Best Bars near Edinburgh Old Town

The Three Sisters is a vibrant, multi-level bar and live entertainment venue located at 139 Cowgate in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. Housed in a former brewery, it offers a lively atmosphere with a large courtyard, multiple bars, regular live music, karaoke, and a restaurant. Popular with students and locals alike, it’s known for its nonstop party vibe, eclectic events, and welcoming social scene.

Nestled on Edinburgh's bustling Royal Mile, Copper Still is a welcoming Scottish bar and restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced dishes from breakfast through dinner. Enjoy prime Scotch beef, haggis, seafood, craft beers, whiskies, gins, cocktails, and fine wines in a cozy spot perfect for watching street performers outside. Open daily from 9am till late, it blends historic charm with modern Scottish flavors.

Arcade Bar Haggis & Whisky House is a cozy, intimate bar and restaurant located on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh. Celebrated for serving some of the best haggis in town alongside an extensive whisky selection, it offers a warm, traditional Scottish atmosphere with friendly service and hearty portions. The venue features a whisky-focused bar upstairs and a vodka bar, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists seeking authentic Scottish cuisine and drinks.

Nestled in a hidden Victorian pump house on Advocate's Close in Edinburgh's Old Town, The Devil's Advocate is a renowned gastropub famed for its extensive whisky collection of over 300 varieties, award-winning cocktails, and a menu celebrating seasonal Scottish produce. The atmospheric setting combines exposed brick, raw wood, and candlelit booths, offering a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary dining in a lively yet intimate environment.

Nestled in Edinburgh’s Old Town, The Banshee Labyrinth is famed as Scotland’s most haunted pub. This atmospheric bar occupies a labyrinth of dark, vaulted underground chambers beneath Niddry Street, offering a unique blend of gothic charm, live music, karaoke, and cinema nights. Its eerie ambiance, complete with spooky decor and hidden creepy dolls, makes it a captivating destination for those seeking a hauntingly memorable night out.

Deacon Brodies Tavern, located at 435 Lawnmarket on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, is a historic pub named after William Brodie, an 18th-century cabinet maker and city councillor with a secret life as a burglar. Established in 1806, the tavern offers a large selection of real ales, traditional Scottish pub food, and an atmospheric setting rich in history and legend tied to Brodie’s double life and the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Whistlebinkies is a renowned live music bar nestled deep in the historic vaults beneath South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Open nightly until the early hours, it offers free entry with an eclectic lineup of local bands, an extensive drinks menu, and a uniquely cozy, atmospheric setting that blends the charm of an old building with vibrant nightlife energy.

Under The Stairs is a unique, cozy bar and restaurant tucked beneath George IV Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Known for its warm, bohemian atmosphere, it offers a flexible menu of small to medium plates, excellent cocktails, and friendly, attentive service. This intimate venue is perfect for relaxed evenings with friends or solo visits, combining quirky decor with hearty food and drinks in a welcoming setting.

Frankenstein Pub, located at 26 George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, is a uniquely themed bar and restaurant inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic novel. This atmospheric venue combines Gothic décor, live monster shows, and a menu featuring pizzas and creative cocktails, offering a memorable night out in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

Located at 33 Candlemaker Row in Edinburgh, The Oz Bar is a vibrant and inexpensive pub known for its friendly atmosphere, affordable drinks, and a strong connection to Australian culture. Popular for casual socializing, it features pool tables, sports broadcasts, and a relaxed ambiance that draws locals and visitors alike. Open daily from early afternoon until after midnight, it offers a lively yet laid-back experience in Edinburgh’s city center.