Cold Town House, friends enjoying an evening drink together.
Cold Town House, Grassmarket

Bars and pubs in Edinburgh

Trendy lounge bar or traditional pub? Whatever your favourite tipple you can be guaranteed a warm Scottish welcome in Edinburgh’s bars and pubs.

We’ve compiled a snapshot of some of the best bars in Edinburgh, covering a mix of traditional institutions and new kids on the block. We hope you’re feeling thirsty…

City centre bars

Edinburgh’s city centre and New Town are absolutely bursting with cocktail bars and cosy pubs. Head to George Street to enjoy a classy cocktail or Rose Street to enjoy some famous Scottish hospitality in one of the area’s friendly pubs. 

1.

Scott’s on Princes Street

53 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2DG 

A trendy open-plan bar and restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh, Scott’s on Princes Street is the place to be for a carefully crafted cocktail, paired with bar nibbles, a relaxed cream tea or afternoon tea. You can’t beat the stunning views, looking towards Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument and Princes Street Gardens.

 


© The Raging Bull, Edinburgh
The exterior of The Raging Bull bar,© The Raging Bull, Edinburgh
2.

The Raging Bull

161 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH3 9AA 

The cosy Raging Bull features rustic walls, marble tables, natural foliage and walls adorned with pictures of the namesake Bull. Make sure you try one of their famous coffee cocktails!


3.

The Bon Vivant

55 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY 

With an ever-changing cocktail list, a broad champagne list, a comprehensive wine list and an extensive selection of classic and rare spirits, it’s easy to see why The Bon Vivant is a popular city centre bar.

They take a unique approach by offering all wines by the 175ml glass, 500ml carafe or by the bottle. They also conduct blind tastings, promoting smaller boutique wines and unheard of varieties. Definitely worth a visit.


Main Bar at The Voodoo Rooms
4.

The Voodoo Rooms

19A West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA 

The Voodoo Rooms is a bar, restaurant and entertainment venue tucked away just off Princes Street and St Andrew Square. Often described by Edinburgh locals as a hidden gem, it has amassed a stack of awards.

The bar is particularly known for its classic cocktails, cutting-edge mixes, rums and tequilas. The building has several spaces which host a variety of events throughout the year – check out their website for details.


The Abbotsford
5.

The Abbotsford

3-5 Rose Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PR 

Located on Edinburgh’s iconic Rose Street, The Abbotsford is very much an Edinburgh classic. They serve a fantastic range of Scottish cask ales, the finest malt whisky and imported beers. If you fancy a traditional Edinburgh bar, look no further.


6.

Panda & Sons

79 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 4NF 

Hidden under the guise of a vintage barber shop, Panda & Sons is one of the quirkiest places in the capital. This prohibition style speakeasy fused with vintage barber shop offers some of the most innovative cocktails in town.


Elegant Cocktail Bar
7.

Copper Blossom

107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES 

Follow the floral stairs to Copper Blossom and you’ll be greeted with dainty décor, mouth-watering food and an elegant cocktail menu with lots of tempting concoctions to choose from.

Their outside area offers views of Edinburgh Castle, so you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while taking in the marvellous view.


Juniper
8.

Juniper

20 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AN 

Talking of bars with a view: Juniper also offers a fantastic vista of the city, taking in the mighty Scott Monument and beautiful Balmoral Hotel.

If you want something really special, try one of their cocktails served with dry ice for a real photogenic treat. The ‘Strawberries and Steam’ sharing cocktail is particularly worth a try.


West End bars

Edinburgh’s West End is absolutely bursting with hidden gems. Get off the beaten track and discover your new favourite haunt in one of the capital’s most charming neighbourhoods.

9.

The Cocktail Mafia

15 Charlotte Lane, Edinburgh, EH2 4QZ 

With a menu consists of 37 cocktails, every spirit category is well and truly covered at The Cocktail Mafia.

The bar consists of two rooms – the main room is mixed with modern neon signs and stylish artwork. Within the Miami inspired back room (which is also available for private parties), you’ll find a tropical paradise consisting of cabana-style seating and palm trees to match the green and gold décor.


Whighams Wine Cellar
10.

Whighams

13 Hope Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4EL 

Every inch an Edinburgh classic, offering a skilful balance between historic features and contemporary class, it’s little wonder Whighams has been around since 1983.

It is located on the site of 19th century cellars and offers a notable selection of wines, champagnes and real ales, served in authentic and relaxing surroundings.


Teuchters Bar
Teuchters Bar
11.

Teuchters Bar

26 William Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7NH  

Teuchters Bar is well-known venue with Edinburgh’s rugby fans, thanks to its handy location for Murrayfield Stadium and Haymarket Train Station.

The pub has a huge whisky selection, boasting around 90 single malts. Feeling adventurous? Have a go at ‘hoop of destiny’, their famous hoopla game with the chance to win some whisky!


Voyage of Buck
12.

The Voyage of Buck

29-31 William Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7NH 

Step inside The Voyage of Buck and be transported to the early 1900s and home of philanthropist, polo player and world traveller William “Buck” Clarence.

The cocktail and food menus at this curious establishment have been inspired by Buck’s extensive travels, resulting in a unique and exciting selection. They also have a wide range of wines and a selection of craft beers available on rotation.


