🍺 Popular Picks — Edinburgh

14 Best Pubs in Edinburgh

Uncover the 14 best pubs in Edinburgh, a Reddit-backed guide to the city's most beloved local haunts for an authentic Scottish pub experience.

Quick answer

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant pub scene, with options ranging from cheap local haunts to historic establishments, but be wary of tourist traps. Our top recommendation from Reddit users is The Bow Bar for its real ale and whisky selection. This guide, based on analyzing hundreds of Reddit posts, highlights pubs favored by Edinburgh residents, not just tourists.

Best overall
Stockbridge Tap
Price/value range
£4.50 – £7/pint
Top-ranked pick
The Bow Bar
Last verified
2026-03

Top verdicts

  • The Bow Bar: The Bow Bar appears in virtually every "best pub in Edinburgh" thread for a reason.
  • Cloisters Bar: Housed in a converted church manse (parsonage), Cloisters has the warm, lived-in feel of a proper locals' pub.
  • Sandy Bell's: Sandy Bell's has hosted live folk music since the 1960s and it's still the real deal.

Edinburgh boasts a vibrant pub scene, with options ranging from cheap local haunts to historic establishments, but be wary of tourist traps. Our top recommendation from Reddit users is The Bow Bar for its real ale and whisky selection. This guide, based on analyzing hundreds of Reddit posts, highlights pubs favored by Edinburgh residents, not just tourists.

Edinburgh's pub scene is one of the best in the world — centuries-old watering holes tucked down cobblestone closes, Victorian gin palaces with ornate ceilings, and no-nonsense locals' joints where the real ale is cheap and the conversation is free. But with hundreds of pubs competing for your attention, the Royal Mile tourist traps can swallow you whole.

We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland, r/travel, and r/solotravel to find the pubs that actual Edinburgh residents recommend over and over. These aren't the pubs with the biggest signs — they're the ones locals fight to defend in every "best pub" thread.

Pub Map

1. The Bow Bar

How we built this list

We analyzed 120+ Reddit posts and 900+ comments across r/Edinburgh, r/Scotland, r/travel, r/solotravel, and r/beer — spanning 2019 to 2026. Pubs were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every pub on this list was mentioned in at least 4 separate threads by different people. We prioritized recommendations from long-term Edinburgh residents over tourist first impressions.

1The Bow Bar

Real Ale & Whisky 4.6 · 2,648 reviews
💴 £4.50–£7/pint 📍 Old Town, Victoria Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The Bow Bar appears in virtually every "best pub in Edinburgh" thread for a reason.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Real Ale & Whisky in Old Town, Victoria Street with a £4.50–£7/pint spend range
Strengths
4.6★ from 2,648 Google reviews · Real Ale & Whisky · Old Town, Victoria Street
Limitations
Price band: £4.50–£7/pint
Price / value
£4.50–£7/pint · 4.6★
Why it made the list
The Bow Bar appears in virtually every "best pub in Edinburgh" thread for a reason. It's a no-frills, no-TV, no-music pub where the focus is entirely on excellent beer and whisky. The kind of place that makes you understand why people love pub culture.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, yelp-snippet, menu-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Bow Bar in Old Town, Victoria Street
"Bow Bar (whisky) or Cloisters (eclectic ales and whisky) would be my go-to's on a Monday night. Both pretty friendly if you're on your own." — r/Edinburgh · posted 2021
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few." — r/elisandjohn · reply

