Edinburgh Castle · Best Bars · Curated · Updated 2026

Best Bars near Edinburgh Castle

Discover the best bars near Edinburgh Castle. Find inspiration for your trip with our curated list of top-rated spots, local favorites, and hidden gems.

The 10 best bars near Edinburgh Castle

united-kingdom/scotland/bar/dragonfly

Dragonfly

Edinburgh’s oldest cocktail bar blending historic charm with innovative mixology in a cozy, lively setting.

52 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LD
4.5 Excellent 741 reviews
united-kingdom/scottish-highlands/bar/the-wee-pub-the-smallest-pub-in-scotland

The Wee Pub - The Smallest Pub in Scotland

Discover Scotland’s smallest pub in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket—a cosy, whisky-rich haven perfect for intimate gatherings and private celebrations.

94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR
4.2 Very Good 26 reviews
united-kingdom/edinburgh/bar/the-bow-bar

The Bow Bar

A historic Old Town pub famed for its vast whisky selection, traditional ales, and authentic Scottish atmosphere.

80 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH
4.6 Excellent 2,270 reviews
united-kingdom/stirling/bar/the-jolly-judge

The Jolly Judge

A cozy, historic Scottish pub nestled in Edinburgh’s Old Town, famed for malt whiskies, real ales, and timeless hospitality just minutes from the Castle.

7A Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PB
united-kingdom/midlothian/bar/nq64-edinburgh

NQ64 Edinburgh

A neon-lit arcade bar in Edinburgh blending retro gaming classics with creative cocktails and a lively, nostalgic atmosphere.

25 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ
4.5 Excellent 753 reviews
united-kingdom/edinburgh/new-town/bar/never-really-here

Never Really Here

Edinburgh's ultimate speakeasy: knock the graffiti door for bespoke cocktails in an intimate, menu-free den of mixology magic.

89 Rose St N Ln, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
4.7 Excellent 386 reviews
united-kingdom/peeblesshire/bar/innis-gunn-edinburgh-city-centre-brewery-taproom

Innis & Gunn Edinburgh City Centre Brewery Taproom

A vibrant craft beer haven in Edinburgh’s West End, famed for Scottish steak frites and an extensive rotating tap selection.

81-83 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9AW
4.4 Very Good 2,353 reviews
united-kingdom/scotland/bar/skybar-edinburgh

SKYbar Edinburgh

Experience Edinburgh’s skyline with exquisite cocktails and stunning castle views at SKYbar, the city’s premier rooftop destination.

SKYBar, 34 Bread St, Edinburgh EH3 9AF
4.2 Very Good 260 reviews
united-kingdom/edinburgh/old-town/bar/whiski-rooms

Whiski Rooms

Cosy Old Town bistro and whisky bar with a specialist shop and daily tastings — over 300 whiskies and hearty Scottish cooking.

4-7 N Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LP
4.5 Excellent 2,134 reviews
united-kingdom/east-lothian/bar/brewdog-edinburgh-lothian-road

BrewDog Edinburgh Lothian Road

Experience Edinburgh’s craft beer culture in a vibrant, historic setting with legendary wings, 28 taps, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.

50 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH3 9BY
4.4 Very Good 2,071 reviews

More to explore near Edinburgh Castle

Jump into the most useful discovery pages nearby, from experiences and heritage highlights to food, stays, shopping, and evening ideas.

photo
Destination guide

More about Edinburgh Castle

Historic fortress atop Edinburgh’s Castlehill, home to Scotland’s Crown Jewels and iconic panoramic city views.

Tell me more about Edinburgh Castle
Mobile App
Get the app

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Select Currency

Choose the currency you want prices to display in.