The 18 best pubs in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s pubs aren’t your standard watering holes – they’re emblems of national pride, and fiercely protected by locals as unique pieces of the city’s past. Steeped in centuries of history, many of these beloved establishments have welcomed poets, philosophers and travellers through their doors for generations. Wander down the winding cobbled streets of the Old Town and you’ll stumble upon tucked-away taverns with low-beamed ceilings, wood-panelled walls and ghost stories whispered over pints. In the New Town, elegant gastropubs offer a more refined experience, but with the same warm welcome.

Pubs here aren’t just about the drink, they’re places of community, where locals gather for music sessions, storytelling or just to put the world to rights. Whether you’re sipping a smoky single malt in a stone-walled nook or sampling craft ales under twinkling fairy lights, Edinburgh’s pbest ubs offer a fun way to get under the skin of the city. For many, they’re the beating heart of the place, spots that prizes good company as much as good whisky.

Below we’ve rounded up the best pubs in Edinburgh which are perfect place for wiling away an evening in a cosy drinking den with your favourite people. From classic, homely boozers to more chic hotspots scattered across every neighbourhood, you’ll be spoilt for choice when selecting your go-to spot. But whether you’re after a crisp pint of craft beer or a dram of whisky by a roaring fire, these local favourites are the best places to start. If you're spending a few days in Edinburgh and looking for more to do in this magical city, then make sure to prioritise a stop at one of Edinburgh's best restaurants for some of Scotland's best fare.

Nauticus is one of those rare pubs that manages to successfully straddle old and new. The interiors are pleasingly classic – with dark wood panelling, parquet floors, leather booths and cosy corners to tuck yourself away in – while the drinks list is contemporary and as good as you’ll find at any of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars. The pubby atmosphere is fun and upbeat on any night of the week, and locals mix with out-of-towners seamlessly thanks to the bar team welcoming everyone who comes through the door as if they’re old friends. Cocktails are award-winning and change semi-regularly, but the Bloody Mary remains a constant and is one of the best iterations you’ll find anywhere in the city. There are beers, wines and low alcohol options, too, and the menu uses 90 per cent Scottish-sourced ingredients. Sometimes there’s food available, like haggis toasties served from “the hatch”, but this is predominantly a drinking spot.

Address: 142 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HR
Website: nauticusbar.co.uk

With a flickering fire and a long, polished wooden bar, The Blue Blazer is the quintessential historic British pub. You’re here purely for the drinks, as there’s no kitchen. There’s also a somewhat of a controversial entry policy from the team on the ground, who aren’t known for their warm welcomes to larger parties, but if you duck in for a quiet drink without any fanfare you’ll be well rewarded with a cosy atmosphere and a crowd of loyal locals who hold The Blue Blazer in high regard thanks to its decent run of cask ale on tap and its significant whisky collection.

Address: 2 Spittal Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DX
Website: kilderkingroup.co.uk

This dinky boozer claims to be one of Edinburgh’s smallest pubs, and with just a handful of seats tucked in around this corner bar, it’s a believable case. This is a proper pub, one that CAMRA members come to in their droves, with a focus on cask ales and keg beers, plus a healthy selection of whiskies to top everything off nicely. Found just behind Edinburgh Waverly on your way to the Old Town, it’s a convenient pit stop as you roll into (or out of) town, and does a short and sharp Scottish food menu too. Warming bowls of Cullen Skink, pies, soups and stovies are typical fare, making for a pleasant place to spend a few hours out of the rain should the weather fail you.

Address: Fleshmarket close, 24 Fleshmarket Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1BX
Website: oldtownpubco.com

Pubs that lay claim to grand titles aren’t scarce in Edinburgh, and The White Heart Inn’s tagline is that it’s the oldest tavern in town. Oliver Cromwell, William Wordsworth and Robert Burns are all said to have pulled up a pew here in the pub’s 500-year-old history. Aside from atmospheric interiors and notable guests, there are also accounts of the pub being haunted, a ‘fact’ that helps fill the room with keen history lovers any night of the week. Regular live music sessions tend to keep the sound of spooks at bay though, and there’s a surprisingly good food menu to encourage you to take your time here too. Think classics like haggis, neeps and tatties, but also duck confit with a fried egg for those looking to elevate their afternoon above typical pub grub.

