Pubs in Edinburgh

One of the best spots in the city for craft beer drinking, Brewdog is a stylish bar and eatery on Lothian Road. Boasting over 20 different kinds of brew, these guys have built up a reputation for lip-smacking craft creations served alongside tasty burgers to soak up all the goodness.

While not a traditional pub, The Refinery in Edinburgh is a great spot for a cocktail or delicious IPA. The bar area is perfect for sipping the night away with its floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to St Andrew Square and the magnificent cityscape beyond.

A little way from Edinburgh Castle, Rose Street Brewery is a New Town classic, with a history that dates back to the 18th century. Serving up classic pub grub and some great local ales, it's a perfect spot to tuck into a plate of stovies or a crofter's pie, washed down with a locally-brewed pint.

Frankenstein is a pub like no other, drawing in crowds from all over thanks to its distinctive haunted theme. With the famous film playing on-loop in the background and vats of bubbling liquids, this bar serves kooky creations while the DJ mixes the monster mash.

Combining charming boozer vibes with contemporary styling, Hectors is one of our favourite Stockbridge spots. Showing sporting highlights on the weekend, and hosting a packed-out pub quiz every Tuesday night, there's never a dull moment here.

Located on Lawnmarket, this popular Edinburgh pub offers a gorgeous resting place after a day of taking on the city's hills. Home to some truly excellent local ales, you'll be able to sample a selection of the best brews in Scotland, alongside plates of delicious seasonal fare.

With a history that stretches back to the 17th century, this Grassmarket pub offers a traditional local boozer experience. From its great selection of beers and ales to its comfortable interiors and tasty pub grub, if you pop in for a pit stop you might find it hard to tear yourself away.

A traditional boozer in the heart of the city, The Conan Doyle is the perfect roost after a day exploring the city. A short walk from the National Portrait Gallery, the Edinburgh Playhouse and the New Town, you'll find a great selection of classic pub grub to dig into, from haggis, neeps and tatties to Balmoral chicken.

Looking for an affordable pub in Edinburgh that promises international grub at pocket friendly prices, with beer and wine to boot? Saunter on down to George Street as the noted Slug and Lettuce churns out contemporary styling alongside cheap plates and classic cocktails. 

Situated just a skip and hop away from Edinburgh's iconic (and adorable) Greyfriars Bobby statue, this cosy pub is the perfect place to shield from Edinburgh's bitter wind. Grab yourself a comfy leather armchair and admire the many dog portraits that adorn the walls.

Toting 6 casks, 14 keg lines and 120+ bottles and cans of beer, The Hanging Bat is more than well stocked for a boozy weekend session. Bag yourself one of the comfy red leather sofas or head outside to the quaint picnic tables for an alfresco tipple.

Boasting one of Edinburgh's best beer gardens, this classic pub in the city's Old Town fronts a huge outdoor screen perfect for big sports games. Head here in the summer months for free-flowing pints and tasty BBQ scran.

Just a stone's throw from the Playhouse Theatre, this charming pub near Calton Hill is a top spot for pre and post-theatre dining. Offering a selection of locally-sourced hearty dishes, you can dig into everything from juicy burgers, to pan-fried Shetland salmon.

A dashing nook tucked down Advocate's Close in the Old Town, this places oozes rustic charm. Heaving with historic flecks, beer barrel tables, stone walls and dripping candles, The Devil's Advocate pays homage to all things Scottish, from craft brews to whisky.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, The Holyrood is a slick bar and pub serving food from breakfast to dinner. Don't miss the gourmet burger selection, washed down classic cocktails, whisky and a wide range of beers.

Another one of Edinburgh's old favourites, this 18th-century boozer has previously been named as the city's most haunted pub following rumours of a ghostly girl in a red dress wandering its corridors. Go check it out, if you dare. 

One of the friendliest pubs in the city centre, Doctors is an iconic Edinburgh spot. Perched on the corner of Forest Road and located opposite the grand McEwan Hall, it's favoured by tourists, students and locals alike for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. 

Originating in Aberdeen, Fierce Beer is one of Scotland's best-loved craft brewers. Their first bricks-and-mortar spot, this Rose Street venue is the perfect place to sample everything from classic IPAs, to vegan brews and hefty stouts.

The Scran & Sallie is not only known for its top-notch menu (curated by two Michelin-starred chefs) but its chic interiors too. From plush mahogany chairs draped in throws to exposed brickwork and cosy fireplaces, it's the perfect rainy day hideaway.

One of Edinburgh's best-loved pubs, The Three Sisters is more than just a spot for eating and drinking. With a packed-out events schedule, huge beer garden and roster of late-night music, this sprawling spot is a guaranteed good time.