Top 5 Drinking Tours in Edinburgh

1.The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 485 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34Our pick

Spend two hours walking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with actor-guides such as Emma, Dougal, Mike, or Hazel. Hear Burns, Stevenson, Scott, and other Scottish writers brought to life through poetry, songs, character work, and comic debate. Pub visits are included, but drinks are optional and some performances take place outdoors.

“The wife and I enjoyed this tour very much the tour guided made this tour fun to attend. The way they passed on info about the spaces and buildings that they showed us.”

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2.The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 282 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Join guides such as Tia, Tom, Esther, Cameron, or Justin for a 4 to 6-hour Edinburgh night out across seven city-centre bars. Expect six shots, one bomb, drink discounts, VIP entry, changing venues, and a mostly young, social crowd.

“It was only a small group so we thought it would be a bit of a flop, but we needed up having so much fun. Cameron our guide was fabulous, funny and had great dead pan humour. Would definitely recommend this to others for a great fun night out in Edinburgh.”

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3.Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $63Top rated

Walk Edinburgh’s Old Town with an English-speaking guide such as Wag, Iain, Christy, Sara, or Mhairi. Visit three pubs, taste Scottish beers and cask ales, and connect brewing traditions with sights including the Old College, Canongate, and Cowgate. Tastings are included.

“Nice easy stroll and beer tasting. Learned about local history. Friendly guide. Would recommend. Gets chilly at night so dress warm.”

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4.Pub Crawl in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 220 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $20

Meet at Pilgrim Bar at 7:30 pm for a six-hour crawl through Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll visit at least five venues, receive a shot at each, skip entry fees, get wristband drink deals, and meet a large mixed group. Bring valid photo ID and expect a social, late-night outing.

“Found a couple of great new bars to visit. Places that I would never have found myself. One with fantastic live music and dancing.”

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5.Beer Tasting Session in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 1 hour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $31

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern for a one-hour tasting in The Lost Close. A host such as Sarah, Mark, or Nikki guides you through four local beers, explaining flavour, brewing, and the vault’s Edinburgh past. Groups are capped at eight, making this a relaxed adult evening.

“Cosy and informative. Good variety, adapted to the guests. My tastebuds are open to new types of beer.”

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