The 15 best pubs in Edinburgh

The best pubs in Edinburgh are the perfect place for whiling away an evening in a cosy drinking den with your favourite people. From classic, homely boozers to more chic hotspots scattered across every neighbourhood, you’ll be spoilt for choice when selecting your go-to spot. But whether you’re after a crisp pint of craft beer or a dram of whisky by a roaring fire, these local favourites are the best places to start. If you're spending a few days in Edinburgh and looking for more to do in this magical city, then make sure to prioritise a stop at one of Edinburgh's best restaurants for some of Scotland's best fare.

Nauticus

Nauticus is one of those rare pubs that manage to straddle old and new successfully. The interiors are pleasingly classic – with dark wood panelling, parquet floors, leather booths and cosy corners to tuck yourself away in – while the drinks list is contemporary and as good as you’ll find at any of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars. The pubby atmosphere is fun and upbeat on any night of the week, and locals mix with out-of-towners seamlessly thanks to the bar team welcoming everyone who comes through the door as if they’re old friends. Cocktails are award-winning and change semi-regularly, but the Bloody Mary remains a constant and is one of the best iterations you’ll find anywhere in the city. There are beers, wines and low alcohol options, too, and the menu uses 90 per cent Scottish-sourced ingredients. Sometimes there’s food available, like haggis toasties served from “the hatch”, but this is predominantly a drinking spot.

Address: 142 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HR
Website: nauticusbar.co.uk

The Dreadnought

For an authentic Edinburgh drinking experience, head to The Dreadnought, where you may well be the only tourist in sight. It’s loved and cherished by its loyal local following, who are passionate about their neighbourhood boozer, injecting it with a uniquely Scottish ambience. That is to say, it’s an old-school community pub, fun and charming without any airs or graces. Everyone’s welcome here. In fact, The Dreadnought regularly hosts events and special nights in support of marginalised groups, raising money for charities such as the Equality Network. What’s more, they pour a mean pint, and there’s a beer garden to enjoy when Scotland shows up with the sun.

Address: 72 N Fort Street, Edinburgh EH6 4HL
Website: dreadnoughtpub.com

Teuchters

Just slightly out of the town centre, Teuchters is the pub of choice for Murrayfield’s frequent crowds of both sports fans and music lovers as they make their way to Scotland’s biggest stadium. The team members here are old hands at seeing to service speedily, so even if you just want a quick one before the game you should be seen to sharpish. It has a cosy Celtic atmosphere, with a far-reaching range of Scottish bears, and there are bar games and food, too – with everything from burgers and salads to curries and hot dogs on offer.

Address: 26 William Street, Edinburgh EH3 7NH
Website: teuchtersbar.co.uk

Cloisters Bar

Despite its ostentatious façade, which is that of the former All Saints Parsonage, Cloisters Bar is mightily low profile. Just along the road are several painfully on-trend craft beer bars, where ordering a flight almost requires a degree in brewing. At Cloisters, however, an inquisitive approach from guests is met with humble expertise on the star-studded house line-up of casks and kegs from Scottish brewers like Alchemy, Black Isle and Pilot. It’s a lovely spot to stop off at following a saunter around The Meadows.

Address: Cloisters Bar, 26 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH
Website: cloistersbar.com

Dagda Bar

If you’re looking for a quality pint in a more traditional yet friendly boozer, it’s impossible to go wrong with Dagda. This Southside pub has been a firm favourite amongst students, visitors and local regulars for decades, and for good reason too. It may be small, with its large rectangular counter and wooden barrels taking up a significant portion of the room but what it lacks in space, it makes up for in atmosphere. You’ll find the bar bustling on most evenings but especially on a Tuesday, when Dagda hosts its famous (and competitive) pub quiz. On tap, there’s weekly rotating guest ales and behind the bar, there’s a large selection of whiskies, all of which are very reasonably priced.

Address: 93-95 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh EH8 9NG

Sandy Bell’s

Often overshadowed by neighbouring hipster hotspots, the no-frills Sandy Bell’s is an Edinburgh institution. At home on Forrest Road, where student and tourist life collide, the cobalt blue façade once belonged to a grocery shop. Now, it prides itself on being central to the folk-music revival in Auld Reekie – you might even have the opportunity to hear Edinburgh’s unique style of trad music.

Address: Sandy Bell’s, 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH
Website: sandybells.com

St Vincent Bar

In the basement of a Georgian townhouse, in true New Town style, St Vincent’s wood-panelled bar sits understated yet classically beautiful. Affectionately known as 'The Vinnie’ it’s set at the mouth of the famous Circus Lane and perpetually lined with locals from the neighbouring flats, often nursing cask ale while discussing neighbourhood goings-on. The bar staff and locals welcome visitors to this homely spot with warm smiles, making it easy to mingle should you wish to drop in for a solo pint.

