Best Sports Bars in Edinburgh

13 sports bars, ranked and reviewed by our editors.

SR
Sofia Reeves Reviewed in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, Copenhagen
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The Athletic Arms (Diggers)

1-3 Angle Park Terrace
Gorgie, Edinburgh
$

Legendary Hearts FC pub, packed for every match, best pint of Belhaven in Edinburgh.

Hearts FC Rugby Football
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Ryrie's Bar

1 Haymarket Terrace
Haymarket, Edinburgh
$

Hibernian and Hearts fans unite here, multiple screens, great atmosphere.

Hibernian Hearts Football

The Standing Order

62-66 George Street
New Town, Edinburgh
$$

JD Wetherspoon grand banking hall, massive screens, reliable sport coverage.

Wetherspoon Large Screens All Sports

Teuchters Landing

1C Dock Place
Leith, Edinburgh
$$

Converted waiting room, whisky-centric sports bar, rugby focus.

Whisky Rugby Unique

The Persevere Bar

68 Broughton Street
Broughton, Edinburgh
$

Small neighbourhood pub, but with 4 screens and great pie selection.

Neighbourhood Food Cosy

Kilted Pig

165 Rose Street
New Town, Edinburgh
$$

Sports bar on Rose Street, American-Scottish fusion menu, NFL and Six Nations.

NFL Six Nations Food

The Hanging Bat

133 Lothian Road
Tollcross, Edinburgh
$$

Craft beer sports bar, 24 taps, big screens, excellent food.

Craft Beer Food Selection

Blue Blazer

2 Spittal Street
Old Town, Edinburgh
$

Beloved traditional pub, rugby internationals are electric here.

Rugby Traditional Internationals

The Captain's Bar

4 South College Street
Old Town, Edinburgh
$

Live folk music and sport, Old Town classic, very Scottish atmosphere.

Music Traditional Atmosphere

Pit Stop Bar

119 Rose Street
New Town, Edinburgh
$$

Motorsport and football focus, good cocktail list alongside the draught.

Motorsport Football Cocktails

The Blind Poet

18 West Crosscauseway
Newington, Edinburgh
$

Student area sports pub, very affordable, Six Nations institution.

Six Nations Affordable Student

Fingers Piano Bar

61a Frederick Street
New Town, Edinburgh
$

Famous for late-night sport screenings after the main venues close.

Late-night Piano Bar Unique

The Voodoo Rooms Sports Lounge

19a West Register Street
New Town, Edinburgh
$$$

Upscale sports viewing, cocktails, elevated experience.

Upscale Cocktails Luxury

Explore by Neighbourhood

Old Town Blue Blazer, The Captain's Bar — Traditional pubs with Scottish character and electrifying rugby atmospheres.
New Town The Standing Order, Kilted Pig, Pit Stop Bar, Fingers Piano Bar, The Voodoo Rooms — Diverse options from casual to upscale.
Leith Teuchters Landing — Waterfront location, whisky focus, rugby heritage.
Haymarket Ryrie's Bar — Heart of the stadium area, united fan experience.
Newington The Blind Poet — Affordable institution for Six Nations matches.
Gorgie The Athletic Arms (Diggers) — Legendary Hearts FC venue, pints of Belhaven perfection.

Watching sport in Edinburgh — what to expect

Edinburgh's sports bar culture is defined by rugby and football. Whether it's an international at Murrayfield or a Hearts versus Hibernian derby, the city comes alive on match days. The best sports bars maintain that deeply Scottish character — from the traditional old pubs in the Old Town to the contemporary venues along Rose Street in the New Town.

Six Nations time is peak season. Every bar with a screen gets packed, and the atmosphere is unmatched. You'll hear accents from across Scotland gathering for matches. Belhaven and other local brews flow freely. If you're visiting during tournament season, book ahead or arrive early.

Expect to pay £5-7 for a pint in the budget options (marked $), £7-10 in mid-range venues ($$), and £10-14+ in upscale spots ($$$). Food quality varies, but the best bars — The Hanging Bat and Kilted Pig — offer proper meals that complement the sport-watching experience. Late-night options like Fingers Piano Bar and The Voodoo Rooms are perfect after other venues close.

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