoid, and how to make your pub crawl experience memorable.

Traditional or quirky: how to pick your way in an Edinburgh pub crawl?
The attraction of an Edinburgh pub crawl is its flexibility. You may follow a traditional path, visiting famous pubs with a rich historical background, or you can explore the off-beat tracks and find unusual places with a strange interior design. Traditional tours usually centre on the Old Town, and they will lead you through closes and past historical sites. Alternatively, a more eccentric tour could dwell into the secret bars of the New Town or head straight to the lively district of Leith, which sports a wide range of different and independent pubs.
When planning, take into account what interests you. Do you like pubs that are traditional Scottish and have a warm atmosphere? Or do you fancy visiting contemporary craft beer bars that offer a big variety of local beers? By doing some research on the possible pubs before you go out, you can then design the optimum route that will satisfy your tastes. There are numerous websites with elaborate pub guides and reviews so that you can make responsible choices.
Suggested Classic Old Town Pub Crawl Route:
A traditional tour could start in Sandy Bell, a traditional pub with live music and a good atmosphere. Then you might as well stroll along the Royal Mile, popping into Salt Horse, which has an outstanding variety of craft beers, and ending up at The Sheep Held Inn, an old pub with a cosy atmosphere. It is also good to remember about opening hours and possible reservation, especially when it comes to popular places.

venture into the unusual pub life of Edinburgh:
To have a less mainstream experience, you can visit bars in Stockbridge, a nice residential area with friendly independent pubs and a laid-back atmosphere. Seek out the secret speakeasies of the New Town, or hunt through the pubs of Leith Walk, which has a blend of old and new. Leith area is getting more and more popular over the last couple of years both as a place with good pubs and a magnificent location right on the waterside.

How to have a hassle-free Edinburgh pub crawl – useful hints and tips
Preparation is the best way to make sure that your Edinburgh pub crawl will be fun and safe. The best place to start is by mapping out your route, take note of opening times and places. Explore the internet maps and resources to find the most appropriate walking tracks without any extra unnecessary turns. Keep in mind the time of the year, because Edinburgh weather is changeable, and wear appropriate clothes.

Pace yourself. Though it is tempting to want to dive pub to pub, part of the experience is to slow down and enjoy the ambience of the place you are in. Don t forget to alternate alcoholic drinks with water to keep yourself hydrated. It will prevent you to get too drunk and guarantee that you will have fun at every step of your pub crawl.
Safety First: Responsible Transportation and Drinking.
Moderate drinking is essential. Always remember never to drink and drive and intend to use mass transportation, a taxi, or a ride-sharing company to travel. Appoint a driver or use the public transportation in case you intend to drink. The public transport in Edinburgh is also quite good and easily available so it is a good idea to use this service to get back home safely and easily.
Always move with groups. Remaining with friends or a group would increase protection and it would be extra fun. It is advisable to watch your possessions and be aware of your environment particularly in places with large crowds. It is always good to be aware of your environment and avoid possible troubles and you can then enjoy your pub crawl worry-free.
There is more to the Booze: Edinburgh Pub Culture
Edinburgh pub crawl is not all about drinking but it is an experience into the rich culture of the city. Make some time to admire the architecture of the pubs as many are located in old buildings. Mingle with the locals, chat them up and enjoy the friendly ambiance.

Live music is available in many pubs, with traditional Scottish folk music a special feature. Pub websites or local listings will tell what entertainment is available when you are visiting. The live music will make it even more special, as one will remember the night out. And do not worry about initiating the conversations with other pub-goers; these are the times that are most likely to become unforgettable.
Taste of Scotland: Food and Drink Combination
The pubs of Edinburgh may include traditional Scottish food, including haggis, neeps and tatties or Cullen skink. You may also want to combine your beverages with some local delicacies to make the pub crawl more exciting. Whiskies and beers, as well as other spirits, are also numerous in many pubs, so you can taste local products.

Lots of pubs are characterized by the individual atmosphere and ambiance. Others may exaggerate on the classic decors and ambience whereas others prefer the modern and fashionable 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 various pubs, you can enjoy the variety of the Edinburgh pub environment.
The Ultimate Checklist to Planning the Ultimate Edinburgh Pub Crawl
To help you have a nice and trouble-free pub crawl in Edinburgh, check this list before you set off. Do some research in advance and identify the pubs that fit your fancy using online resources and reviews. Work out your itinerary, including opening hours, distances and possible weather conditions you could be faced with.</p.
Take your budget into account. The price of pubs in Edinburgh can be different, and it is better to have some budget to control your expenses. See that you are well stocked with cash or the right payment systems because not every pub takes cards. Increase your safety by informing someone about your intentions; your route and when you are expected back.
Above all, have a good time. Go with the flow, experience the local culture, and get memories to last a lifetime. The city of Edinburgh has a very lively and friendly pub culture which is going to leave an indelible mark on any visitor, irrespective of their social strata in life. These tips will ensure that you have a very memorable pub crawl that is full of fun, laughter, and rare cultural experiences.</

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