Edinburgh's Pubs span medieval vaults beneath the Royal Mile, elegant New Town drawing rooms, and cosy neighbourhood locals in Stockbridge and Leith. From long-established locals to busy town-centre bars, drinking out in Edinburgh reflects the wider Pub culture of City of Edinburgh. Whether you want real ale, Pub food, or a quiet corner for a pint, Edinburgh's best hostelries are a fine introduction to the area.
The best Pubs in Edinburgh
Oldest in ScotlandSkittles alleyDuddingston
The Sheep Heid Inn
★Must visit
43-45 The Causeway, Duddingston, EH15 3QA
Scotland's oldest Pub, serving since 1360. A skittles alley, beer garden, and roaring fires in a village setting below Arthur's Seat.
Local favourite
Traditional Pub
Well-kept ales
RecommendedWhiskyReal ale
The Bow Bar
80 West Bow, EH1 2HH
An Edinburgh institution on the Grassmarket fringe with an unrivalled whisky selection and perfectly kept cask ales.
Grassmarket
Find us online
Local favourite
Really good
The Jolly Judge
7 James Court, Lawnmarket, EH1 2PG
Tiny, atmospheric Pub hidden in a Royal Mile close. Low ceilings, dark wood, and a warm welcome from the regulars.
Royal Mile
Hidden gem
Cosy
Converted church
The Cloisters
26 Brougham Street, EH3 9JH
Converted church with soaring ceilings, stained glass, and a vast array of Scottish and international beers.
Craft beer
West End
Local favourite
Victorian
The Guildford Arms
1 Broughton Market, EH1 3NX
Victorian Pub with a spectacular island bar and ornate ceiling. A favourite of Edinburgh's legal quarter.
Island bar
New Town
Local favourite
The Abbotsford
3-5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR
Grand Victorian Pub on Rose Street with mahogany, mirrors, and a serious malt whisky collection.
Rose Street
Victorian
Whisky bar
The King's Wark
36 The Shore, Leith, EH6 6QU
Historic Leith waterfront Pub with excellent seafood and harbour views. One of the oldest buildings on the Shore.
Leith
Seafood
Waterfront
The Café Royal Circle Bar
19 West Register Street, EH2 2AA
Opulent Victorian Pub adorned with portraits of Scottish inventors and scientists. A New Town masterpiece.
Victorian opulence
New Town
Heritage
The Stockbridge Tap
2a St Stephen Street, EH3 5AN
Tiny craft beer bar in a former railway station waiting room. Knowledgeable staff and constantly rotating taps.
Craft beer
Stockbridge
Micro Pub
The Ensign Ewart
521-523 Lawnmarket, EH1 2PE
Edinburgh's highest Pub on Castlehill, named after a Waterloo hero. Tourist-friendly but genuinely characterful.