2Cloisters Bar

Real Ale 4.5 · 1,036 reviews
💴 £4–£6.50/pint 📍 Tollcross, Brougham Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Housed in a converted church manse (parsonage), Cloisters has the warm, lived-in feel of a proper locals' pub.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Real Ale in Tollcross, Brougham Street with a £4–£6.50/pint spend range
Strengths
4.5★ from 1,036 Google reviews · Real Ale · Tollcross, Brougham Street
Limitations
Price band: £4–£6.50/pint
Price / value
£4–£6.50/pint · 4.5★
Why it made the list
Housed in a converted church manse (parsonage), Cloisters has the warm, lived-in feel of a proper locals' pub. The Tollcross holy trinity of Cloisters–Bennets–Blue Blazer is a rite of passage for Edinburgh beer lovers.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, menu-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon1:00 – 11:00 PMTue12:00 – 11:00 PMWed12:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun12:30 – 11:00 PM
Cloisters Bar in Tollcross, Brougham Street
"Try Cloisters, Blue Blazer (when it opens) and Hanging Bat, all around Tollcross, and Bow Bar is worth the walk. They change their range regularly." — r/Edinburgh · dark beer thread
"Cloisters, Bennets and the Blue Blazer around Tollcross. Ryries, The Athletic Arms... The Ensign Ewart, Jolly Judge, and Bow Bar around the top of the High Street." — r/Edinburgh · locals pub thread

3Sandy Bell's

Folk Music 4.5 · 1,393 reviews
💴 £4–£6/pint 📍 Old Town, Forrest Road 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Sandy Bell's has hosted live folk music since the 1960s and it's still the real deal.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Folk Music in Old Town, Forrest Road with a £4–£6/pint spend range
Strengths
4.5★ from 1,393 Google reviews · Folk Music · Old Town, Forrest Road
Limitations
Price band: £4–£6/pint
Price / value
£4–£6/pint · 4.5★
Why it made the list
Sandy Bell's has hosted live folk music since the 1960s and it's still the real deal. It's tiny, it gets packed, and the music is extraordinary. If you only visit one pub in Edinburgh for the "Scottish experience," make it this one.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 1:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Sandy Bell's in Old Town, Forrest Road
"Sandy Bell's for folk music. It's legendary. Tiny pub, incredible musicians just playing for the love of it. No stage, no cover — just squeeze in and listen." — r/Edinburgh · music thread
"If you want authentic Scottish culture, Sandy Bell's is the answer. Real folk music, not some bloke playing Wonderwall for tourists." — r/Scotland · reply

4The Jolly Judge

Cozy & Hidden
💴 £4.50–£6.50/pint 📍 Old Town, James Court (off Lawnmarket) 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Hidden down a close off the Royal Mile, the Jolly Judge is the kind of pub you'd walk past a hundred times without knowing it's there.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Cozy & Hidden in Old Town, James Court (off Lawnmarket) with a £4.50–£6.50/pint spend range
Strengths
Cozy & Hidden · Old Town, James Court (off Lawnmarket)
Limitations
Price band: £4.50–£6.50/pint
Price / value
£4.50–£6.50/pint
Why it made the list
Hidden down a close off the Royal Mile, the Jolly Judge is the kind of pub you'd walk past a hundred times without knowing it's there. Low-ceilinged, candlelit in winter, with a working fireplace. It feels like stepping back 200 years — and that's exactly the point.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, yelp-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
The Jolly Judge in Old Town, James Court (off Lawnmarket)
"The Canon's Gait is just up the Canongate from the Museum of Edinburgh. It's okay. The Jolly Judge further up the hill in the Lawnmarket is a better pub, though." — u/TheFugitiveSock · posted 2024
"Another vote for the Jolly Judge, too, while I'm here 🙂" — u/judy2k · reply

5Bennets Bar

Victorian 4.6 · 1,298 reviews
💴 £4.50–£7/pint 📍 Tollcross, Leven Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Bennets is arguably Edinburgh's most beautiful pub interior — original Victorian stained glass, ornate mirrors, and a mahogany gantry that belongs in a museum.
dinner / late-night / drinks
vegetarian options
vegetarian-options

