As the capital city, there is undoubtedly a plethora of top bars in Edinburgh to visit. Edinburgh offers something for everyone, from edgy pubs with handcrafted cocktails to great brand whiskey houses. You know, from the Royal Mile to Leith and George Street, there’s a great variety of interesting bars and ancient pubs to suit every taste. There is a breathtaking array of one-of-a-kind and unique bars to choose from in the Capital.
Whether you’re looking for a classy speakeasy, live music, or the perfect Irish pub, these are 10 best Bars in Edinburgh you shouldn’t miss, mate.
The Top 10 Best Bars in Edinburgh
1. Joseph Pearce’s
Joseph Pearce’s is a breath of Scandinavia in Edinburgh, and it’s comfortable, pleasant, sophisticated, and personal. White walls and cream-colored wrought iron frame the room, divided into two floors and surrounded by cozy booths with bright throw cushions.
The pub provides draught beer, but it also has a unique assortment of Swedish ciders and aquavit drinks, both of which you should prioritize here. The restaurant also serves a great (and family-friendly) breakfast, using fresh local ingredients and freshly baked treats.
2. The Fourth Floor
Harvey Nichols is the place to go for high-end shopping. Their Fourth Floor, with panoramic views of St Andrews Square and the surrounding city, is equally intriguing as their fashion offering.
You may go to the Cocktail Bar, but we urge you to go to one of the tables in the Brassiere. If the weather permits, you may take a table on the balcony and order from a fantastic assortment of cocktails, spirits, wines, and champagnes – a new champagne house is featured each month.
I propose the ‘Fourth Floor Smash,’ created with Cointreau, crème de fraise du Bois, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, fresh strawberries, and Harvey Nichols Brut Champagne.
3. The Voodoo Rooms
The Voodoo Rooms celebrates its distinctive and wonderfully magnificent historic décor. It’s producing a bar unlike any other in the city.
This Voodoo room is a bar, restaurant, and live music venue with sumptuous chesterfield couches and elegant gold-leaf walls, as well as award-winning drinks. Try their ‘Curious Cucumber Party’ for one of the greatest drinks in town. It’s delicious. If possible, try to go on a weekend with live music and if you want a table, make a reservation ahead of time.
4. The Last Drop
The Last Drop, located off Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, has a dark heritage that adds to its allure: the name refers to the plaza outside, previously Edinburgh’s hanging grounds.
But don’t anticipate a dreary atmosphere on the inside. The establishment maintains its historical flavor, with lots of conversation and superb beers to sample (plus an excellent selection of British and craft gins).
5. Sandy Bell’s
Sandy Bell’s is oozing with tradition. It has been soothing residents’ thirst since the 1920s and was instrumental in the rebirth of Scottish folk music in the 1960s.
Inside, there’s a carved wooden bar, paneled walls, and, if you’re lucky, some rousing live folk bands. This pub is a Scottish music institution, and no trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a stop here.
6. The Last Word Saloon
The Last Word is a strong candidate among Edinburgh’s top cocktail bars, staying in Stockbridge. Lots of dark wood, big wooden tables, and blackboard walls make for a gloomy atmosphere tucked away down the stairs on St.
Stephens Street and the blazing fire in the front room is particularly appealing on a chilly winter’s night. They make a terrific ‘Old Fashioned,’ The bartenders are always willing to substitute your favorite spirit for something new.
7. Bannerman’s
Bannerman’s Whisky & Rock Bar, a local favorite, is one of a kind. Over the years, Bannerman’s has firmly established itself as the only place where emerging performers frequently appear.
It’s a good idea to check the lists before going since certain nights are ticketed and may become quite crowded depending on the act.
8. The Bow Bar
Bow Bar’s management cares about preserving the heritage of a genuine pub at a time when so many are disappearing: there’s no music blaring—or any music, for that matter—or TVs showing the current match.
Instead, the emphasis is on the details, from the polished wood bar to the glistening brass taps from the 1920s. The bar alone has over 300 single malts, but there are also six kegs and eight cask ales, so keep a lookout for your favorite British genuine ales and craft brewers, as well as off-the-beaten-path foreign options.
9. The Blackbird
The Blackbird may find a little distance south of the city center. You can anticipate a fashionable product from the winners of the Scottish Style Awards throughout the years.
Interiors are lively and a little weird, with plenty of exposed brick (they go heavy on wacky wall décor), and you can purchase anything from local spirits and craft brews to home necessities. The Blackbird also features one of Edinburgh’s few beer gardens, which isn’t small.
10. The Sheep Heid Inn
According to legend, The Sheep’s Heid has been serving thirsty and hungry guests (including, allegedly, Mary Queen of Scots) since 1360, making it one of Scotland’s oldest pubs (if not the oldest).
It’s stayed lovely enough for Queen Elizabeth II to visit throughout the ages, and it’s charmingly crowded with knick-knacks that attest to its lengthy past. In addition to the typical beers and whiskies, the pub’s drink menu is contemporary, with a full choice of gins.
Conclusion
Even today, Edinburgh is a city of pubs, with centuries-old, wood-paneled drinking holes ideal for spending an hour (or a few) on one of Scotland’s sometimes chilly, wet days. Although pubs continue to close throughout the United Kingdom, many iconic establishments—home to well-poured local pints, raucous locals, and the odd touch of Victorian stained glass—remain open. But that’s just half of the story: although tradition lives on, a swath of bars is seeking to cement the city’s reputation as a cocktail hub, with gin playing a key role.
