You are here:

Pubs and bars

couple enjoy drinks in a bar on George Street

couple in George Street bar

girl admires the world's largest collectino of Scotch Whisky at the Scotch Whisky Experience

Scotch Whisky Experience

the Jazz Bar on Chamber Street during the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival

the Jazz Bar on Chamber Street

the Golf Tavern, the oldest golf pub in the world established in 1456, overlooking Bruntsfield Links

the Golf Tavern overlooking Bruntsfield Links

Whether you want to enjoy a pint of local ale, sip elegant cocktails in exclusive venues, or savour a dram of regional whisky, Edinburgh and the Lothians caters for all tastes.

Edinburgh’s Georgian New Town boasts wide avenues where you can step inside a world of beautiful interiors. Why not stroll along George Street and spend an evening in unique cocktail bars?

In the West End you will discover Candy Kitchen and Bar, a trendy venue serving classics such as French Martini and Pina Colada as well as more unusual options including Passionate Kiss and The Flamingo. Tigerlily is another favourite, a boutique hotel and bar where shimmering mirrors line the walls and sparkling chandeliers hang from the ceilings. Choose from the black bar and the champagne bar, discover an extensive wine list and try something different such as the Tequila Espresso.

Further along at Le Monde, you can have cocktails in Paris, wine in Vienna and coffee in Milan. The owner is a keen traveller and has named all areas of this unique hotel, bar and restaurant after his favourite cities.

Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket is another lively area of the city with a great selection of bars and pubs. In the West Port, Dragonfly is a cocktail lounge where you can choose from a list of 30 options on the cocktail menu or order your own bespoke creation. There are also many atmospheric pubs including The Beehive Inn and the Last Drop - aptly named, since the Grassmarket was formerly used for public hangings.

Enjoy Edinburgh’s distinct communities such as Stockbridge, Bruntsfield, Morningside and Leith  to absorb the different personalities of the city and meet the locals . From the students to the visitors and established residents, all can enjoy the quirky and distinctive bars and pubs. Why not head to The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston, Scotland’s oldest surviving public house which offers a warm atmosphere? You can even play skittles on the designated alley for some old-fashioned fun for the whole family.

Scotland’s national drink whisky is a must on a visit to the capital and you can sample a warming dram at many Edinburgh pubs. WHISKI Bar and Restaurant is an award-winning establishment on the Royal Mile serving a collection of around 300 malt whiskies and blends. To try whisky tasting, the Edinburgh Scotch Whisky Experience offers a variety of tours from the Silver Tour with one tasting to the Gold which boasts five.