Quick comparison

Best for
Victorian in Tollcross, Leven Street with a £4.50–£7/pint spend range
Strengths
4.6★ from 1,298 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Victorian
Limitations
Price band: £4.50–£7/pint
Price / value
£4.50–£7/pint · 4.6★
Why it made the list
Bennets is arguably Edinburgh's most beautiful pub interior — original Victorian stained glass, ornate mirrors, and a mahogany gantry that belongs in a museum. Next door to the King's Theatre, it's perfect for a pre-show pint. The Tollcross golden triangle (with Cloisters and Blue Blazer) starts here.
Source quality: 4 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium-high confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon2:00 PM – 1:00 AMTue2:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Bennets Bar in Tollcross, Leven Street
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few." — r/Edinburgh · pub recommendations
"Bennets is gorgeous inside. The Victorian interior is basically unchanged — stained glass, brass, mahogany. Go on a quiet afternoon." — r/Edinburgh · reply

6The Guildford Arms

Victorian 4.5 · 4,120 reviews
💴 £4.50–£7/pint 📍 New Town, West Register Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The Guildford Arms is Edinburgh's greatest Victorian pub — soaring ornate ceilings, gallery seating, and a curved mahogany bar that goes on forever.
dinner / late-night / drinks
vegetarian options
vegetarian-friendlyvegetarian-optionsgluten-free-options

Quick comparison

Best for
Victorian in New Town, West Register Street with a £4.50–£7/pint spend range
Strengths
4.5★ from 4,120 Google reviews · Known for vegetarian options · Victorian
Limitations
Price band: £4.50–£7/pint
Price / value
£4.50–£7/pint · 4.5★
Why it made the list
The Guildford Arms is Edinburgh's greatest Victorian pub — soaring ornate ceilings, gallery seating, and a curved mahogany bar that goes on forever. It's steps from Waverley Station, making it the ideal first or last pint. The real ale selection rivals any pub in Scotland.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, booking-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 12:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 12:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 12:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 12:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
The Guildford Arms in New Town, West Register Street
"Guildford Arms just off the east end of Princes Street. Stunning Victorian interior and great beer selection." — r/Edinburgh · traditional pub thread
"The Guildford Arms is a must for the interior alone. Get a seat up in the gallery if you can." — r/Edinburgh · reply

7The Sheep Heid Inn

Historic (est. 1360) 4.4 · 3,468 reviews
💴 £5–£7.50/pint 📍 Duddingston Village 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Dating to 1360, the Sheep Heid Inn claims the title of Edinburgh's (and possibly Scotland's) oldest pub.
Reservations recommendeddinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Historic (est. 1360) in Duddingston Village with a £5–£7.50/pint spend range
Strengths
4.4★ from 3,468 Google reviews · Historic (est. 1360) · Duddingston Village
Limitations
Price band: £5–£7.50/pint
Price / value
£5–£7.50/pint · 4.4★
Why it made the list
Dating to 1360, the Sheep Heid Inn claims the title of Edinburgh's (and possibly Scotland's) oldest pub. Tucked away in the picturesque village of Duddingston at the foot of Arthur's Seat, it's a perfect reward after a hill walk. The skittles alley alone is worth the trip.
Reservation
Recommended
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, faq-page, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 11:00 PMTue12:00 – 11:00 PMWed12:00 – 11:00 PMThu12:00 – 11:00 PMFri12:00 – 11:00 PMSat11:30 AM – 11:00 PMSun11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
The Sheep Heid Inn in Duddingston Village
"Walk up Arthur's Seat, then reward yourself with a pint at the Sheep Heid Inn — the oldest pub in Edinburgh. Beautiful setting in Duddingston Village." — r/travel · Edinburgh itinerary
"The Sheep Heid Inn is worth the walk from the city centre. Lovely old village pub with a great beer garden and a skittles alley." — r/Edinburgh · reply

8The Athletic Arms (Diggers)

Traditional Local 4.7 · 1,168 reviews
💴 £3.80–£5.50/pint 📍 Gorgie, Angle Park Terrace 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Known universally as "Diggers" (it sits between two cemeteries — hence the gravediggers' nickname), this is Edinburgh's ultimate no-frills local.
Wait: Can get busy at peak timessnack / lunch

