Top 10 Best Bars in Edinburgh (with a Free Bar Crawl Itinerary)

Last updated: November 2026

The best bars in Edinburgh mix hidden basement cocktail rooms on Queen Street, candlelit wine bars in the New Town and old-fashioned drinking dens in the Old Town. The city is compact, so you can move between very different styles of bar in one evening on foot.

Edinburgh has a serious cocktail culture, helped by its whisky heritage and a steady stream of award-winning bartenders. It also has bars where nobody asks what is in your glass, only what tune you want to hear next. This list covers both, split across the New Town, the Old Town and the area around Lothian Road. We have also put together a free printable 3-night bar itinerary, so you can turn the list into a plan. If this is your first visit, read our guide to what to do in Edinburgh to fill the daytime hours between your bar nights. For a calmer daytime stop, see our guide to the best afternoon teas in Edinburgh.

Quick answer: What are the best bars in Edinburgh? The best bars in Edinburgh are Panda & Sons, Bramble, Lucky Liquor Co, The Devil’s Advocate, Under the Stairs, The Voodoo Rooms, The Bon Vivant, The Cumberland Bar, Sandy Bell’s and The Hanging Bat. For a first cocktail, Panda & Sons is the one to book, and for a relaxed pint with music, head to Sandy Bell’s.

Quick comparison: bars in Edinburgh

1. Panda & Sons

Panda & Sons is the bar most people mean when they talk about hidden Edinburgh speakeasies, and it earns the hype. You enter through what looks like a traditional barbershop on Queen Street, walk downstairs and find a dimly lit cocktail room tucked behind a bookshelf. It sounds like a gimmick, but the drinks are the real point.

The menu is playful and detailed, with cocktails built around Scottish ingredients and memorable flavour ideas rather than a standard list of classics. Bartenders are happy to guide you if you tell them what you usually like, and they handle off-menu requests well. The bar has won recognition in major international cocktail awards, so it draws visitors from around the world as well as locals.

Because it is so popular, it is wise to book ahead, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Smart casual dress fits the mood, though nobody will turn you away for looking relaxed. Come with a rough idea of how many drinks you want, as the more adventurous cocktails are best sipped slowly.

If you only have time for one serious cocktail bar in the city, make it this one. It also pairs well with a walk along Queen Street afterwards to compare it with its neighbours.

• How to get there: Walk along Queen Street in the New Town, about ten minutes on foot from Waverley station or the St Andrew Square tram stop.
• How long to spend: About one and a half to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, or book a weekend slot well in advance.
• Tip: Look for the barbershop front, then ask staff where the entrance to the bar is. Check the official website for booking rules before you go.

2. Bramble

Bramble is one of Edinburgh’s best-known cocktail basements, and it works on a simple principle: you just turn up. Also on Queen Street, it sits below street level behind an unshowy door, with exposed stone, candles and comfortable corners that make an hour disappear.

The bar is known for walk-ins only, which gives it an easygoing feel that bookable bars sometimes lack. The menu changes with the seasons and bartenders enjoy pairing flavours that sound unusual on paper, from herbal infusions to Scottish berries. Classic cocktails are made properly if you would rather play it safe, and there is a good selection of Scottish spirits to try.

Because it takes no reservations, popular evenings can mean a short wait. Arrive early in the evening, put your name down if asked and use the time to explore the nearby bars. Groups of two to four usually fit best, since the room is cosy rather than large.

Bramble has long been mentioned in UK cocktail bar rankings, and it remains a favourite with Edinburgh bartenders themselves. That is a good sign for visitors who want a bar that locals still love.

• How to get there: On Queen Street in the New Town, about ten minutes on foot from Waverley station.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening on a weekday, before the crowds arrive.
• Tip: Walk-ins only, so arrive early and keep a backup bar in mind. Check before you go in case the policy has changed.

3. Lucky Liquor Co

Lucky Liquor Co is the New Town cocktail bar for people who want inventive drinks without any fuss. Like its neighbours on Queen Street it is tucked away below street level, but the mood is looser and more playful, with a menu that nods to Scottish ingredients and cheerful presentation.

The bar is often described as the natural alternative if Bramble is full, and it deserves more credit than that implies. Cocktails are carefully balanced, with house infusions and small-batch spirits, and the staff are chatty without being pushy. It is a good place to try a drink you have not seen elsewhere, particularly if you like bright, fruity or herbal flavours.

