Best Bars in Old Town, Edinburgh
Royal Mile pubs, hidden whisky bars, heritage taverns — Edinburgh's medieval drinking heart.
Edinburgh's Old Town is the medieval Scottish capital — the cobbled streets between Edinburgh Castle and Holyroodhouse pack the densest concentration of heritage pubs in Scotland. Tourist-heavy on the Royal Mile, but the closes (alleys) one block off hold some of the most uniquely Scottish drinking experiences in the country.
Eight Old Town picks worth threading through the tourist crowds for.
The best bars in Old Town
The Devil's Advocate
Advocate's Close cocktail bar in a 1740s building. Strong cocktails, deep whisky list, full Edinburgh modern cocktail option.
Jolly Judge
James Court heritage 1700s pub off the Royal Mile. Real ales, no music, full Old Town heritage.
Whiski Rooms
North Bank Street whisky bar with 300+ Scotch whiskies. Tasting flights, the most Edinburgh whisky-tourist destination.
The White Hart Inn
Grassmarket 1516 heritage pub — Edinburgh's oldest. Cheap pints, full Scottish heritage.
Cabaret Voltaire
Blair Street cellar live music venue with bar. Indie acts, late dance floor, the Old Town music institution.
Last Word Saloon
St. Stephen Street (New Town but Old Town crowd) speakeasy. World's 50 Best, the most precise Edinburgh cocktail bar.
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