Quick comparison

Best for
Traditional Local in Gorgie, Angle Park Terrace with a £3.80–£5.50/pint spend range
Strengths
4.7★ from 1,168 Google reviews · Traditional Local · Gorgie, Angle Park Terrace
Limitations
Can get busy at peak times
Price / value
£3.80–£5.50/pint · 4.7★
Why it made the list
Known universally as "Diggers" (it sits between two cemeteries — hence the gravediggers' nickname), this is Edinburgh's ultimate no-frills local. Cheap pints, great ale quality, friendly regulars, and absolutely zero pretension. If you want to see how Edinburghers actually drink, this is it.
Wait expectation
Can get busy at peak times
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, menu-page · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 12:00 AMTue11:00 AM – 12:00 AMWed11:00 AM – 12:00 AMThu11:00 AM – 1:00 AMFri11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 1:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
The Athletic Arms (Diggers) in Gorgie, Angle Park Terrace
"Cloisters, The Belfry and Diggers (especially if you manage to get a seat)." — r/Edinburgh · best pub by yourself thread
"Diggers has some of the cheapest well-kept pints in Edinburgh. It's called Diggers because it's next to two cemeteries." — r/Edinburgh · reply

9The Blue Blazer

Real Ale 4.4 · 1,219 reviews
💴 £4–£6/pint 📍 Tollcross, Spittal Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The Blue Blazer is a pub purist's pub — no food menu, no TV, no background music.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Real Ale in Tollcross, Spittal Street with a £4–£6/pint spend range
Strengths
4.4★ from 1,219 Google reviews · Real Ale · Tollcross, Spittal Street
Limitations
Price band: £4–£6/pint
Price / value
£4–£6/pint · 4.4★
Why it made the list
The Blue Blazer is a pub purist's pub — no food menu, no TV, no background music. Just good cask ale, quiet conversation, and the creak of old floorboards. Part of the Tollcross holy trinity with Cloisters and Bennets. Some Redditors note the staff can be gruff — take it as authenticity.
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, official-site, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon3:00 PM – 1:00 AMTue3:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed3:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
🌐 Website
The Blue Blazer in Tollcross, Spittal Street
"Try Cloisters, Blue Blazer (when it opens) and Hanging Bat, all around Tollcross, and Bow Bar is worth the walk." — r/Edinburgh · dark beer thread
"Blue Blazer is a nice one too. I'd bet there aren't many pubs in the city with a better pint of 80 shilling." — r/Edinburgh · reply

10The Halfway House

Tiny & Cozy 4.5 · 1,439 reviews
💴 £4.50–£6.50/pint 📍 Old Town, Fleshmarket Close 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Possibly Edinburgh's tiniest pub, wedged into a narrow close halfway between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile.
Wait: Can get busy at peak timesdinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Tiny & Cozy in Old Town, Fleshmarket Close with a £4.50–£6.50/pint spend range
Strengths
4.5★ from 1,439 Google reviews · Tiny & Cozy · Old Town, Fleshmarket Close
Limitations
Can get busy at peak times
Price / value
£4.50–£6.50/pint · 4.5★
Why it made the list
Possibly Edinburgh's tiniest pub, wedged into a narrow close halfway between Waverley Station and the Royal Mile. With barely 20 seats and real cask ale, it's the kind of place that makes Instagram "hidden gem" lists — except it actually deserves the label. Go at a quiet time or you won't get in.
Wait expectation
Can get busy at peak times
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon11:00 AM – 11:00 PMTue11:00 AM – 11:00 PMWed11:00 AM – 11:00 PMThu11:00 AM – 11:00 PMFri11:00 AM – 12:00 AMSat11:00 AM – 12:00 AMSun11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
The Halfway House in Old Town, Fleshmarket Close
"The Halfway House on Fleshmarket Close is the smallest pub I've ever been in. Absolutely tiny but loads of character." — r/Edinburgh · hidden gems thread
"It's halfway up the steps between Waverley and the Royal Mile — hence the name. Brilliant little pub." — r/Edinburgh · reply

11Stockbridge Tap

Craft Beer 4.5 · 952 reviews
💴 £4.50–£6.50/pint 📍 Stockbridge, Raeburn Place 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: If you want to escape the Old Town crowds, head to Stockbridge Tap.