Address: St Vincent Bar, 11 St Vincent Street, Edinburgh EH3 6SW
Website: stvincentbar.com

Bennett’s Bar

From one historic free house to another: Bennet's Bar resides on what was once a major industrial corner of the city, opening its doors in 1839 to a male clientele only. While the area of Tollcross has since become a diverse and vibrant hub, Bennet's has maintained much of its old-world charm, including the stained-glass windows, which were installed to conceal the debauchery that occurred inside it during the 1800s, when alcohol was considered the devil’s drink. The 1900s snug, once used to separate female patrons from their male peers, is now one of the most prized seats in the house.

Address: Bennett’s Bar, 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LG
Website: bennetsbar.co.uk

Port O' Leith

In the vibrant Leith neighbourhood, The Port O' Leith Bar is a charming spot that pays homage to the area's rich maritime heritage. It is renowned as a Leith institution – weekends here have a lively reputation. The bar underwent a facelift in 2017, embracing a stripped-back aesthetic that highlights the elegance of its 19th-century building. Inside, patrons are treated to an exquisite selection of expertly crafted cocktails, curated craft beers, and Scotland's finest whiskies. The warm and welcoming atmosphere fosters a strong sense of community, making it the perfect place to unwind, forge new friendships and immerse yourself in the true spirit of Edinburgh. The Port O' Leith has always drawn a diverse crowd, from backpackers and students to workies and suits, creating a spirited mix that perfectly represents the neighbourhood.

Address: 58 Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS
Website: facebook.com

Joseph Pearce

Once a boozer well-trodden by afternoon-drinking gentlemen, this now Scandinavian-inspired bar is like an embrace from an old friend. The bar offers a delightful range of craft beers, creative cocktails, and a space for families during the day. Walk by, and you’ll see punters wrapped in woollen blankets sitting outside from mid-March through to Christmas Eve. If you’re looking for a bar that locals drink in, this is the place for you. It’s just a stone’s throw from the new St James Quarter, so pop by for a quick one after a day of shopping.

Address: 23 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA
Website: bodabar.com

Café Royal Circle Bar

If the Parisian-style exterior of this bar doesn’t first grab your attention, the decorative lobster hanging above the entry will. In the shadow of the famous Balmoral Hotel, Cafe Royal is undoubtedly one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful pubs. A magnet for travellers due to its Victorian interiors, the ornate circular bar is accented by brass chandeliers, cosy booths, antique cornicing and age-old tiled portraits. Despite the tourist pull (prepare yourself, it can get packed), Cafe Royal maintains its loyal local following, many of whom are responsible for propping up the central circular bar. While there are no banquets in sight, the Victorian flamboyance is mirrored in the ice-laden oyster platters that pass through the room in the hands of human conveyor belts.

Address: Café Royal Circle Bar, 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
Website: caferoyaledinburgh.com

The Hanging Bat

One of many watering holes on Lothian Road, but by far the most stand out, The Hanging Bat is a beer-lovers paradise that'll have you hopping with joy. They've got local brews that could charm the kilt of a Scotsman and international delights that'll have you dreaming of distant shores. The vibes are cosy, like hanging out at your quirky friend's place – they also have a micro-brewery at the back of the bar. So whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just fancy something a little different, The Hanging Bat is your ticket to a beer-filled adventure right in the city centre.

Address: 133 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AB
Website: thehangingbat.com

Royal Dick

Nestled in the courtyard of Edinburgh arts complex Summerhall, the Royal Dick was once the Small Animal Hospital of the Dick Vet School, which explains the fascinating array of veterinary artefacts that decorate its interior. On the menu, you’ll find Pickering’s Gin and Barney’s Beer, both produced on site, as well as plenty of other local beers, cocktails and spirits. During the Edinburgh Fringe, Summerhall becomes a hub for artists and performers involved in boundary-pushing theatre, music and more. But with an excellent year-round programme, the Royal Dick is always a popular spot to nurse a pint before a gig, film screening or exhibition opening in the venue.

Address: 1 Summerhall, Edinburgh EH9 1PL
Website: summerhall.co.uk

The Sheep Heid Inn

The pot of gold at the end of a walk over Arthur’s Seat and a visit to Edinburgh’s oldest pub are all part of the aforementioned trek experience. Having opened its doors in 1360, welcoming reams of historic guests, including Mary, Queen of Scots, and Queen Elizabeth II, the country-style pub is more akin to a free house found in the Cotswolds rather than in the Scottish capital. Antique soft furnishings, low ceilings, and Scotland’s oldest surviving (perfectly intact!) Skittles alley, complemented by a modern European gastropub menu, all bestow this local haunt with an international clientele on the daily.

Address: The Sheep Heid Inn, 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA
Website: thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk

The Lioness of Leith

Leith has become the centre of Edinburgh’s creative scene in the past decade, thanks to its numerous arty spaces and always evolving shops and eateries. The Lioness of Leith is a long-held favourite in the neighbourhood, though, with a pared-back interior, where original features are married with cult icons such as pinball machines, arcade games and Andy Warhol-inspired prints. It’s gentrified to a point but not alienating – The Lioness is proud of its Leith heritage, and the mix of clientele spotlights that. They also serve arguably the best burger in town.

Address: The Lioness of Leith, 21-25 Duke Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 8HH
Website: thelionessofleith.co.uk