Scotland’s historic capital serves up some of Europe’s finest drinking experiences. The Royal Mile and surrounding neighborhoods pack centuries-old pubs and tasting rooms into walkable routes that bring the city’s spirits heritage to life.
I especially recommend the Literary Pub Tour, which combines theater with tastings while visiting the actual watering holes where great Scottish writers found inspiration. For whisky enthusiasts, the Scotch Whisky Experience provides expert-led tastings of regional single malts in an intimate setting. Beer fans shouldn’t miss the craft brewery walks through Leith, where local guides share insider knowledge about Edinburgh’s booming craft beer scene.
Let’s explore the top drinking tours that showcase Edinburgh’s most memorable pours and historic pub culture.
Good To Know
Whisky tasting experiences at The Jolly Judge Bar and The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant offer an intimate, educational, and highly-rated opportunity to sample premium Scotch whiskies.
Beer tasting and craft beer tours at The Lost Close, Edinburgh Old Town, and Bellfield Brewery provide an immersive exploration of the city’s brewing heritage and local craft beers.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour combines storytelling, poetry, and culture, providing a unique blend of literary education and alcoholic beverages.
Pub crawls and nightlife tours, such as the Edinburgh Pub Crawl and Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl, offer a lively and social experience with discounted drinks and perks.
Unique tour options, including the Rose Street Private Pub Tour, Biking Tour and Brewery Visit, and Craft Beer and Bar Tour, cater to various interests and preferences.
Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
Frequently, travelers to Edinburgh seek out authentic experiences to enjoy the city’s vibrant whisky culture. One such option is the afternoon whisky tasting in a traditional Edinburgh bar.
This 100% recommended experience allows participants to sample four single malt Scotch whiskies, tailored to their knowledge level. The tasting takes place at The Jolly Judge Bar, located in the Lawnmarket, with a maximum of six travelers.
Praised for its knowledgeable guides and engaging, educational format, this tour is suitable for whisky newbies and enthusiasts alike. With a 5.0 rating based on 25 reviews, it’s an excellent way to discover Scotland’s national drink in a historic setting.
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The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Travelers often seek out the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour to enjoy the city’s rich literary heritage.
This 2.5-hour tour offers a unique blend of theater, poetry, and culture, led by professional actors. Participants can expect engaging storytelling about iconic Scottish writers and poets, with occasional live performances.
While the tour includes alcoholic beverages, the focus remains on educating visitors about Edinburgh’s literary legacy. With a maximum group size of 40, the tour provides an intimate and interactive experience, though weather conditions can impact the outdoor portions.
Read our full review: The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour Review
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Pub Crawl in Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Pub Crawl whisks visitors through the city’s vibrant nightlife, offering a curated selection of popular pubs and trendy bars.
With an average 5.0 rating from 191 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation, this tour promises a lively experience. Participants can enjoy free welcome shots, exclusive drink deals, and queue-jump entry to all venues.
The crawl starts at Pilgrim Bar and winds through the city, eventually ending back at the starting point.
While most reviews highlight the tour’s friendly atmosphere and unique venues, some note a lack of engagement from the guides.
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Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close
Situated in the historic heart of Edinburgh, The Lost Close invites visitors to embark on an immersive beer tasting session that celebrates the city’s vibrant brewing heritage.
Rated 5.0 stars with overwhelmingly positive reviews, this 90-minute experience allows guests to sample 5 diverse local beers in a unique underground venue.
Knowledgeable hosts guide participants through the tasting, sharing insights on brewing history and beer varieties.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the intimate setting fosters a social atmosphere where fellow enthusiasts can connect over their shared appreciation for craft brews.
Whether a beer connoisseur or casual drinker, this tour offers an engaging and memorable way to discover Edinburgh’s thriving beer culture.
Read our full review: Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close Review
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Edinburgh Old Town Beer Small-Group Walking Tour With Tastings
Beyond the intimate beer tasting at The Lost Close, Edinburgh’s vibrant beer culture extends into the historic Old Town.
Rated 5 stars, the Edinburgh Old Town Beer Small-Group Walking Tour with Tastings by ScotBeer Tours offers an immersive experience.
With a maximum of 12 guests, this small-group tour explores the city’s brewing heritage and current beer scene.
Visitors will visit historic pubs, enjoy 6 beer tastings and a half-pint of cask ale, and learn about Edinburgh’s history as a leading bottled beer exporter.
The knowledgeable guides receive praise for their friendliness and expertise.
Whether a beer enthusiast or not, this tour provides a fun and informative way to discover Edinburgh’s rich brewing culture.
Read our full review: Edinburgh Old Town Beer Small-Group Walking Tour With Tastings Review
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Edinburgh Pub Crawl
Amidst Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife, the Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl offers a lively and immersive experience for those seeking to explore the city’s dynamic bar scene.
The tour includes visits to 7 bars, with 6 shots and 1 Jager Bomb, as well as drink discounts, VIP entry, and a party atmosphere.
Guides, identifiable by their Pub Crawl hoodies, lead the group, which can have up to 200 participants, from the starting point at Bar Fifty to a final bar in the city center.
Reviews are generally positive, praising the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, though some note the tour may not be suitable for older participants due to the nature of the venues visited.
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Taste the Best Scottish Ales: Rose Street Private Pub Tour
Exploring Edinburgh’s renowned Rose Street, this private Scottish Ales tour offers an intimate and immersive experience for beer enthusiasts.
