10 Best Pubs in Edinburgh

The Café Royal Circle Bar is among the most stunning watering holes in the city centre and is a historic building unto itself, with stained glass and ornate interior décor. The building dates to 1863 and still maintains much of the original welcoming warmth and charm as when it first opened over 200 years ago. It offers a solid selection of whisky as well as a good lineup of cask ales.

This pub is named for its ornate circular bar accented by brass chandeliers. All around, you’ll find cosy booths, centuries-old tiled portraits, antique cornicing and other Victorian-era décor. The food is simple but delicious and the spot is famed for its oyster platters.

The Last Drop gets its name from a part of Edinburgh’s darker history, and counts itself among the city’s many haunted pubs, but offers warmth, cosiness and a welcoming vibe. The name of the building comes from the fact that it sits on the city centre spot of the final death by hanging that ever took place here, in 1784. The haunting inside is said to be that of a little girl who wanders the halls.

The pub itself has everything you want in a classic drinking house, with its booths, button-back leather upholstered benches, low ceilings and no-frills dark wood décor. It also has a fantastic range of wine, champagne, cocktails and of course beers and ciders.

Sandy Bell’s is a small, no-frills pub in the heart of the Edinburgh Old Town district and is the spot to go for traditional Scottish and Irish folk music. It started life as a shop in the early 20th century but by the 1920s was a bar. The bar is known for its vast selection of whiskies including single-malt and aged Scotch varieties as well as those from such far away places as India and Japan.

Since the 1940s, it’s also been famous for foot-stomping ‘sessions’ parties, the Scottish equivalent of a jam night. These occur spontaneously almost every night when musicians from all over town and even beyond come together to grab drinks and improvise music together.

Deacon Brodies Tavern is in the historical heart of the Edinburgh city centre, and the building and its surrounding region are steeped in history and culture. This Nicholson Pub is named for Deacon Brodie, a real-life inspiration for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, who lived in the mid-18th century. The pub offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with menu items ranging from main dishes to burgers to shareables. It also boasts a fine selection of ales, wine, craft cocktails and liquors.

As one of several ‘themed’ bars around town, this one caters more to visitors than locals and has less of an authentic vibe. It’s still, however, a vibrant, warm and welcoming place to grab a pint and a bite.

The Three Sisters is a classic sports pub in the heart of Edinburgh where you can raise a pint to the F.C. Edinburgh surrounded by football fans cheering on every goal. It’s even more well-known as a rugby pub where punters are ready to go for every scrum. Once a small neighbourhood pub popular with locals, during the Edinburgh Fringe it became a destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s been known to host events from bachelor dos to hen parties, karaoke nights and other celebrations.

It’s an airy space that can handle large crowds, making it something of a standout in Scotland where most bars are much cosier. It also boasts a solid selection of beers and cocktails.

BrewDog Edinburgh Cowgate is a newer pub on the scene, owned by a chain but still considered to boast one of the best craft beer selections in Edinburgh. This full-service bar and restaurant offers quirky bartenders always willing to invent a new cocktail right on the spot, and the onsite brewers are constantly producing great new styles. The food selection is focused on healthy and hand-foods from salads to cheese and charcuterie boards to sourdough pizza.

The trademark beer on draught here is the Punk IPA, but they also have everything from nutty brown ales to earthy dry stouts with a constantly rotating selection. Come back several times to try something new each visit. It’s in the city centre.

The World’s End is a traditional and historic pub dating to the 16th century located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, offering a warm and charming vibe plus good drinks. Many visitors are drawn here due to the story of the World’s End Murders from 1977, but today it’s more famed for its authentic old-world décor and charm. It’s a no-frills pub with a great selection of whisky and beer with straightforward seating at old tables and rickety chairs. It’s an antique vibe in an authentic public house where you can really soak up traditional Edinburgh culture.

This isn’t a spot for raucous parties or a big sports crowd. It’s a spot to raise a pint and watch life go by.

Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar is in the heart of the Edinburgh city centre on Candlemaker Row, and is among Scotland’s most photographed pubs, just steps away from iconic attractions. It’s named after the most famous dog in Edinburgh history, Greyfriars Bobby, and in honour of that, the pub is also a dog-friendly space to bring your four-legged furry family members. It’s a Nicholson’s Pub, but despite being owned by a chain, it offers a charming vibe and classical décor.

The food menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from shareables to classic main courses to burgers and sandwiches. The drinks include a good selection of craft beer and ale, wine and cocktails and top-shelf liquor.

The Booking Office is adjacent to Waverley rail station in the heart of the city centre and offers cosy surroundings, a luxurious vibe and refined grub and cocktails. It’s among the newest pubs in Edinburgh, having converted in 2016 from a Chinese restaurant that formerly occupied the site. It’s a good place to stop for a pint while waiting for a train, and you can even watch the departure board inside the pub.

The décor is mostly straightforward earth-tones with kitsch like old mining lamps and telephones, plus some old-world photos. The menu is international so you should be able to find something for any taste, and the beer selection boasts a solid collection of good craft brews.

The Guildford Arms offers a diverse selection of craft and microbrew ales from local brewers and has been family operated since the late 19th century. It’s located in the heart of the Edinburgh city centre and has been serving up its brand of good drinks, great food and family charm since 1896. The interior décor is astounding with an ornate ceiling and plush velvet curtains framing high arched windows.

If you’re looking to grab a full meal, head for the upstairs gallery and prepare yourself for such dishes as the steak and pie made with Aberdeen Angus and Orkey Dark Island ale. This is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike to start or finish a pub crawl.