10 Best Bars in Edinburgh: A Drinker's Bucket List [November 2024]

  •   Last Updated:
    By Max Roi

Edinburgh's nightlife is a delightful blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. The city's bars and pubs are legendary, offering a unique experience that sets them apart from anywhere else in the UK.

From the historic taverns with centuries of stories etched into their walls to the trendy cocktail bars with innovative concoctions, Edinburgh's drinking scene is a treasure trove for both locals and visitors. The city's passionate locals, combined with a thriving arts and music scene, create an atmosphere that's both welcoming and electrifying. Whether you're seeking a quiet pint in a traditional pub or a wild night out in a bustling club, Edinburgh's bars and pubs are sure to leave you impressed.

El Barrio Latino

 

Party and club at the El Barrio Latino

 

El Barrio is a vibrant Latin themed bar and dance club located in the heart of the Edinburgh, on Rose Street. The decor is rustic chic with a polished wooden floor, lovely dark wooden tables contrasting with brightly painted panels and more sombreros than you could count

A blend chart hits, club anthems and Latin and Hispanic songs are played by the in-house Djs to produce a heady combination fuelled by their great mojitos. Although it's not precisely genuine and some of the cocktails have silly names, the atmosphere is good and there's no fee for admission.

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Latin
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

The Wee Red Bar

 

Party and club at the Wee Red Bar

 

This small venue is at Edinburgh Art College and provides a mix of nightlife and live performances. It may be tiny but it is also inexpensive, comfortable and has a excellent atmosphere for students, although it is not restricted to students.

The Wee Red Bar is worth a visit if you want indie or rock at knockdown prices and don't mind a lot of students. There's a nice variety of club nights here so you'll discover everything from punk to acid house if you get there on the right night If you get here before midnight then you'll find entry is even cheaper, in fact this is a great club for anyone on a budget.

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Rock/Indie and Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

The Three Sisters

 

Party and club at the Three Sisters

 

The Three Sisters pub in Edinburgh has a bastion of the Cowgate and has been a favourite venue for decades amongst the city's many sports fan. Serving all your usual suspects behind the bar, the kitchen maintains the fun vibes with their huge pizzas, and hearty burgers But the venue's real headliner is its beautiful beer garden where they serve you 1L glasses of beer.

On the same level as the beer garden you will find a dancefloor at the back but also if you go up the next level. This makes the three sisters pub a great place to party when you are on a budget or just visiting for a few days

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

Stramash Live Music Bar

 

Party and club at the Stramash Live Music Bar

 

Stramash is a reputable for its live music bar and late pub-style food, At the back of the venue a stage, where the finest bands from across Scotland play and entertain until about 3am in the morning. It's location in the heart of Edinburgh's old town which was formerly a church with a 900-capacity lends it more grandeur. It also has a large HD screen in Scotland showing all top sports fixtures.

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Rock/Indie and Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

Frankenstein

 

Party and club at the Frankenstein

 

Step into a 19th-century church transformed into a spooky, fun bar! Frankenstein is a unique place on George IV Bridge, right in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. You can't miss it - it's just a quick walk from the Royal Mile. Come join the party and unleash your inner monster!

Don't miss out on their Karaoke night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. If you are student get in on a Wednesday.

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

Tonic

 

Party and club at the Tonic

 

Hey there! Looking for a fantastic night out in a cozy, cool spot? Tonic is your answer. It's just a quick walk from the hustle and bustle of George Street, tucked away on Castle Street - a little secret gem waiting to be discovered. We've got a killer cocktail menu, packed with award-winning creations. Whether you're after something smooth and fruity or a strong, classic cocktail, we've got it all. And if you're feeling adventurous, our amazing mixologists are always happy to whip up something special just for you, or put a unique twist on any of the old favorites.We're an independent bar, so we're free to get creative! Every day, we use the freshest local ingredients to craft new and exciting drinks, setting the perfect mood for whatever your night holds. We believe bartenders are like performers – we're here to entertain you as much as we are to quench your thirst.We've got our own awesome playlists, and often have resident DJs spinning everything from old-school soul to disco. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the music and the atmosphere while you sip on one of our delicious cocktails. Whether you're a first-timer or a regular, we want to make sure you have a night you'll never forget. We're all about having fun, singing along, dancing, laughing, and enjoying good company. Leave with a smile on your face, feeling happy and a little bit tipsy - that's the Tonic way!

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial, Retro and Soul/Funk/Reggae
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

Flight Club Edinburgh

 

Party and club at the Flight Club Edinburgh

 

Forget boring old darts! At Flight Club Edinburgh, we've taken the classic game and turned it into a whole new experience. Imagine multiplayer games that get everyone laughing and having a blast! It's like a party in a bar, but with way more fun. We've got delicious food, incredible cocktails, and enough friendly competition to keep everyone entertained.

Whether you're looking for a unique team-building activity, a fun weekend brunch, or a night out you won't forget, Flight Club is the perfect place to be. Come on down and experience the excitement for yourself!

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Commercial
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh

 

Party and club at the Boteco Do Brasil Edinburgh

 

Welcome to Boteco Do Brasil, where we bring the heart and soul of Brazil right to Scotland! Imagine a cozy neighborhood bar in Rio or São Paulo, filled with laughter, good music, and friendly faces. That's the vibe we're all about. Think of it as a place where you can unwind, enjoy a chat with friends, and escape the ordinary.We're passionate about showcasing the best of Brazil's culinary and cultural scene. Our signature Caipirinhas are refreshing and delicious, and our mixologists have crafted some incredible cocktails using the finest cachaça. And of course, no Brazilian experience is complete without some amazing food! Our petiscos, like Brazilian tapas, are a perfect mix of classic and modern flavors.Every evening, we're livening things up with live music, and on weekends, DJs spin tropical tunes for those who want to dance the night away. We're bringing the sunshine, the vibrant colors, and the infectious energy of Brazil right to your doorstep. So come on in, relax, and let us transport you to a little piece of paradise!

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Latin
Expected entrance fee:Free

 

The Jazz Bar

 

Party and club at the Jazz Bar

 

For over a decade this basement in Edinburgh has been a haven for jazz lovers. They've built a reputation for showcasing the best local and international jazz musicians, always with a diverse lineup of gigs happening throughout the year. With so many talented artists coming through their doors, it’s no wonder they've won multiple awards. Whether you're a seasoned jazz fan or a curious newcomer, there's always something to discover at this lively, independent venue.

 

Open:Everyday
Venue type:Bar
Music is mainly:Jazz
Expected entrance fee:Click on ‘Find out more’ to enquire with venue's social media

 

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