If you are building a Queen Street bar crawl, Lucky Liquor is an easy stop between its more famous neighbours. Plan one drink in each, take a short walk between them and finish with something simpler, such as a glass of wine, to end the evening gently.

Booking policies can change, so check the official website before heading out. A table for two to four people is usually easier to find than a large group booking, and weeknights are quieter than weekends.

The bar’s reputation among Edinburgh drinkers is solid, and it is a good one to recommend to friends who do not want a heavy night out.

• How to get there: On Queen Street in the New Town, a short walk from St Andrew Square and Waverley station.
• How long to spend: One to one and a half hours.
• Best time to go: Weeknight evenings, when seating is easier.
• Tip: Use it as your second stop on a Queen Street bar crawl. Check before you go for current booking rules.

4. The Devil’s Advocate

The Devil’s Advocate is the Old Town bar to choose if you want atmosphere, whisky and a little theatre. It sits down a steep set of steps in Advocate’s Close, off the Royal Mile, inside a former Victorian pump house. Vaulted ceilings, leather banquettes and warm lighting give it a grand, slightly secretive feel.

The whisky list is deep, which suits a city that treats Scotch seriously, and the cocktails use Scottish spirits with confidence. If you are new to whisky, ask for a recommendation by flavour, such as smoky, sweet or fruity, rather than worrying about brands. Staff are used to guiding visitors and rarely make anyone feel out of their depth.

The location is part of the charm. The close itself is a dramatic slice of Old Town, with views over the New Town and Princes Street Gardens from higher up. It makes a good start or end to an evening that includes the Royal Mile.

Food is served, which helps if you want to stay for longer, but check the current menu before relying on it. The bar can be busy in summer and during the festival season, so go earlier in the evening for a seat.

For first-time visitors, it combines Edinburgh’s two best-known drinking traditions, whisky and old-town atmosphere, in one stop.

• How to get there: Off the Royal Mile via Advocate’s Close, a short walk from Waverley station.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, or on a weekday for a quieter room.
• Tip: Take care on the steep steps and ask staff for a whisky matched to your taste.

5. Under the Stairs

Under the Stairs is a casual basement bar that suits anyone who finds fancy cocktail menus a bit much. It sits on Merchant Street, in the Old Town near the Grassmarket and Greyfriars, and has a laid-back, slightly bohemian feel.

The room is simple, with stone, candles and mismatched seating, and it fills quickly with a mix of students, locals and travellers who have wandered in from the nearby streets. Drinks include cocktails, beer and wine, and the pricing tends to feel friendlier than at the headline cocktail bars. It is a good place to sit and talk for an hour before heading on.

The bar is also useful for planning, because it sits between several of the Old Town’s best-known areas. You can start with a wander around the Grassmarket, have a drink here and then walk up to the Royal Mile or across to the Cowgate for something louder.

Opening arrangements and the exact menu change from time to time, so check the official website or social media before you go. As with most basement bars, it can feel busy at weekends, so arrive early if you want a table.

It is not a destination bar in the way Panda & Sons is, but that is part of the appeal. Think of it as a relaxed pause in an Old Town evening.

• How to get there: On Merchant Street, a few minutes on foot from the Grassmarket and Greyfriars Kirk.
• How long to spend: About one hour.
• Best time to go: Early evening or a weekday.
• Tip: Check current opening details online before you go, as they may change.

6. The Voodoo Rooms

The Voodoo Rooms is the bar for people who want drinks, music and a bit of Victorian drama under one roof. It sits on West Register Street, just off St Andrew Square (see the Voodoo Rooms website for its current events), in a first-floor space with ornate plasterwork, chandeliers and a warm, theatrical look.

The cocktail list is varied and the bartenders can make classics as well as the house specialities. What sets the venue apart is its live music and cabaret programme, which runs in the adjoining room on selected nights. You can come for a drink in the bar and drift into a gig, or simply enjoy the setting without paying attention to the stage.

The mood changes through the week. Early evenings feel relaxed and elegant, while late nights on Friday and Saturday get busier and more energetic. If you want a quieter experience, aim for earlier in the evening or a weeknight, and look at the events listings so you know what is on.

It is also a good option for groups with mixed tastes, because there is a wide menu and space to sit. The central location makes it easy to combine with the New Town bars on Queen Street and Thistle Street.