Address: 32-34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU
Website: belhaven.co.uk

For an authentic Edinburgh drinking experience, head to The Dreadnought, where you may well be the only tourist in sight. It’s loved and cherished by its loyal local following, who are passionate about their neighbourhood boozer, injecting it with a uniquely Scottish ambience. That is to say, it’s an old-school community pub, fun and charming without any airs or graces. Everyone’s welcome here. In fact, The Dreadnought regularly hosts events and special nights in support of marginalised groups, raising money for charities such as the Equality Network. What’s more, they pour a mean pint, and there’s a beer garden to enjoy when Scotland shows up with the sun.

Address: 72 N Fort Street, Edinburgh EH6 4HL
Website: dreadnoughtpub.com

Just slightly out of the town centre, Teuchters is the pub of choice for Murrayfield’s frequent crowds of both sports fans and music lovers as they make their way to Scotland’s biggest stadium. The team members here are old hands at seeing to service speedily, so even if you just want a quick one before the game you should be seen to sharpish. It has a cosy Celtic atmosphere, with a far-reaching range of Scottish beers, and there are bar games and food, too – with everything from burgers and salads to curries and hot dogs on offer.

Address: 26 William Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NH
Website: teuchtersbar.co.uk

Despite its ostentatious façade, which is that of the former All Saints Parsonage, Cloisters Bar is mightily low profile. Just along the road are several painfully on-trend craft beer bars, where ordering a flight almost requires a degree in brewing. At Cloisters, however, an inquisitive approach from guests is met with humble expertise on the star-studded house line-up of casks and kegs from Scottish brewers like Alchemy, Black Isle and Pilot. It’s a lovely spot to stop off at following a saunter around The Meadows.

Address: Cloisters Bar, 26 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH
Website: cloistersbar.com

If you’re looking for a quality pint in a more traditional yet friendly boozer, it’s impossible to go wrong with The Dagda Bar. This Southside pub has been a firm favourite amongst students, visitors and local regulars for decades, and for good reason too. It may be small, with its large rectangular counter and wooden barrels taking up a significant portion of the room, but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. You’ll find the bar bustling on most evenings but especially on nights when Dagda hosts its famous (and competitive) pub quiz. On tap, there’s weekly rotating guest ales and behind the bar, there’s a large selection of whiskies, all of which are very reasonably priced thanks to its student clientele.

Address: 93-95 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh EH8 9NG

Often overshadowed by neighbouring hipster hotspots, the no-frills Sandy Bell’s is an Edinburgh institution. At home on Forrest Road, where student and tourist life collide, the cobalt blue façade once belonged to a grocery shop. Now, it prides itself on being central to the folk-music revival in Auld Reekie with a regular roster of local bands showcasing their talents – you might even have the opportunity to hear Edinburgh’s unique style of trad music. The dark wood interiors speak of times gone by, and the wood-fired stove in the central heart pumps out heat on cold days to create a cosy space that is tough to leave.

Address: Sandy Bell’s, 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH
Website: sandybells.com

In the basement of a Georgian townhouse, in true New Town style, St Vincent’s wood-panelled bar sits understated yet classically beautiful. Affectionately known as 'The Vinnie’, it’s set at the mouth of the famous Circus Lane and perpetually lined with locals from the neighbouring flats, often nursing cask ale while discussing neighbourhood goings-on. The bar staff and locals welcome visitors to this homely spot with warm smiles, making it easy to mingle should you wish to drop in for a solo pint.

Address: St Vincent Bar, 11 St Vincent Street, Edinburgh EH3 6SW
Website: stvincentbar.com

From one historic free house to another: Bennets Bar resides on what was once a major industrial corner of the city, opening its doors in 1839 to a male clientele only. While the area of Tollcross has since become a diverse and vibrant hub, Bennets has maintained much of its old-world charm, including the stained-glass windows, which were installed to conceal the debauchery that occurred inside it during the 1800s, when alcohol was considered the devil’s drink. The 1900s snug, once used to separate female patrons from their male peers, is now one of the most prized seats in the house.

