Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, is a bustling and historic place with a wide range of attractions for visitors. Exploring Edinburgh's flourishing bar culture, which offers a distinctive blend of traditional Scottish pubs, contemporary cocktail bars, and energetic nightclubs, is one of the joys of any vacation there. We'll introduce you to some of Edinburgh's top bars in this travel guide so you can enjoy the city's nightlife like a local.

Classic Scottish Pubs

The Bow Bar

In the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town stands the classic Scottish tavern known as The Bow Bar. This warm and inviting institution is well-known for its wide variety of whiskies and regional real ales. The amazing whisky menu can be navigated by the educated staff, and there is always something fresh to sample thanks to the changing cask ales.

The Royal Oak

Another traditional Scottish tavern, The Royal Oak is nestled away on Infirmary Street. Every night of the week, this cosy, tiny venue hosts live folk music performances that are well-liked. The Royal Oak is the ideal location to enjoy traditional Scottish music and a pint of local beer because of its welcoming atmosphere.

Trendy Cocktail Bars

Bramble Bar

A night out with pals would be ideal at the chic and modern cocktail hotspot Bramble Bar on Queen Street. A variety of inventive and carefully created cocktails, made with quality spirits and seasonal ingredients, are available at this speakeasy-style bar. It's the perfect place for a cosy catch-up with friends or a romantic date because of the dim lighting and cosy atmosphere.

Panda & Sons

Under the facade of an old barbershop on Queen Street is an unique cocktail bar with Prohibition-era design inspiration called Panda & Sons. A variety of creative drinks are offered at this one-of-a-kind and creative location, and they are served in an eccentric and whimsical atmosphere. A must-try is their "Birdcage," which is served in a glass dome filled with smoke.

Breweries and Craft Beer Bars

The Hanging Bat

On Lothian Road, there is a haven for craft beer enthusiasts called The Hanging Bat. This well-liked bar offers a wide variety of bottles and cans in addition to an exceptional tap list of regional and foreign craft beers. The calm atmosphere and experienced personnel make it a perfect spot to spend an evening trying some of the greatest brews Edinburgh has to offer. The wide beer selection can be confusing, but the trained staff can help you through it.

Holyrood 9A

The amazing craft beer bar and gastropub Holyrood 9A is located adjacent to the Scottish Parliament building. This is a great place for beer fans and foodies both because it has a large selection of beers on tap and a menu that features tasty, locally sourced food. When you're there, don't forget to taste one of their renowned gourmet burgers.

Live music venues

Whistlebinkies

Whistlebinkies, a vibrant subterranean pub and music venue with live performances every night of the week, is situated on South Bridge. Whistlebinkies is the ideal location to discover new music while enjoying a drink in a lively and energetic environment, with a wide lineup of local and touring bands.

The Jazz Bar

The Jazz Bar is a small venue on Chambers Street where the top jazz musicians from across the world perform. The Jazz Bar provides a chic and laid-back atmosphere with live performances seven nights a week where you can take in some top-notch music and a carefully curated list of wines, beers, and drinks.

Late-Night Bars and Clubs

The Voodoo Rooms

The Voodoo Rooms is a chic late-night pub and club on West Register Street that features a distinctive mashup of live music, DJ sets, and cabaret shows. The Voodoo Rooms is the ideal location to dance the night away while savouring perfectly made cocktails and a lively ambiance thanks to its lavish, vintage-inspired décor.

Sneaky Pete’s

In Cowgate, Sneaky Pete's is a small-but-busy club that hosts a variety of club nights and live music events. Sneaky Pete's, which offers a diverse selection of indie, electronic, and alternative music, is popular with both locals and tourists who want to experience Edinburgh's underground music scene.

Unique and Themed Bars

The Jekyll & Hyde

Hanover Street's The Jekyll & Hyde is a distinctive and evocative pub that immerses you in the setting of Robert Louis Stevenson's well-known story. The bar offers a variety of themed cocktails that are presented in odd glasses like test tubes and needles. The Jekyll & Hyde is a memorable and enjoyable experience because of the eccentric décor, which features hidden rooms and secret tunnels.

The Three Sisters

The Three Sisters is a large, multi-room pub that honours Edinburgh's lengthy history and is located in the Cowgate. The Three Sisters features a spacious outdoor courtyard, numerous bars, and themed rooms that provide a variety of entertainment options, from pub quizzes to live sporting events. It is a well-liked option for gatherings and parties because of the lively and friendly atmosphere.

In conclusion, whether you're looking for a classic Scottish pub, a modern cocktail bar, or a late-night club, Edinburgh's dynamic bar scene can accommodate a wide range of interests and preferences. During your visit to Edinburgh, make sure to stop by some of the bars included in this guide to get a true sense of the city's nightlife.