Edinburgh’s best drinking tours combine history, entertainment, and local culture in smart, engaging ways. The standout Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour connects Scotland’s great writers with their favorite watering holes – it’s both entertaining and educational. For a laugh-filled evening, the Scottish Comedy Night at an Old Town cocktail bar delivers authentic Scottish humor with your drinks. We especially love the intimate whisky tastings that teach proper appreciation techniques and local distilling history. Scotbeer Tours gets high marks for explaining Edinburgh’s brewing heritage while visiting multiple pubs. The Edinburgh Pub Crawl works well for social butterflies wanting to experience the city’s modern nightlife scene. Let’s explore our favorite drinking tours in detail.
Key Points
- Edinburgh offers a range of beer and whisky tasting tours, such as Scotbeer Tours and the Evening Whisky Tasting Experience, providing a unique culture.
- The Scottish Comedy Night at a cozy cocktail bar blends laughter, entertainment, and the opportunity to sample local cocktails for a vibrant cultural experience.
- The Edinburgh Pub Crawl and the Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl offer a lively nightlife experience, with exclusive drink deals, free welcome shots, and the chance to explore hidden gems.
- Many tours limit group sizes for a more personalized experience, catering to diverse budgets and ensuring accessibility for a wide range of audiences.
- The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour and the Harry Potter Walking Tour combine literature, history, and entertainment, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour offers a captivating blend of literature, history, and lively entertainment. This walking tour takes participants on a journey through Edinburgh’s atmospheric pubs, courtyards, and hidden alleyways, led by professional actors portraying literary figures like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
Guests will learn about the city’s rich literary heritage while engaging in live performances, including poetry and songs. The tour’s reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with praise for the engaging storytelling and friendly atmosphere.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible. With its unique perspective and immersive experience, the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is an ideal choice for theater and literature enthusiasts seeking a memorable exploration of Edinburgh’s cultural legacy.
Edinburgh: Scottish Comedy Night at an Old Town Cocktail Bar
Edinburgh’s Old Town houses a delightful Scottish comedy night at a cozy cocktail bar, offering visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Lasting 2 hours, the guided tour takes guests to a charming bar where they’ll enjoy a lineup of talented local comedians.
With a rating of 4.9 from 2,059 reviews and priced at $42.70, this is a must-do experience for anyone seeking a taste of Edinburgh’s thriving comedy scene.
The intimate setting and the opportunity to interact with the performers create an unforgettable evening of laughter and camaraderie, perfectly complemented by the bar’s selection of handcrafted cocktails.
Edinburgh Pub & History Tour With Scotbeer Tours
Guided by the knowledgeable team at Scotbeer Tours, visitors can embark on a captivating Edinburgh Pub & History Tour that delves into the city’s rich brewing heritage and vibrant beer scene.
With a 99% traveler recommendation and a focus on small-group experiences, the tour includes visits to top pubs and beer bars on the Royal Mile, 6 beer tastings, and a half-pint of cask ale.
Praised for their enthusiasm and expertise, the passionate guides tailor the interactive approach to each group’s interests, blending informative beer tasting with fascinating insights into Edinburgh’s history.
Suitable for both casual drinkers and enthusiasts, this tour offers an enjoyable and educational exploration of the local culture and beer traditions.
Edinburgh: Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
On a captivating exploration of Edinburgh’s magical history, visitors can embark on the Harry Potter Walking Tour and Beer Tasting. This 5-hour experience takes participants to iconic locations that inspired J.K. Rowling, including the Tron Kirk Market, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and the Elephant Café.
Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide provides insights into the city’s connection to the beloved wizarding world. The tour also includes a guided beer tasting session in an underground cellar, where participants can sample multiple Scottish beers and learn about their history and production.
With a small group, comfortable attire, and no hotel pick-up or drop-off, this tour offers a unique and immersive way to experience Edinburgh’s Harry Potter and beer-loving culture.
Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close
Situated within the historic CoDE Pod Hostels – THE CoURT, the Beer Tasting Session at The Lost Close offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant beer culture.
This 57-review, 96% recommended activity allows guests to learn about local brewing styles and history from knowledgeable guides. The session, suitable for adults only with a maximum of 8 travelers, takes place in a historic Edinburgh close, providing an engaging atmosphere.
Included in the affordable €18.40 per person price are alcoholic beverages, free cancellation, and unlimited rescheduling. While not wheelchair accessible, the activity’s location near public transportation makes it easily accessible.
With an average 5.0 rating, the Beer Tasting Session promises an enjoyable and informative experience.
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour With Real-Actors
Edinburgh’s literary heritage comes alive on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour with Real-Actors. This 2-hour theatrical experience takes visitors through the Old and New Towns, led by professional actors Clart and McBrain.
Guests will explore the history of famous Scottish writers like Sir Walter Scott and contemporary literature, including Harry Potter and Inspector Rebus, while stopping at hand-picked pubs for drinks.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 57 reviews, the tour is renowned for its informative content, engaging storytelling, and enjoyable interaction.
Priced at $25.49 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so reserving in advance is recommended.
Pub Crawl in Edinburgh
For a quintessential Edinburgh experience, the Pub Crawl in Edinburgh takes visitors on an exciting journey through the city’s vibrant nightlife.
With a 99% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a range of inclusions, like free welcome shots, exclusive drink deals, and queue-jump access to all venues.
The tour starts at 7:30 PM at the Pilgrim Bar, and you will enjoy a social atmosphere while discovering hidden gems in Edinburgh.
While the tour guide engagement and bar service efficiency have received some criticism, the overall experience is highly praised for its unique and exciting bars, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy Edinburgh’s lively pub scene.
Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour and Beer Tasting
Exploring Edinburgh’s rich history and vibrant pub culture, the Edinburgh: Old Town Guided Walking Tour and Beer Tasting offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s heritage.
Over 2.5 hours, the tour takes participants through the city’s iconic Old Town, including stops at local pubs for beer tastings and insights from expert guides. Guests can also opt for an additional food and whiskey tasting.
With a focus on the historical significance of beer in Edinburgh, the tour provides a delightful blend of history, architecture, and local flavors.
Rated 4.8/5 by over 200 reviewers, this tour is a must-do for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
The Jolly Judge Bar sets the stage for an immersive afternoon whisky tasting experience in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
This 5-star rated tour includes 4 drams of single malt Scotch whisky, alongside expert guidance from knowledgeable host Neil. Participants will savor the flavors and learn about the rich history and traditions of Scottish whisky-making.
The tasting takes place in a cozy, traditional bar, providing an authentic cultural experience. With a maximum group size of 6, the tour offers a personalized and intimate setting.
Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this afternoon tasting promises an educational and enjoyable journey through Scotland’s national drink.
Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5+ Venues, Free Shots, Free Club Entry
Embarking on an Edinburgh Bar Crawl is a lively way to take in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
This 5-hour experience takes revelers to 5+ venues in Edinburgh’s Old Town, offering free shots and exclusive drink discounts along the way.
With fast-track entry to each location, guests can maximize their time dancing and mingling. An on-hand photographer captures the night’s memories, which are accessible within 48 hours.
Suitable for ages 18 and above, the bar crawl provides an energetic atmosphere for meeting new friends and exploring Edinburgh’s pubs, like Frankenstein, Ballie, and Bar Fifty.
With a 4.5/5 rating, it’s a safe and fun way to experience the city’s nightlife.
The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl
For those seeking to enjoy Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife, the Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl offers a lively and well-rounded experience. This highly-rated tour takes participants to 7 bars, providing 6 shots, 1 Jäger Bomb, and drink discounts.
With a maximum capacity of 200 people, the crawl boasts a party atmosphere and the opportunity to meet new people. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Guests can expect guestlist entry to all venues on the itinerary, which changes nightly. Reviews highlight the energy and engagement of the local guides, though some mention overcrowded venues and communication issues.
Edinburgh: Pub Crawl With Free Shots & Discounts
Kicking off the evening with the Edinburgh Pub Crawl, participants can expect a lively and engaging experience that showcases the city’s vibrant nightlife.
For just €10.85, guests enjoy 6 free shots, free VIP club entry, and discounts on drinks, including samples of Scottish whisky.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the 5-hour tour visits top bars, clubs, and live music venues, allowing travelers to skip the lines and enjoy the city’s social scene.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 based on 281 reviews, the tour provides excellent value and the opportunity to meet fellow adventurers.
While some critiques mention variable shot quality and guide punctuality, the majority of participants praise the social aspect and memorable experience.
Evening Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
Travelers seeking an intimate and immersive whisky experience can indulge in an Evening Whisky Tasting at The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant in the heart of Edinburgh.
The tasting includes 4 Scotch whisky samples, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities, with a maximum of 6 participants to ensure personalized attention.
Led by knowledgeable host Neil, the event offers insights into the whisky-making process and the opportunity to explore personal preferences.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tasting is convenient to public transportation and suitable for most adults.
With a perfect 5-star rating from previous guests, this Edinburgh bar experience promises an unforgettable evening of Scotch whisky discovery.
Edinburgh: Whisky Flight in One of the Oldest Pubs
Visitors to Edinburgh can savor the city’s rich whisky heritage with a Whisky Flight experience at The Tolbooth Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in the Scottish capital.
This 45-minute tasting allows guests to sample three distinct Scottish whiskies, from smooth and mellow to bold and peaty.
Located on the Royal Mile, the tavern was once part of the original Canongate Tolbooth, used to collect tolls from travelers.
After the tasting, visitors can enjoy traditional and contemporary Scottish dishes made with locally sourced produce.
Though customer reviews note some organizational and value concerns, the tavern’s cozy atmosphere and friendly staff provide a memorable whisky experience.
Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour With 8 Tastings
Alongside the city’s revered whisky heritage, Edinburgh also boasts a thriving craft beer scene.
One of the best ways to experience this is through the Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour. This immersive 12 pm experience offers 8 beer tastings, led by an expert guide. The tour starts at Summerhall and ends at the BrewDog DogHouse Hotel, covering some of the city’s top beer hotspots.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. While not wheelchair accessible, the moderate fitness level required makes this tour suitable for most visitors.
Priced competitively and with free cancellation, this is a great way to discover Edinburgh’s vibrant craft beer culture.
Edinburgh: Pub Crawl 7 Bars With 6 Shots
A lively Edinburgh pub crawl takes visitors on a journey through 7 of the city’s top bars, complete with 6 specially selected shots.
The 5-hour tour, led by expert party professionals, offers VIP entry with no cover charges at the venues. Guests can enjoy a 25% discount at selected bars and clubs, and the opportunity to mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, though not suitable for pregnant women or children under 18.
Bookings can be made with no upfront payment, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 476 reviews, this pub crawl promises an unforgettable night out in Edinburgh.
Recap
Edinburgh offers an array of drinking tours that cater to various interests. From literary pub tours and comedy nights to whisky tastings and craft beer crawls, there’s something for every taste. Whether you’re a history buff, a Harry Potter fan, or a lover of fine spirits, you’ll find a tour that suits your preferences and provides an immersive experience in the city’s vibrant drinking culture.