Address: Bennett’s Bar, 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LG
Website: bennetsbar.co.uk

In the vibrant Leith neighbourhood, The Port O' Leith Bar is a charming spot that pays homage to the area's rich maritime heritage. It is renowned as a Leith institution – weekends here have a lively reputation. The bar underwent a facelift in 2017, embracing a stripped-back aesthetic that highlights the elegance of its 19th-century building. Inside, patrons are treated to an exquisite selection of expertly crafted cocktails, curated craft beers and Scotland's finest whiskies. The warm and welcoming atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community, making it the perfect place to unwind, forge new friendships and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Edinburgh. The Port O' Leith has always drawn a diverse crowd, from backpackers and students to workies and suits, creating a spirited mix that perfectly represents the neighbourhood.

Address: 58 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS
Website: facebook.com

Once a boozer well-trodden by afternoon-drinking gentlemen, this now Scandinavian-inspired bar is like an embrace from an old friend. The bar offers a delightful range of craft beers, creative cocktails and a space for families during the day. Walk by, and you’ll see punters wrapped in woollen blankets sitting outside from mid-March through to Christmas Eve. If you’re looking for a bar that locals drink in, this is the place for you. It’s just a stone’s throw from the St James Quarter, so pop by for a quick one after a day of shopping.

Address: 23 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA
Website: bodabar.com

If the Parisian-style exterior of this bar doesn’t first grab your attention, the decorative lobster hanging above the entry will, indicating the site of Edinburgh’s oldest oyster bar. In the shadow of the famous Balmoral Hotel, Cafe Royal is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful pubs. A magnet for travellers due to its Victorian interiors, the ornate circular bar is accented by brass chandeliers, cosy booths, antique cornicing and age-old tiled portraits. Despite the tourist pull (prepare yourself, it can get packed), Cafe Royal maintains its loyal local following, many of whom are responsible for propping up the central circular bar. The Victorian flamboyance is mirrored in the ice-laden oyster platters that pass through the room in the hands of human conveyor belts.

Address: Café Royal Circle Bar, 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Website: caferoyaledinburgh.com

One of many watering holes on Lothian Road, but by far the most stand out, The Hanging Bat is a beer-lovers’ paradise that'll have you hopping with joy. They've got local brews that could charm the kilt of a Scotsman and international delights that'll have you dreaming of distant shores. The vibes are cosy, like hanging out at your quirky friend's place – they also have a microbrewery at the back of the bar. So, whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just fancy something a little different, The Hanging Bat is your ticket to a craft beer-filled adventure right in the city centre.

Address: 133 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AB
Website: thehangingbat.com

Nestled in the courtyard of Edinburgh arts complex Summerhall, the Royal Dick was once the Small Animal Hospital of the Dick Vet School, which explains the fascinating array of veterinary artefacts that decorate its interior. On the menu, you’ll find Pickering’s Gin and Barney’s Beer, both produced on site, as well as plenty of other local beers, cocktails and spirits. During the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall becomes a hub for artists and performers involved in boundary-pushing theatre, music and more. But with an excellent year-round programme, the Royal Dick is always a popular spot to nurse a pint before a gig, film screening or exhibition opening in the venue.

Address: 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Website: summerhall.co.uk

The pot of gold at the end of a walk over Arthur’s Seat is a visit to Edinburgh’s oldest pub. Having opened its doors in 1360, welcoming reams of historic guests, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth II, the country-style pub is more akin to a free house found in the Cotswolds rather than one in the Scottish capital. Antique soft furnishings, low ceilings and Scotland’s oldest surviving (perfectly intact!) Skittles Alley are complemented by a modern European gastropub menu. This unique combination helps to bestow this local haunt with an international clientele on the daily.

Address: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA
Website: thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk

Leith has become the centre of Edinburgh’s creative scene in the past decade, thanks to its numerous arty spaces and constantly evolving shops and eateries. The Lioness of Leith is a long-held favourite in the neighbourhood, though, with a pared-back interior, where original features are married with cult icons such as pinball machines, arcade games and Andy Warhol-inspired prints. It’s gentrified to a point but not alienating – The Lioness is proud of its Leith heritage, and the mix of clientele spotlights that. They also serve arguably the best burger in town.

Address: The Lioness of Leith, 21-25 Duke Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8HH
Website: thelionessofleith.co.uk