For visitors who want more than a standard bar visit, it offers a night with a little more personality.

• How to get there: On West Register Street, a couple of minutes from St Andrew Square and Waverley station.
• How long to spend: One to three hours, longer if you stay for live music.
• Best time to go: Early evening for the bar, or check the events page for gig nights.
• Tip: Check the programme online before you go, as ticketing and entry rules vary by event.

7. The Bon Vivant

The Bon Vivant is the New Town bar to choose for a candlelit evening built around wine, cocktails and good conversation. It sits on Thistle Street, one of the prettiest lanes in the area, and feels more like a small neighbourhood restaurant than a loud bar.

The wine list is thoughtfully chosen, with a good range of by-the-glass options, so you can try a few styles without committing to a bottle. Cocktails are made with care and the food menu leans towards sharing plates and refined bar dishes. It works well as a date-night option or a place to meet friends who prefer a calmer setting.

Thistle Street is also useful for bar hopping, as other independent venues sit within a short walk. You can start with a glass of wine here and finish at one of the Queen Street cocktail bars, or the other way round if you want to end on a quieter note.

Tables are limited, so booking is sensible, especially at weekends. Check the official website for the current menu and reservation policy before you go. Dress is smart casual and the mood is relaxed rather than formal.

If your idea of a good bar involves a glass of wine, soft lighting and a plate to share, this is a strong candidate.

• How to get there: On Thistle Street in the New Town, a short walk from St Andrew Square and Princes Street.
• How long to spend: One and a half to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, with a booking at weekends.
• Tip: Ask staff for wine suggestions by style, and check the current menu before you go.

8. The Cumberland Bar

The Cumberland Bar is a classic New Town pub with real ale, a regular crowd and one of the city’s most pleasant beer gardens. It sits on Cumberland Street, a few minutes from Stockbridge, away from the main tourist routes.

The interior is traditional, with wood, brass and a comfortable, lived-in feel. The beer list leans towards cask ales and Scottish brewers, with a decent choice of spirits including whisky. In warm weather the secluded garden at the back becomes the main draw, with plenty of seating and a relaxed atmosphere.

This is a good choice if you want to see how Edinburgh people drink on a normal evening, away from the cocktail trail. Food is usually available, but check the current menu and hours before you go, particularly on weekday afternoons.

It is also handy for exploring nearby areas. You can combine it with a walk through the New Town, a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden or an afternoon in Stockbridge’s independent shops, then stop for a pint on the way back.

Because it is a pub rather than a cocktail bar, it suits groups and families more than couples looking for a quiet table, although the garden helps. Expect a good mix of ages and a friendly, unfussy crowd.

• How to get there: On Cumberland Street in the New Town, about fifteen minutes on foot from Princes Street, or a short bus ride.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening in summer, to get a garden seat.
• Tip: Check before you go that the garden is open, as it depends on weather and season.

9. Sandy Bell’s

Sandy Bell’s is the folk music pub that Edinburgh people point visitors to when they want something authentic. It sits on Forrest Road, near Greyfriars Kirk and the university, and is known for informal music sessions that can start at any moment.

The room is small and straightforward, with a long bar, friendly staff and a mix of regulars and curious visitors. Musicians turn up with fiddles, guitars and accordions, and the sessions are part of the atmosphere rather than a staged show. You do not need to know anything about folk music to enjoy it. Order a pint or a dram, find a spot and listen.

The pub has been open for decades and is approaching its centenary, and the Edinburgh News has reported a recent refurbishment. That history is part of its charm, but the character has survived. The focus is on the music, conversation and drinks rather than on décor.

Because sessions are informal, timing varies. Weekend evenings and some weeknights are the best chance, but check the pub’s social media or website for what is planned. Arrive early if you want a seat, as the room fills quickly.

It is a reliable choice if you want a pub night with real local colour and few frills.

• How to get there: On Forrest Road, a few minutes on foot from Greyfriars Kirk and the National Museum of Scotland.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Evenings, especially when a session is advertised.
• Tip: Be quiet during the tunes and keep phones away. Check the schedule before you go.

10. The Hanging Bat

The Hanging Bat is the craft beer bar for anyone who wants to try something beyond the usual pint. It sits on Lothian Road, close to the Usher Hall and the Cameo area, and has been a favourite with beer fans for years.

