Edinburgh’s drinking tours offer the perfect blend of culture and spirits. The standout experiences include small-group whisky tastings at historic venues like the Scotch Whisky Experience, where experts guide you through regional flavors and distilling techniques. We particularly love the Literary Pub Tour, combining theater, humor, and drinks while following the footsteps of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott.
The craft beer scene deserves attention too – local operators like Edinburgh Beer Tours showcase microbreweries in neighborhoods travelers rarely see. For value and variety, the Royal Mile Tasting Tour hits all the high notes, mixing whisky education with traditional pub culture.
Ready to raise a glass in Scotland’s capital? Check out our favorite drinking tours below.
Good To Know
- Edinburgh offers a variety of whisky tasting experiences, ranging from afternoon tastings in traditional bars to intimate evening sessions focused on whisky culture education.
- Visitors can explore Edinburgh’s beer scene through beer tasting sessions, small-group walking tours, and pairings with cured meats or cheese.
- Literary and cultural tours in Edinburgh combine the city’s drinking culture with its rich literary heritage, featuring professional actors as guides.
- Pub crawls and nightlife experiences in Edinburgh offer discounted drinks, free shots, and guided exploration of the city’s vibrant bar scene.
- Unique drinking experiences in Edinburgh include customizable private pub tours, cycling tours with brewery visits, and craft beer and bar tours.
Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
Visitors to Edinburgh can embark on an afternoon whisky tasting experience in a traditional bar. This highly-rated activity offers participants the chance to sample four single malt Scotch whiskies in a tailored format.
Whether a whisky newbie or enthusiast, the tasting caters to all levels of knowledge. Conveniently located in Lawnmarket, the session takes place at The Jolly Judge Bar and is led by knowledgeable guides who bring the whisky to life with their passion.
With a 100% recommendation rate from travelers and a Badge of Excellence, this is an engaging and educational way to discover Scotland’s national drink. The experience is accessible to over 18s, though advance notice is required for those bringing service animals or dogs.
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The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour offers an engaging and immersive exploration of the city’s rich literary heritage.
Led by professional actors, this unique tour takes participants on a journey through Edinburgh’s streets, regaling them with captivating stories and live performances about Scotland’s most renowned authors.
With an average rating of 4.5 stars from 433 reviews, the tour provides a delightful blend of history, poetry, and culture, all while allowing guests to enjoy alcoholic beverages along the way.
Whether you’re a literature enthusiast or simply seeking a lively introduction to Edinburgh’s cultural legacy, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour Review
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Pub Crawl in Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s Pub Crawl offers an engaging and social experience for those seeking to explore the city’s vibrant nightlife.
With a 5.0 average rating from 191 reviews and a 99% traveler recommendation, this activity promises exclusive drink deals, free entry, and queue-jump at popular venues.
The crawl includes a free welcome shot at each bar and access to all photos taken during the event.
While most participants enjoy the friendly atmosphere and unique venues, some suggest more engagement from the tour guides.
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Beer Tasting Session @ The Lost Close
For those seeking a more intimate and educational exploration of Edinburgh’s vibrant beer culture, the Beer Tasting Session at The Lost Close offers an engaging alternative to the city’s popular pub crawls.
Hosted in an underground venue with historical significance, this 5-star rated experience allows guests to sample a variety of local beers while learning from knowledgeable guides.
With a maximum capacity of 8 travelers, the session provides a social atmosphere for meeting fellow beer enthusiasts.
Priced at $19.43 and featuring free cancellation, this tour is a budget-friendly and flexible option for discovering Edinburgh’s thriving craft beer scene.
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Edinburgh Old Town Beer Small-Group Walking Tour With Tastings
Embarking on the Edinburgh Old Town Beer Small-Group Walking Tour With Tastings, participants enjoy the city’s captivating beer heritage.
Exploring historic pubs and bars along the Royal Mile, the small group of up to 12 travelers delves into Edinburgh’s storied past as a leading bottled beer exporter.
Knowledgeable guides, praised for their expertise and friendliness, lead the experience, offering a mix of beer tastings and insightful historical narratives.
With inclusions like 6 beer tastings, a half-pint of cask ale, and a handy local pub guide, the tour provides an engaging and informative exploration of Edinburgh’s vibrant brewing culture.
Regardless of one’s level of beer enthusiasm, this walking tour promises an enjoyable and enlightening experience.
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Edinburgh Pub Crawl
The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl offers a lively experience, inviting participants to explore 7 bars, enjoy 6 shots and 1 Jager Bomb, and take advantage of drink discounts and VIP entry.
The tour meets at Bar Fifty, 50 Blackfriars St, with guides wearing Pub Crawl Hoodies. The experience ends at a final bar in the city center, which changes nightly.
Priced at $25.90 per person, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 251 reviews.
While praised for its engaging guides and opportunities to meet new people, some guests noted the suitability for older participants and the club-like atmosphere of the venues.
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Taste the Best Scottish Ales: Rose Street Private Pub Tour
This private Scottish Ales tour in Edinburgh offers an exceptional opportunity to savor the finest local brews while immersing oneself in the city’s vibrant pub culture.
Priced from €316.82 per group, this customizable experience includes a private guide, a single-shot pour of whisky or pint at each of three pubs, and transportation throughout.