Heads & Tales Bar
13.

Heads and Tales

1A Rutland Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2AD 

A must for any gin fan, Heads and Tales specialise in offering an exciting list of gin cocktails. If gin isn’t for you, you can also choose from their great range of ‘Traitor Cocktails’ featuring vodka, rum or tequila.

For the perfect accompaniment, why not order some of their delicious small plates or cheese or charcuterie boards – perfect for sharing.


The Festival Bar - Internal
14.

The Festival

18 – 20 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ 

Serving a range of cocktails, as well as rotational craft beers and traditional cask ales, The Festival also has a beer garden – the ideal spot for soaking up the summer sun.

The perfect excuse for catching up with friends, they also offer a great line-up of events, including Monday Quiz Night, Saturday night DJs and televised sport.


Old Town bars

Full of winding streets and closes and steeped in history, you’ll not struggle to find a decent watering hole in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Explore the intimate closes and find some of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets.

Devil's Advocate interior
15.

The Devil’s Advocate

9 Advocate’s Close, Edinburgh, EH1 1ND 

The Devil’s Advocate is a cosy but stylish bar, a gem hidden in plain sight. This bar and restaurant just off the Royal Mile focuses on serving up the best local and seasonal produce and has over 100 whiskies to choose from.


Brewdog exterior
16.

BrewDog

143 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JS 

Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, BrewDog is anything but old-fashioned. The styling is industrial, with exposed brick and stainless steel, but fret not, the atmosphere is warm and lively. The beer offering is vast and not just from the brand itself, which can be sampled in a range of measures.


George IV Bar
17.

George IV Bar

54 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EJ 

George IV Bar is a traditional Scottish public house bursting with charm and character.

Serving a wide and varied selection of drinks including over 100 different whiskies, a selection of assorted craft ales and sumptuous cocktails, they also provide a diverse menu of classic pub grub made using local seasonal ingredients


Sandy Bells sign
18.

Sandy Bell’s

25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QH 

‘Purveyors of fine ales and spirits. Home of world renowned folk music.’ The line above the door sums up what Sandy Bell’s is all about. This bar is small but what it lacks in square footage it makes up for in character.

It’s held in high esteem by residents and visitors alike as it is best known not only for excellent ales and spirits, but for its live music, which comes in many forms every night of the week.


Stockbridge bars

Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s charming neighbourhoods. Walk 10-15 minutes north of the city centre and you’ll be rewarded with some of the city’s favourite pubs and bars. 

The Last Word Saloon
19.

The Last Word Saloon

44 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL 

The Last Word Saloon combines effortlessly cool and quirky style (think paraffin lamps and taxidermy) with its slightly hidden away charm.

The cocktails are hugely impressive but they also provide an extensive selection of small batch spirits, wines and craft beers whilst also experimenting with techniques and ingredients to create truly unique mixers, syrups and bitters, which are all made in-house.


Hectors
20.

Hector’s

47-49 Deanhaugh Street, Edinburgh, EH4 1LR 

Describing itself as ‘an eclectic mix of upbeat city pub and warm, friendly village local’, Hector’s is an established favourite with locals, be it for a post-work pint or a relaxed Sunday thirst-quencher. Ales, craft beers, ciders or homemade house tipples – Hector’s have something for everyone (and it’s dog friendly).


The Bailie Bar
21.

The Bailie Bar

2-4 St Stephen Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5AL 

The Bailie Bar is every bit part of the Stockbridge community as its cobbled streets. The cosy, traditional basement bar is the location of many events from weekly quiz nights to the famous annual duck race. Pair this with a fine selection of Scottish cask ales and an open fire, and it makes a fine choice.


Leith bars

Located to the north of the city, Leith has a thriving bar and pub scene that is well worth exploring. This exciting area of Edinburgh is easily accessible from the city centre thanks to a 10 minute bus or tram ride, meaning that a great night out in Leith is even closer than you think. 

22.

Carriers Quarters

42 Bernard Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6PR 

The cosy Carriers Quarters is as famous for its history (dating back to 1785) as it is for its steak pies (they sell out quickly!). Perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon pint or a lively music session at the weekend, this bar is perfectly unpretentious and as traditional as they come.


23.

Nobles Cafe

44A Constitution Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6RS

Nobles Café Bar and Restaurant is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. This atmospheric local with stained-glass windows and cosy décor is full of old world charm and modern twists.

If you’re feeling hungry, be sure to pop along and try one of their sumptuous weekend brunches, made with the best local ingredients.


24.

The Lioness of Leith

21-25 Duke Street, Edinburgh, EH6 8HH 

Just off Leith Links, The Lioness of Leith is an old-style Victorian pub brought bang-up to date with a funky makeover. Its modern art and stylish twists have firmly re-established it as a cult favourite in the area.

As well as an array of local and international drinks, they are famed for their artisan burgers.


Image Credit: Alix McIntosh
Three Marys Bar
25.

Three Marys Bar

63-65 Henderson Street, Edinburgh, EH6 6ED 

Classic cocktails, local beers and fine French wine are served in the relaxed atmosphere of Three Marys Bar on Leith’s shore.

Curious about the name? It’s inspired by three famous Marys thought to be connected to the neighbourhood’s legendary past. Why not visit today and make up your own mind!



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