The 5 Best Pub Tours in Edinburgh

1.The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

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

Set off at 7:30 pm from the Beehive Inn in the Grassmarket for a two-hour walking performance about Edinburgh’s writers. Actor-guides such as Emma, Dougal, Mike and Hazel have brought Burns, Scott and Stevenson to life with poems, songs and comic exchanges. Expect pub stops, outdoor performance spots and a finish that can vary.

“Great tour for those interested in Scottish literature, but it took a lot of focus to here through the Scottish accents.”

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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 a four-to-six-hour crawl from Bar Fifty 50 through seven Edinburgh bars, with six shots, one bomb, selected drink discounts and VIP entry. The route and final venue change nightly. Hosts have included Tia, Tom, Esther, Cameron and Adam, but your guide may differ.

“We didn't immediately gather up as a group at the first bar, but once you see the guides and the full group the night picks up. The guides were energetic and fun. Everything was explained and all the bars were more and more fun. It's a great way to kick off a visit and meet new people from all over the world.”

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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 a guide such as Wag, Iain, Christy, or Sara, stopping at local pubs to taste Scottish beers, including traditional cask ales. The two-hour tour also takes in Canongate, Cowgate, and historic university and market landmarks. Tastings are included, and groups are capped at 12.

“Great! well worth the money. A must when traveling to Edinburgh for the first time. Ian was knowledgeable and easy going.”

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4.Pub Crawl in Edinburgh

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

Start at Pilgrim Bar at 7:30 pm, then visit at least five Old Town bars, pubs, and clubs with a group of up to 100. Expect a free shot at each venue, free entry, wristband drink deals, and shared photos. The tour is in English and lasts about six hours. No guide names are provided.

“It was such a good time! All the bars were so unique and fun. This was also a great way to make new friends! I would go again for sure.”

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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 at 7 pm, then head to The Lost Close for an hour of local beer, tasting tips and Edinburgh stories. The group is capped at eight, and the host explains each beer’s brewery and flavor. Past hosts have included Sarah and Mark.

“Very enjoyable and we learned a lot about good Scottish beer! Also the atmosphere was great and it felt like an unique experience.”

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