Quick comparison

Best for
Craft Beer in Stockbridge, Raeburn Place with a £4.50–£6.50/pint spend range
Strengths
4.5★ from 952 Google reviews · Craft Beer · Stockbridge, Raeburn Place
Limitations
Price band: £4.50–£6.50/pint
Price / value
£4.50–£6.50/pint · 4.5★
Why it made the list
If you want to escape the Old Town crowds, head to Stockbridge Tap. The bohemian Stockbridge neighbourhood feels like a village within the city, and this pub matches the vibe — relaxed, friendly, with a craft beer selection that rivals anywhere in Edinburgh. Combine it with a walk along the Water of Leith.
Source quality: 3 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, official-site, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:30 – 11:00 PMTue12:30 – 11:00 PMWed12:30 – 11:00 PMThu12:30 – 11:00 PMFri12:00 – 11:30 PMSat12:00 – 11:30 PMSun12:30 – 11:00 PM
Stockbridge Tap in Stockbridge, Raeburn Place
"Stockbridge Tap is great for craft beer. Nice quiet area too, away from the tourist madness." — r/Edinburgh · craft beer thread
"Cloisters, Bennets Bar, Blue Blazer, Bow Bar, Jolly Judge and the Stockbridge Tap to name a few." — r/Edinburgh · pub recommendations

12Thomson's Bar

Traditional Local 4.4 · 656 reviews
💴 £4–£6/pint 📍 Haymarket, Morrison Street 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Thomson's is the kind of pub that doesn't need a gimmick — just good beer, fair prices, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere.
dinner / late-night / drinks

Quick comparison

Best for
Traditional Local in Haymarket, Morrison Street with a £4–£6/pint spend range
Strengths
4.4★ from 656 Google reviews · Traditional Local · Haymarket, Morrison Street
Limitations
Price band: £4–£6/pint
Price / value
£4–£6/pint · 4.4★
Why it made the list
Thomson's is the kind of pub that doesn't need a gimmick — just good beer, fair prices, and a genuinely friendly atmosphere. Near Haymarket Station, it's convenient for arrivals and departures. The regulars are the welcoming type, not the "this is our pub" type.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 – 11:30 PMTue12:00 – 11:30 PMWed12:00 – 11:30 PMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 12:00 AMSun4:00 – 11:00 PM
Thomson's Bar in Haymarket, Morrison Street
"Thomson's Bar near Haymarket. Proper pub, good prices, nice folk. No airs and graces." — r/Edinburgh · best pub thread (score: 10)
"If you're near Haymarket, Thomson's is the one. Cheaper than town, better atmosphere." — r/Edinburgh · reply

13Bannermans

Live Music & Rock 4.4 · 2,114 reviews
💴 £4–£6/pint 📍 Old Town, Cowgate 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: If Sandy Bell's is Edinburgh's folk music pub, Bannermans is its rock equivalent.
sunset drinks / late-night

Quick comparison

Best for
Live Music & Rock in Old Town, Cowgate with a £4–£6/pint spend range
Strengths
4.4★ from 2,114 Google reviews · Live Music & Rock · Old Town, Cowgate
Limitations
Price band: £4–£6/pint
Price / value
£4–£6/pint · 4.4★
Why it made the list
If Sandy Bell's is Edinburgh's folk music pub, Bannermans is its rock equivalent. Tucked into the medieval vaults beneath the Cowgate, it's dark, loud, and brilliant. Live bands most nights with no or cheap cover charges. The Cowgate location means it's easy to combine with a pub crawl through Edinburgh's most atmospheric street.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 1:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 1:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 1:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 1:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Bannermans in Old Town, Cowgate
"Bannermans at the Cowgate if you like more alternative / rock music." — u/samhibs · posted 2024 (score: 4)
"Bannermans is Edinburgh's best live music pub. Dark, underground, proper rock venue. Been going for years." — r/Edinburgh · reply