Priced from €316.82, the tour includes a private guide, a single-shot pour of whisky or pint at each of three pubs, and transportation throughout the experience.
Wheelchair accessible and near public transportation, the tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
With a rating of 5.0 based on 1 review, the customizable tour allows for flexibility in duration, catering to group preferences.
Offering free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a pay-later option, this tour provides an authentic exploration of Edinburgh’s vibrant pub culture.
Read our full review: Taste the Best Scottish Ales: Rose Street Private Pub Tour Review
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Edinburgh Small-Group Biking Tour and Brewery Visit
For those seeking a more active way to discover Edinburgh’s vibrant pub culture, the Edinburgh Small-Group Biking Tour and Brewery Visit offers an exhilarating alternative.
This half-day tour caps participation at eight, blending scenic cycling with a visit to Bellfield Brewery. Highlights include Portobello, the Innocent Railway Tunnel, and Holyrood Palace.
Cyclists are provided with bicycles, helmets, and alcoholic beverages, including a beer tasting and a pint of choice. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes service animals.
With a total of five 5-star reviews, this small-group experience delivers an engaging exploration of Edinburgh’s sights and flavors.
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Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour With 8 Tastings
The Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour with 8 Tastings whisks participants through the heart of the city, immersing them in the vibrant craft beer scene.
This 5-star rated tour offers an expert-led journey, with 8 beer tastings and gratuities included. Starting at 12 PM, the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers, meeting outside Summerhall and ending at the BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh Hotel.
Participants should note the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level. While not recommended for pregnant or those with certain medical conditions, the tour is near public transportation and welcomes service animals.
Confirmation is provided upon booking, with reviews validating the tour’s high rating.
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Pubs Tour: the History of Pubs and Drinking in Scotland.
This pub tour in Edinburgh delves into the captivating history of Scotland’s drinking culture.
For $18.13 per person, guests can embark on a 3-hour journey that explores the origins and evolution of pubs in Scotland. The tour starts at the Black Bull Pub and ends at a local hotel, where participants receive recommendations for whiskey and beer.
While the tour doesn’t include any tastings, it provides valuable insights into the cultural significance of pubs in Scottish society.
The tour is accessible to most travelers, except those with reduced mobility, and is limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
Read our full review: Pubs Tour: the History of Pubs and Drinking in Scotland. Review
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Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass to Multiple Venues in Edinburgh
Travelers seeking a lively night out in Edinburgh can take advantage of the Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass, which grants them priority access to multiple venues across the city.
This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore various bars and clubs at their own pace, without the hassle of waiting in long lines.
The pass is available from January 10, 2024, to December 29, 2025, every Friday and Saturday from 7 PM to 11:30 PM.
Participants must be at least 18 years old and adhere to a smart casual dress code.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and most travelers can participate.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and alcoholic drinks are available for purchase.
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Beer and Cured Meat Pairing in Edinburgh
Bellfield Brewery in Edinburgh offers an exceptional beer and cured meat pairing experience that delights the senses.
The 2.5-hour event takes place at the brewery, where participants can sample four half-pints of Bellfield’s craft beers alongside four cured meat samples from East Coast Cured.
The tasting is accessible, with wheelchair-friendly surfaces and near public transportation. Priced at $19.43 per person, the experience allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While only one review is currently available, it rates the event 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Beer enthusiasts and meat lovers alike will appreciate this unique opportunity to explore flavors in a convivial setting.
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Beer & Cheese Pairing
For those seeking a complementary pairing of craft beer and artisanal cheeses, Bellfield Brewery in Edinburgh offers a captivating experience.
The Beer & Cheese Pairing event showcases four half-pints of Bellfield’s finest brews alongside four cheese samples. Held in the brewery’s Taproom, the two-hour session accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers and is priced at £15.
Accessibility is excellent, with the venue being wheelchair and stroller friendly, as well as near public transportation.
Booking is flexible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a cheese lover, this pairing promises an evening of indulgence and discovery in the heart of Scotland’s capital.
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Evening Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
In the heart of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant invites whisky enthusiasts to an immersive Evening Whisky Tasting experience.
This 4-dram tasting takes place in a traditional Scottish bar, where participants can sample a selection of premium Scotch whiskies. The event is limited to just 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
Led by a knowledgeable host, you will learn about the whisky-making process and develop their palates. With alcoholic beverages and gratuities included, this evening tasting offers a chance to explore Scotland’s renowned whisky culture in a cozy, historic setting.
Accessibility is limited, but the host accommodates ground floor private tastings upon request.
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5 Hours Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl
Departing from the serene whisky tasting experience, the 5 Hours Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl immerses participants in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Attendees can expect a lively evening filled with alcoholic beverages, free shots, and discounted drinks. The crawl also includes Halloween-themed goodies, prizes, and free entry to 5+ venues.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the event offers a more intimate experience as participants are guided through the bars by a photographer.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals, those with heart problems, or anyone under 18.
Most travelers, though, can look forward to an unforgettable Halloween celebration in Edinburgh.
Read our full review: 5 Hours Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl Review
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The Sum Up
Edinburgh offers a wide range of drinking tours, from whisky tastings in traditional bars to pub crawls and beer tastings. Whether you’re a fan of spirits, craft beers, or just want to experience the city’s lively nightlife, there’s a tour that caters to your preferences. These tours provide an opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s rich history and culture through the lens of its thriving drinking scene.