The tour starts at Scotts Bar and ends at Calton Hill, with assistance provided for public transport and taxi links.
Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, the tour is wheelchair accessible and near public transportation.
Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the event and the option to reserve now and pay later.
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
Combining the thrill of cycling and the delight of local brews, the Edinburgh Small-Group Biking Tour and Brewery Visit offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the city’s scenic landscapes and vibrant beer culture.
This half-day tour, capped at eight participants, takes cyclists through scenic stretches, the Portobello neighborhood, and the Innocent Railway Tunnel, culminating at the Bellfield Brewery for a beer tasting and a pint of choice.
Bicycles, helmets, and alcoholic beverages are provided, ensuring a seamless experience.
Though not suitable for young children or those with serious medical conditions, the tour is a must-try for adventurous visitors seeking to enjoy Edinburgh’s cycling and craft beer scene.
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Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour With 8 Tastings
Craft beer aficionados and adventurous travelers flock to Edinburgh’s vibrant bar scene for the Edinburgh: Craft Beer and Bar Tour with 8 Tastings.
This 5-star rated tour whisks participants to 8 local bars, where an expert guide leads them through a tasting of the city’s finest craft brews.
The 3-hour experience starts at 12:00 PM and includes 8 beer samples, an expert professional guide, and gratuities.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation and suitable for those with a moderate fitness level.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour ends at the BrewDog DogHouse Edinburgh Hotel.
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Pubs Tour: the History of Pubs and Drinking in Scotland.
Exploring the rich history of pubs and drinking in Scotland, the Pubs Tour takes participants on a captivating journey through Edinburgh’s iconic drinking establishments.
Priced at $18.13 per person, this 3-hour tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, starting at 3 PM.
Though not a whiskey or beer tasting, the tour ends inside a pub, where guests receive recommendations for alcoholic beverages.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
Led by an accompanying guide, the Pubs Tour promises an immersive experience in Scotland’s storied pub culture without the inclusion of alcoholic drinks.
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Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass to Multiple Venues in Edinburgh
If you’re looking to experience Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife without the hassle of waiting in long lines, the Bar & Club Queue Jump Entry Party Pass is the perfect solution.
This self-guided tour allows you to skip the queues at multiple venues across the city, ensuring you make the most of your evenings.
Starting from £1/10/2024 and running through 12/29/2025, the pass is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 PM to 11:30 PM.
With a minimum age requirement of 18 and a smart casual dress code, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most travelers.
Enjoy the convenience of free cancellation and the security of a lowest price guarantee.
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Beer and Cured Meat Pairing in Edinburgh
Travelers can embark on a delightful beer and cured meat pairing experience at Bellfield Brewery in Edinburgh. The 2.5-hour event features 4 half-pints of Bellfield beer and 4 cured meat samples from East Coast Cured.
The activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. Located near public transportation, the brewery offers a maximum capacity of 15 participants.
Priced at $19.43 per person, the experience allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. With a 4.0 rating based on 1 review, this beer and cured meat pairing offers a unique and enjoyable way to explore Edinburgh’s vibrant brewing scene.
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Beer & Cheese Pairing
Bellfield Brewery in Edinburgh offers a delightful 2-hour Beer & Cheese Pairing experience. For $19.43, visitors can enjoy 4 half-pints of Bellfield beer paired with 4 cheese samples.
The event takes place at the brewery’s taproom, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and welcomes service animals. Confirmation is provided upon booking, and participants can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the event.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, this intimate experience allows guests to explore the art of beer and cheese pairing in a cozy, welcoming setting. The activity begins and ends at the same location, making it convenient for attendees.
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Evening Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar
Though located in the heart of Edinburgh, the Evening Whisky Tasting experience at The Abbotsford Bar & Restaurant transports visitors to a traditional Scottish setting.
This intimate event features 4 Scotch whiskies, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities, with a maximum of 6 travelers. The meeting point is near Jenners department store, and the tasting takes place upstairs at The Abbotsford.
Guests must be 18 or older, and the experience isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.
With an overall 5-star rating, the tasting promises an educational and enjoyable exploration of Scotland’s renowned whisky culture.
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5 Hours Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl
The Edinburgh Halloween Bar Crawl offers a thrilling 5-hour experience for revelers seeking a spirited night out.
Located in Scotland’s capital, this event welcomes up to 10 travelers to explore the city’s vibrant Halloween-themed venues. Participants can enjoy free shots, discounted drinks, and Halloween-themed goodies while making the most of fast-track entry to over 5 lively bars and clubs.
A photographer will capture the festivities, and prizes are up for grabs. While not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems, the crawl is suitable for most guests.
The meeting and end point is the Pilgrim Bar, and a guide will be on-site to assist participants throughout the evening.
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The Sum Up
Edinburgh offers a diverse range of drinking tours, from whisky tastings in traditional bars to pub crawls exploring the city’s rich beer culture. Whether you’re a fan of spirits, ales, or even beer and cheese pairings, there’s a tour to suit every taste. With options for both daytime and evening experiences, visitors can enjoy Edinburgh’s vibrant drinking scene and uncover its historic pubs and hidden gems.