The focus is on beers from Scottish and international craft breweries, with a rotating list on tap and a larger range in bottles and cans. Staff are happy to give you a taste before you choose, which makes it a good place to learn your preferences. There is also a food menu, with hearty dishes that go well with beer.

Some guides mention outdoor seating at the back, but the venue’s own page does not list a beer garden, so check the venue’s website or call ahead if sitting outside matters to you.

The location suits a pre-theatre or pre-concert drink. It is a short walk from the Usher Hall, the Traverse Theatre and the Cameo cinema, so you can fit a pint around a show without a long detour. It is also not far from the Grassmarket if you want to continue into the Old Town.

If you prefer beer to cocktails, this is a better choice than the speakeasies, and it rounds off a list that otherwise leans towards spirits.

• How to get there: On Lothian Road, a short walk from the West End and the Usher Hall, or a tram or bus to the West End.
• How long to spend: One to two hours.
• Best time to go: Early evening, before a show nearby.
• Tip: Ask for a taster before committing. Check before you go for the current beer garden arrangements.

How to Choose the Right Edinburgh Bar

Think about what kind of evening you want. For cocktails, start on Queen Street with Panda & Sons, Bramble and Lucky Liquor Co. For whisky and atmosphere, choose The Devil’s Advocate. For music, pick Sandy Bell’s or The Voodoo Rooms. For wine, The Bon Vivant is the best fit, and for beer, The Hanging Bat and The Cumberland Bar. Book Panda & Sons and The Bon Vivant, and treat Bramble as walk-in only.

Suggested Bar Itinerary: 3 Nights in Edinburgh

Night 1: Queen Street cocktail trail

Start early with a drink at Bramble, before it fills up, then walk a few minutes to Lucky Liquor Co for a second round. Finish at Panda & Sons on a booked table. Everything is within a short walk of each other, so you can pace yourself with water and food in between.

Night 2: Old Town character

Begin with a whisky at The Devil’s Advocate, then walk to Under the Stairs on Merchant Street. Finish at Sandy Bell’s on Forrest Road for folk music. The whole route is on foot and mostly downhill from the Royal Mile, but allow time for the steps.

Night 3: Wine, music and a pint

Start with wine at The Bon Vivant on Thistle Street, then walk to The Voodoo Rooms for a cocktail and maybe a gig. If you prefer a quieter night, swap this for The Cumberland Bar and its garden, or The Hanging Bat before a show on Lothian Road.

Getting Around Edinburgh at Night

Most of the bars in this guide are within walking distance of each other, and the city centre is compact. Expect some steep streets and steps in the Old Town. Edinburgh’s trams run between the airport and the city centre, and Lothian Buses serve the main routes, but late evening frequencies change, so check operator timetables on the official sites. Licensed taxis and ride-hailing are available for later journeys. Wear sensible shoes, as cobbles and wet stone can be slippery. If you are staying longer, our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh shows where to go while you recover from a late night.

Where to Stay for a Bar Night

• New Town: Closest to Queen Street, Thistle Street and West Register Street, and good for cocktail lovers.
• Old Town: Best for the Devil’s Advocate, Under the Stairs and Sandy Bell’s, though the streets are busy at night.
• West End and Lothian Road: Handy for The Hanging Bat and theatre goers, and usually quieter.

Budget Guidance

Cocktail bars sit in the upper tier, while pubs such as The Cumberland Bar and Sandy Bell’s are mid-range. To keep costs down, share a round of snacks, order one signature cocktail rather than several, and mix in a pub or two. Prices change, so check each venue’s current menu.

Booking, Etiquette and Tips

Book Panda & Sons and The Bon Vivant, and arrive early for Bramble. Carry photo ID, as venues check it. Edinburgh’s festival season in August is very busy, so reserve early if you travel then. Tipping is appreciated but not expected, and many bars add a discretionary service charge for groups. Drink responsibly and plan your route home.

Plan Your Edinburgh Drinks

Whether you want a hidden cocktail den, a candlelit wine bar or a folk session, Edinburgh has a bar for it. Use the free itinerary above to pace your nights, and check official venue websites for current opening details and booking rules. For wider trip planning, see the City of Edinburgh Council visitor information and Edinburgh Trams for transport. Heading north afterwards? Our guide to the best Scottish islands to visit is a good next read, and for a night out in Scotland’s other big city, see the best places to eat in Glasgow and the best day trips from Glasgow.

Featured image: Photo by Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped, via Wikimedia Commons