Best Bars near JK Rowling’s Handprints

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Set on North Bank Street beside The Mound, Whiski Rooms is an atmospheric Edinburgh bar, bistro and specialist whisky shop known for its long whisky list, daily tastings and hearty modern-Scottish menu. Warm leather seating, exposed brick and brass fittings give it a cosy, old‑town feel while a separate tasting room and off‑licence invite deeper exploration of single malts and rare bottles.

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.

The Royal Mile Tavern is a traditional Scottish pub located on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile in the Old Town. Open daily from noon until 1am, it offers a warm, lively atmosphere with over 100 whiskies, craft ales, and hearty Scottish pub fare including vegetarian and vegan options. Known for live music every night, this tavern blends rich local heritage with vibrant entertainment and friendly service.

Nestled in Edinburgh's Old Town just minutes from the Castle, The Jolly Judge offers a cozy retreat with low beamed ceilings, a warm fire, and an impressive selection of malt whiskies and real ales. This independent pub, cherished for over 30 years, combines traditional Scottish hospitality with a tranquil atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.