Don't be fooled by the Scottish capital's elegant and swanky reputation, there are plenty of pocket-friendly spots for revellers to enjoy budget friendly drinks. From wild party bars to traditional pubs and live music venues, our city promises to cater for all, no matter how tight those purse strings are. To help find the perfect spot for you, we've created a handy guide to the best bars for a cheap night out in Edinburgh.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 18th March 2025
On the hunt for cheap bars in Edinburgh city centre? For a bustling venue that often hosts live music and boasts a spacious dancefloor, check out Finnegan's Wake. You can expect cocktails for under a tenner here, as well as £3 Jager or skittle bombs and baby Guinness.
Nestled in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, St Vincent Bar offers the perfect blend of classic pub charm and modern vibes.
Whether you're popping in for a pint of craft beer, a glass of fine whisky, or enjoying one of their signature cocktails, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly service will make you feel right at home. With cosy interiors and a great selection of food and drinks, it's the ideal spot to catch up with friends or unwind after a busy day in the city.
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If you're looking for cheap drinks and entertainment all in one place, check out Marcos Pool Hall and Pizza Bar in the Haymarket area. They boast a selection of over 50 gins, alongside £6 cocktails, draft beers and wine. What's more, they've got some tasty and affordable pizzas too.
If £8.50 cocktails and a whole load of affordable beer and wine sounds like a bit of you, then you'll love Grosvenor Casino. As the name suggests, there's a whole load of entertainment on the cards while you drink as well, with tasty bites to eat if you get peckish.
The Waiting Room in Morningside is a cosy hangout that scores big with its blend of live sports excitement and laid-back pub vibes. Nestled in the heart of Morningside, this watering hole is decked out with large HD screens strategically placed around the joint, so every spot is a winner for catching the game. The decor is clean and cool, with sleek lines and a super fresh look.
Get your fix of classic cocktails without having to break the bank, as Slug and Lettuce is home to some of the best cheap drinks in Edinburgh. Stopping by on a weekend? Lap up their boozy brunch which features unlimited fizz for two hours at £28 a pop. What's more, they've got a second venue on George Street too.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh within walking distance of the train station and the main shopping areas, All Bar One on George Street is a guaranteed good time. Boasting contemporary interiors, with charming orginal features, this light and airy cocktail bar transforms into a den of drinking and dancing as night falls.
With beers coming in at less than £6, The Botanist is a great shout for affordable drinks in a classy venue. Expect floral decor and pretty lighting, and you may even be lucky enough to catch their Wednesday bingo events or regular live music sessions.
Located in Edinburgh's gorgeous Old Town, BrewDog is a wonderland of all things craft beers, tasty bites and karaoke fun. Welcoming of ale connoisseurs and newbies alike, the team are always on hand to offer free tasters and expert advice - here or in their sister venue DogHouse.
Amber Rose doesn't mess around when it comes to cheap drinks in Edinburgh city centre. Not only does it shake up all kinds of fun cocktails, but you can also snap them up for 50% off on selected days. Plus, you can similarly bag affordable beers, wines and so much more.
You'll be grinning from ear to ear when you discover how cheap the bevvies are at Bellfield Brewery & Taproom, located in the Abbeyhill area of Edinburgh. The independent craft beer spot is slinging out house brews as well as highlighting some special guests for around £2.50 a half pint, or a fiver for a full. You can sip on guest kegs like a Volcano IPA or a can of Blackcurrant Session Sour for £7.50 in the outside garden, equipped with heated booths, or inside, surrounded by a buzzing atmosphere and fairy lights.
Just seconds away from the Royal Mile, this great Edinburgh bar is the perfect place to catch up with mates or watch some live sport. Serving up fuss-free food, local beers and an impressive whisky, rum and tequila selection, it's an ideal spot for a casual night out.
Delicious pizza deserves the perfect drink to match, and at Pizza Pilgrims, you will find affordable wines, classic Italian cocktails, and refreshing beers that make for a wallet-friendly night out.
Whether you are sipping a spritz while tucking into a smoky aubergine parmigiana pizza or cracking open a cold craft beer with a double pepperoni with hot honey, the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot to enjoy quality drinks without the hefty price tag. Located on Rose Street, this buzzing pizzeria is a fantastic choice for a casual night out that does not skimp on flavour.
In the mood for a few budget bevvies? Then venture to Porty Vault on Portobello High Street. This top-notch drinking den has a plethora of drinks deals throughout the week on its epic selection of brews. If you're feeling peckish, there are BBQ bites up for grabs, such as pulled pork.
You'll struggle to find a venue that serves cheaper drinks than Hive, dishing out cocktails for under a fiver alongside house drinks starting from £1 - yes, you heard us right. Based just off the Cowgate and with 3 different rooms of music, the venue is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
When it comes to great nights out in Edinburgh on a budget, Pilgrim has to be top of our list. A rustic, industrial-style bar, the venue's range of craft beers and international spirits are all on offer at a fraction of the price you'd normally expect to pay.
A venue that needs no introduction, Revolution is a gold mine for anyone partying on a budget. The bar boasts an incredible lineup of vodkas, flavoured shots and quirky cocktails that won't break the bank. And for when those hunger pangs strike? There's also a menu of pocket-friendly scran.
Bongo is an urban club that prides itself on having a rough-around-the-edges feel. Decorated in a plain manner with wood-panelled floors and exposed brick walls, the club is famous for taking things to the next level, thanks to its talented resident DJs and impressive sound system.
An intimate club that's known for its live music, DJ sets and unbeatable drinks prices, Sneaky Pete's is a popular spot amongst locals and students alike. Despite only having a capacity of 100, the bar uses its great line-up of acts and heavily discounted drinks to create an unrivalled fun-loving energy.
