Slide Notes
### 1. **The White Hart Inn** – Grassmarket
**Start Time: 5:00 PM**
Kick off your crawl in one of Edinburgh’s oldest pubs. Dating back to 1516, The White Hart Inn in the Grassmarket is steeped in history—and supposedly ghosts. Enjoy a pint of locally brewed ale or a dram of single malt while taking in the medieval vibes.
### 2. **The Last Drop** – Grassmarket
**Just across the street**
Named in reference to the area’s grim history of public hangings, this atmospheric pub offers a cozy, candlelit experience. Grab a classic Scottish cider or sample a whisky flight to warm up for the night ahead.
### 3. **The Bow Bar** – Victoria Street
**5-minute walk**
Head up to Victoria Street, one of the city’s most Instagrammable spots, and step into The Bow Bar. A favorite among whisky connoisseurs, this no-frills gem boasts over 300 bottles and a rotating selection of cask ales. It’s the perfect place to appreciate traditional Scottish drinking culture.
### 4. **The Devil’s Advocate** – Advocates Close
**Hidden down a narrow alley**
From heritage to hip, this hidden cocktail bar in a former Victorian pump house combines rustic stone walls with a sleek menu. Sip on expertly mixed cocktails or choose from their extensive whisky selection. It’s a classy mid-crawl stop.
### 5. **The Royal Dick** – Summerhall
**10-minute walk or short cab ride**
Make your way to Summerhall, the quirky arts venue that houses The Royal Dick—a bar built inside a former veterinary school. The bar serves beer and gin from the on-site *Barney’s Beer* and *Pickering’s Gin* breweries. It’s weird, wonderful, and very Edinburgh.
### 6. **The Brass Monkey** – Drummond Street
**Back toward the center**
A cult favorite among students and cinephiles, The Brass Monkey offers a relaxed, bohemian vibe with comfy floor cushions and a back-room cinema lounge. It’s ideal for a late-evening beer and some unexpected conversations.
### 7. **Sneaky Pete’s** – Cowgate
**For the night owls**
Finish your crawl in true Edinburgh style: at a music-fueled, divey institution. Sneaky Pete’s, a tiny but legendary club, will take you from pints to dancing in no time. Whether it’s indie rock or house beats, this is where the crawl becomes a full-blown night out.
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**Tips for a Top-Notch Crawl:**
- Wear comfy shoes: Edinburgh’s hilly terrain and cobbled streets are beautiful but brutal after drink #5.
- Stay hydrated and eat before starting. Haggis bon bons are your friend.
- Respect the locals and the pubs—rowdiness might get you cut off or kicked out.
- Many of these spots don’t take reservations. Arrive early for a better seat.
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From haunted inns to stylish speakeasies, this [Best pub crawl in Edinburgh](https://www.pubcrawledinburgh.com/) is a celebration of the city's past, present, and palate. Raise your glass and *slàinte mhath*—to good health and great nights!
The Ultimate Pub Crawl in Edinburgh: A Spirited Journey Through History and Hops
Best pub crawl in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, is famed for its stunning architecture, rich history, and a thriving pub scene that rivals any city in Europe. From cobbled alleyways in the Old Town to the chic cocktail lounges of New Town, the city is tailor-made for an epic pub crawl. Whether you're a whisky connoisseur, craft beer lover, or just after a lively atmosphere, this guide will lead you through the best route for an unforgettable night out.
📍 Starting Point: The Royal Mile – Traditional Scottish Welcome Pub 1: The World's End Nestled on the historic Royal Mile, this cozy pub is the perfect place to start. With a traditional Scottish vibe and a great selection of local ales and whiskies, The World's End sets the tone for an authentic night out.
Tip: Try the Belhaven Best or a dram of Glenfiddich to get things going.
🥃 Stop 2: The Jolly Judge – Hidden Gem Just a short walk up a hidden close near St Giles’ Cathedral, The Jolly Judge offers a quiet respite from the tourist-heavy streets. With its wood-paneled interior and crackling fireplace, it feels like a well-kept secret.
Tip: Sample one of their rotating cask ales or a local IPA.
🍸 Stop 3: Panda & Sons – Speakeasy Chic in New Town Cross over to Queen Street and enter the world of Panda & Sons. Disguised as a barber shop, this award-winning speakeasy delivers on presentation, atmosphere, and flavor. It’s classy without being pretentious.
Tip: Order the “Birdcage” for a cocktail experience that’s as photogenic as it is delicious.
🍻 Stop 4: The Black Cat – Whisky Heaven Back towards Rose Street, The Black Cat is a warm, intimate bar that takes whisky seriously. With over 100 varieties behind the bar, this is the place to go deep on Scotch.
Tip: Ask the bartender for a whisky flight tailored to your taste—peaty, smoky, or sweet.
🎶 Stop 5: The Voodoo Rooms – Drinks with a Side of Music Step into a plush Victorian interior with a modern twist. The Voodoo Rooms is part bar, part live music venue. It offers expertly mixed cocktails and a vibrant crowd that picks up later in the evening.
Tip: Check ahead for live jazz, funk, or DJ nights.
🍺 Final Stop: BrewDog Edinburgh – Craft Beer Capstone Round off the night at BrewDog on Cowgate, a haven for craft beer fans. With industrial interiors and a wide selection of house and guest brews, it’s a great place to wind down and soak up the last of the night’s buzz.
Tip: Grab a half-pint tasting flight to sample a few bold brews before heading home.
🚶♂️ Tips for a Successful Pub Crawl Pace yourself: Edinburgh’s pubs pour generously.
Eat beforehand: Grab a hearty meal before you start.
Bring cash and card: Some older pubs are cash-only.
Mind the cobbles: Comfortable shoes are a must.
Drink water: Hydrate between rounds to keep your wits.
From hidden gems to high-end mixology, this Edinburgh pub crawl captures the spirit of the city in a single night. Whether you're here for a weekend or a local seeking new haunts, the capital’s pub culture won’t disappoint. Just remember to raise a glass to Auld Reekie herself.
