Edinburgh is a historic city full of charm and is home to a range of different night-time venues, from old school taverns to fancy cocktail bars there’s something for everyone. If you’re thinking of planning a pub crawl, here’s the ultimate guide to help you perfectly explore Edinburgh’s best watering holes.
But before we begin here’s my most important tips for a flawless pub crawl in the Scottish capital.
1. Plan Plan Plan! Edinburgh is a small city compared to most which makes it the perfect pub crawl location to get around on foot. While a small city it can be a confusing place to navigate so it’s best to plan your route before-hand, and that’s where we come in!
2. Pace Yourself! Edinburgh has a countless array of amazing bars to visit and enjoy but it is essential to pace your drinking, stay hydrated and enjoy responsibly or you will find yourself in an early uber home.
3. Dress for the weather! Scottish weather is famously unpredictable so make sure you don’t get caught out, check the forecast and prepare for the worst to avoid a damp ending to your evening.
Stop 1: Malones
The first stop on our list is Malones (Haymarket) located at 242 Morrison Street. Less than a five-minute walk from Haymarket train station, if you’re just arriving to the city and if you’re a Edinburgh local it’s only a 5 minute walk from Lothian Road. The perfect place to kick off your night. Malones is a lively Irish pub with a fantastic atmosphere and friendly staff. It has a fantastic selection of beers making it the perfect spot to get into the party spirit. Sip on a cold pint and enjoy the warm hospitality.
Top Tip: Make sure to try Malones famous tank Tennent’s. While keg stored beer is artificially carbonated, tank beer is sent straight from the brewery to the pub without pasteurisation which makes the beer more crisp and less gassy. Malones is the only pub in Edinburgh that has this on offer and trust me, you can taste the difference.
Stop 2: The Chanter
The next stop on our list is the chanter located at 30-32 Bread Street and just a five-minute walk from Malones, so you won’t have to stray too far before your next drink. The Chanter is a spacious bar with a vibrant atmosphere and a pool table. It has affordable drinks, great food and a selection of anonymous craft beers. So dive in grab a drink and soak in the lively vibes!
Top Tip: Try the craft beer on draught called (#4), and just between you and me, It’s Beavertown Neck Oil. Shhhh.
Stop 3: The Cold Town House
The Cold Town House is an up-market cocktail bar located at in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket. It has a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the castle (weather permitting) which got voted ‘Beer Bar of the Year’ 2021. It has a selection of it very own craft beers which are brewed on site and a combination of beautifully prepared cocktails. They offer table service and have in house DJs keeping the vibe up and a Wednesday night quiz for all you pub quiz lovers.
Top Tip: Stick to the classics and get yourself an espresso martini for that well needed caffeine injection for the big night ahead!
Stop 4: Maggie Dickson’s
Sticking to the grassmarket theme and only a few doors down from the Cold Town House. Step foot into the newly refurbished Maggie Dickson’s with live music every night and a warm feel to the pub. Sit at the bar grab a Guinness and chat to the local bar staff who will be more than happy to tell you about the history of Maggie Dickson.
Top Tip: Check out our TikTok page (@Whatsfresh) for an in-depth review of the Maggie Dickson’s Guinness!
Stop 5: Biddy Mulligans
Right next door to Maggie Dickson’s is Biddy Mulligans a traditional Irish pub dating all the way back to 1890. It offers live music every night from 8pm and has a diverse crowd of locals and tourists alike. Sit back grab a whisky and soak in the traditional Irish feel.
Top Tip: Biddy Mulligans has an incredible selection of top shelf whiskeys all at a very reasonable price. You could grab the top-of-the-range Dalmore 18 for only £14 or if you’re pub crawling on a budget grab a Glenkinchie 12, a local Edinburgh malt for only £5.50!
Stop 6: Finnegan’s wake
As you leave Biddy’s swing a left and head up Victoria Street which is famously known as the ‘Harry Potter Street’ for all you wizarding enthusiasts. Once you get past the death eaters you will arrive at Finnegan’s Wake a lively Irish pub renowned for its sing along music and crazy shot selections.
Top Tip: Make sure to try their very own Irish flag shot. A layered shot of crème de menthe, Baileys and topped with Grand Marnier. A true taste of Ireland.
Stop 7: Frankenstein’s Bar
Straying away from the Irish pub theme you will next head to Frankenstein’s Bar located at 26 George IV Bridge. This unique venue is themed around the famous horror story and features dramatic decor and nightly entertainment. Grab yourself a drink and immerse yourself in the ghoulish fun.
Top Tip: On arrival ask the bar staff when the next ‘Frankenstein’ is coming for a scary surprise (They’ll know what you mean).
Stop 8: Greyfriars Bobby
To dramatically change the scenery from Frankenstein’s head to Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar located at 30-34 Candlemaker Row. This cosy pub is named after Edinburgh’s most loyal dog. perfect for a quiet moment to reflect on your night while sipping a whisky or a pint of local ale.
Top Tip: Head across the street where you will find the Greyfriars Bobby statue, give his nose a rub for some good luck!
Stop 9: The Oz Bar
Staying on Candlemaker Row head down to Edinburgh’s only Australian boozer, the Oz Bar. Make sure to have your ID on you because the bouncers here are no nonsense. Go on in grab yourself a pint of Redback Pilsner (Spider beer) and relax.
Top Tip: If you’re feeling confident sign yourself up for a game of pool but strict house rules apply, Winner stays on.
Final stop: Dropkick Murphy’s
Wrap up your crawl at Dropkick Murphy’s, a lively bar known for its late-night vibe and great music. Dance to upbeat tunes, enjoy one (or a few) last drink, and toast to a night well spent in Edinburgh. The lights come up and you are ushered out by the bouncers but you’re not ready to go home yet? head to the Genting casino in Fountainpark for a night-cap or maybe even test your luck (Responsibly)
Top Tip: Get yourself a Guinness and successfully ‘Split the G’ to win your very own Dropkick’s branded split the G T-shirt.
Edinburgh’s pub scene is as diverse as it is vibrant and this ultimate pub crawl is designed to showcase the best the city has to offer. So if your still standing, gather your friends, raise a glass and toast to an unforgettable night in Scotland’s capital. Slàinte!
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