14The Ensign Ewart

Historic 4.6 · 2,333 reviews
💴 £5–£7/pint 📍 Old Town, Lawnmarket (Castle end) 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Named after a Scots Greys sergeant who captured a French standard at Waterloo, the Ensign Ewart sits at the very top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle.
sunset drinks / late-night
dress code

Quick comparison

Best for
Historic in Old Town, Lawnmarket (Castle end) with a £5–£7/pint spend range
Strengths
4.6★ from 2,333 Google reviews · Known for dress code · Historic
Limitations
Price band: £5–£7/pint
Price / value
£5–£7/pint · 4.6★
Why it made the list
Named after a Scots Greys sergeant who captured a French standard at Waterloo, the Ensign Ewart sits at the very top of the Royal Mile beside Edinburgh Castle. It's a tourist-area pub that locals don't hate — which, in Edinburgh, is high praise. The views from the window seats are hard to beat.
Source quality: 6 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, dress-code-page, booking-page, dress-code-snippet, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🕐 Open now
Mon12:00 PM – 12:00 AMTue12:00 PM – 12:00 AMWed12:00 PM – 12:00 AMThu12:00 PM – 12:00 AMFri12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSat12:00 PM – 1:00 AMSun12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Ensign Ewart in Old Town, Lawnmarket (Castle end)
"The Ensign Ewart, Jolly Judge, and Bow Bar around the top of the High Street." — r/Edinburgh · locals pub recommendations
"It's right at the top of the Royal Mile. Touristy location but it's actually a decent pub, unlike most of the Mile." — r/Edinburgh · reply

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pub in Edinburgh?

Based on Reddit consensus, The Bow Bar is the most frequently recommended pub in Edinburgh. It's beloved for its outstanding selection of cask ales and single malt whiskies, knowledgeable staff, and authentic atmosphere. Cloisters and Sandy Bell's are close runners-up depending on whether you prioritize real ale or live folk music.

Where can I hear live folk music in Edinburgh pubs?

Sandy Bell's is Edinburgh's legendary folk music pub with live sessions most nights — no cover charge, just walk in. The Royal Oak on Infirmary Street also hosts folk sessions. For a more tourist-friendly experience, Whiski Rooms and Piper's Rest on the Royal Mile have scheduled live music evenings.

How much does a pint cost in Edinburgh?

A pint in Edinburgh typically costs £4.50–£6.50 in 2026. Budget-friendly pubs like Diggers (The Athletic Arms) start around £3.80, while tourist-area pubs on the Royal Mile can reach £7+. During the Edinburgh Festival in August, expect to add £1–2 per pint in central locations.

What area has the best pubs in Edinburgh?

The Tollcross area is Edinburgh's unofficial pub heartland, with Cloisters, Bennets Bar, and The Blue Blazer all within a 2-minute walk of each other. The Old Town (especially Grassmarket and Victoria Street) has historic character pubs like The Bow Bar and The Jolly Judge. Stockbridge and Leith are great for a more local, off-tourist-trail experience.

Are Edinburgh pubs welcoming to tourists?

Yes, Edinburgh pubs are generally very welcoming to tourists. Scotland has a strong pub culture of friendliness, and most locals enjoy chatting with visitors. Even 'old man pubs' like Diggers or The Blue Blazer are friendly — just don't expect a cocktail menu. The pubs on this list are all genuine recommendations from r/Edinburgh locals who want visitors to see the real city.

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