Cool and Quirky Bars in Edinburgh

A haven for Mexican-inspired street food and exotic cocktails, Wahaca is the brainchild of a former Masterchef champion, Thomasina Miers. Stop by for fragrant flavours, salt-rimmed tequila mixes and flowing cervezas.

From interactive masterclasses that'll have you shaking up your very own tipples to a menu of classic cocktails paired with innovative Asian food, Bar Soba is a great choice for food and drinks in Edinburgh. Better yet? There are regular student deals throughout the week.

The Raging Bull is a fantastically wacky city centre cocktail bar serving up some of the best espresso martinis in Edinburgh. Try out one of their hazelnut, salted caramel or orange-flavoured variations and see for yourself why they've gained such a mega reputation.

Following a pastel pink and royal blue refurbishment, Le Monde is one of the city's most stylish hotel bars. A hub of all things drinking, dancing and dining, this George Street spot will see you through from dusk 'til dawn. There's even an exclusive Champagne bar for those extra special occasions. 

Located just a stone's throw away from Edinburgh Castle, Angels Share is a luxe lounge bar and hotel. Whilst the daytime sees this place screen major sporting events and serve a mouthwatering menu of modern Scottish cuisine, as night falls it's all about the tipples - with vintage whiskies, tasty cocktails and fine wine aplenty.

A popular spot for Edinburgh's beer lovers, Innis & Gunn is the contemporary taproom found on Lothian Road. Offering 26 craft beer taps, this place showcases local breweries as well as rare international sips - with tasting flights available to help you decide on your favourite pint. 

When it comes to weird and wonderful bars in Edinburgh, they don't come much quirkier than Frankenstein. This monster-themed venue boasts daily live shows, with ghoulish sights and spooky sounds. The prices here though? They're anything but scary - think £6.95 for a signature cocktail, slashed to £3.95 between Mondays and Wednesdays.

Spread over two floors, The Refinery is a cool and quirky spot which is great for everything from post-work cocktails through to romantic dinners. Sit by the open kitchen to watch your food being prepared or perch by the floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the goings-on of St Andrew Square.

Promising to inject a bit of carnival spirit into your next night out, Boteco Do Brasil is the Latin-inspired party bar with a reputation for its wild weekend antics. With a mouthwatering menu of tapas-style plates, as well as an impressive selection of rum-infused sips, it's the perfect place to shake it off after a long hard week.

From cocktails that defy reason to unique and interesting interiors, Heads & Tales is a must for those looking for something a little different. The drinks here are scorched with hot flames, served in teapots and utilise an eclectic selection of international spirits, making each creation a unique experience in itself. 

Appearance is everything here, so expect to be served extravagant looking drinks and neatly produced dishes by a team of perfectionists. Maintaining an air of elegance whilst somehow holding onto a devil-may-care attitude, Bon Vivant is one unique bar that won't be easily forgotten.

One of the most unique bars in the city, The Voodoo Rooms is an uber glamorous spot decked out with comfy leather booths and floor-to-ceiling windows. From historical interiors and gin cocktails to the glittering of golden awnings, this is a pretty special place to spend your evening.

One of Edinburgh's best-known bars, The Three Sisters is a popular spot among locals and students alike. With a huge outdoor courtyard, as well as cosy private rooms in the basement, there's never a dull moment here. Be sure to check out one of their roaring sports screenings, bingo events or St Paddy's Day parties.

Paradise Palms has a quirky line-up of events to rival any. From zine pop-up shops, to speed dating with a difference and DJ residencies, there truly is never a dull moment. And with colourful bunting, quirky neon lighting and botanicals hanging from the ceilings, it's pretty easy on the eye too. 

DJ nights and cool cocktails flow in abundance at this happening party bar. Head on down to Tonic for low lighting, a social crowd and a palpable atmosphere fuelled by creative mixes made precisely to your liking.

Once you're done feasting on delicious Indian plates at Dishoom, head down to The Permit Room for a taste of Parsi culture. Step back in time to 20th century Bombay with theatre-inspired artwork, frosted glass screens and knock-out cocktails such as The Pila House Sling, made with coconut tequila.

If you like your cocktails with a side of science, look no further than The Alchemist - the Edinburgh bar serving up some of the city's quirkiest concoctions. From smoking glasses to fizzing fancies and foaming tipples, the drinks here are pretty darn spectacular - just be sure to have your camera at the ready.

A slice of tiki heaven in the heart of the Scottish capital, 52 Canoes is all about the free-flowing rum punch and late-night limbo sessions. That's not all though - expect weekly comedy nights as well as live music and dancing aplenty. Who needs a holiday anyway?

With a variety of eight wonderful craft beer creations piped directly from their onsite brewery, Cold Town House really is a gem. To top it off, their rooftop boasts truly incredible views of the castle opposite, perfect for alfresco sips in the summer months.

Tucked away in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, The Devil's Advocate can be found inside a former Victorian pump house. From the rustic decor to the welcoming atmosphere and spirits adorning the walls, there are few better places to grab a drink with your nearest and dearest. 

Halfway between Old Town and Fountainbridge, this chic little cocktail bar has some of the best drinks in the city. With a collective of fun, talented bartenders who have more than a few tricks up their sleeve, the menus here showcase character, flair and unique ingredients.

As a sleek, sophisticated and wonderfully unusual bar in Edinburgh, The Lucky Liquor Co's talented line-up of mixologists let their imaginations run wild when it comes to creating cocktails. Adventurous city revellers will be thrilled to discover the extensive array of quirky libations. 

A secret speakeasy bar in Edinburgh city centre, Cask Smugglers is themed around Scotland's whisky smuggling past. There are 12 signature cocktails, ranging from the Aperol, Tabasco and grapefruit-infused More Lock, to the Liquor at Nightfall - a potent mix of Dark Matter, lime juice, banana syrup and egg white.

Hidden away on the corner of Charlotte Square, Panda & Sons transports its guests to America's Prohibition era. Disguised as a barber shop, this secret speakeasy is decked out with quaint antiques and old school barber chairs, and is home an impressive arsenal of spices, spirits and fruits.