Top 10 Pubs in Edinburgh City Centre

Edinburgh’s city-centre pubs are much more than just places for a pint – they’re historic fixtures at the heart of local life. Steeped in heritage, many have welcomed famous figures (and even a few ghosts) across the centuries. Here we focus on Old Town and New Town pubs (including the Royal Mile, Grassmarket and Cowgate); Leith and outlying districts are excluded.

1. The Blue Blazer (Spittal Street, New Town)

• Address: 2 Spittal Street, Edinburgh EH3 9DX.

• Nearest transport: Bus stops on North Bridge/Rose Street (Lothian Buses), Princes Street tram stop (~0.7 mi north), or nearest tram stop at St Andrew Square.

• Hours: Mon–Wed 15:00–01:00, Thu–Sat 12:00–01:00, Sun 13:00–01:00.

• History/Info: An impeccably restored Victorian saloon, The Blue Blazer’s long polished mahogany bar and flickering fireplace epitomise the traditional British pub. It opened in 1887 as a draper’s shop before conversion to a pub.

• Drinks/Food: No kitchen (pub exclusively), so come for the cask ale (they boast a “decent run” of local and rare brews) and one of Scotland’s largest whisky collections.

• Atmosphere: cosy and old-school – locals describe it as feeling like “Edinburgh’s finest traditional purveyor of excellent cask ales”. Expect a friendly, uncluttered vibe; it’s best for small groups (the pub can turn away large parties).

• Accessibility: Quirky interior with a few steps; dogs are welcome.

• Price: Moderate (about £4–5 for a pint).

• Why #1: Revered for its authenticity and quality drinks, The Blue Blazer ranks top for its classic atmosphere and outstanding whisky/cask ale selection. It consistently draws locals and knowledgeable beer-lovers.

• Tips: No booking – arrive early on weekends. Sit near the back corner for a quiet pint. As a popular CAMRA haunt, order a round of cask ale on tap.

2. The Halfway House (Fleshmarket Close, Old Town)

• Address: 24 Fleshmarket Close (off Market Street, just behind Waverley Station), Edinburgh EH1 1BX.

• Nearest transport: Directly steps from Edinburgh Waverley train and bus station; nearest tram at York Place (~0.3 mi).

• Hours: Daily 11:30–23:00 (food served until 21:00) per Old Town Pub Co. listing. (Check site during festivals.)

• History/Info: One of Edinburgh’s smallest and most treasured pubs, dating back to at least the 18th century. The Halfway House is cosy and “historic" and "atmospheric" with a railway motif (named for being halfway on the old coach route).

• Drinks/Food: Specialises in real cask ales: four ever-rotating local and national brews on handpump. It even has its own “Halfway House” whisky (blended from Tullibardine). Food is limited to pub snacks (sausage rolls and Scotch pies).

• Atmosphere: Truly no-frills – think stained glass, wood-panelled snug and elbow-to-elbow patrons. It’s warm, busy with locals and station travellers, and beloved for its pure “ideal Scottish pub” vibe. Regulars praise its brisk cask turnover and friendly feel.

• Accessibility: Very small with low ceilings; no disabled access (steep steps and narrow aisles). Dogs allowed.

• Price: Cheap to moderate (£3–4 per pint).

• Why #2: Its tiny, authentic charm and excellent ale selection earn it a spot. Despite being unassuming and stairs-bound, it’s a must-visit for ale fans – CAMRA named it Edinburgh Pub of the Year multiple times.

• Tips: No advance bookings and absolutely jam-packed on Friday/Saturday nights – best to pop in early or mid-week.

3. The White Hart Inn (Grassmarket, Old Town)

• Address: 32–34 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU.

• Nearest transport: Grassmarket bus stops are directly outside; close to Chambers Street tram stop (~0.4 mi) and 700 m from Waverley.

• Hours: Daily 11:00–00:00 (Mon–Thu 12:00–23:30; Fri–Sat extended to 00:30; Sun 12:00–23:30).

• History/Info: Believed to be Edinburgh’s oldest pub (est. 1516). Its sign depicts a medieval stag, referencing the rarity of the white hart. Notable past patrons include Oliver Cromwell, Robert Burns and William Wordsworth. The pub is famed for ghost stories (voted “Edinburgh’s Most Haunted Pub” in 2005).

• Drinks/Food: Traditional pub fare – a hearty menu of Scottish classics (haggis, neeps & tatties, pies) – and a good beer garden. A wide range of ales (notably Belhaven brews) and whiskies on tap.

• Atmosphere: A large, wooden-beamed inn with low lighting and lore. Despite tourist traffic, it maintains a friendly local crowd in a cavernous space. Regular live folk music sessions and DJs animate the lively beer garden on summer evenings.

• Accessibility: Ground-floor entry, step-free bar area. (The separate smaller dining room may have steps.)

• Price: Moderate (£4–6 per pint; £15–20 mains).

• Why #3: Its unbeatable history and atmosphere keep it high in rankings. It delivers on “authentic Edinburgh pub” with its vaulted ceilings, friendly vibe and open beer garden.

• Tips: Book a table for dinner or a group night, as it fills up. The beer garden is a treat on sunny days. Keep an ear out for ghost stories from the staff!

4. Cloisters Bar (Brougham Street, Old Town)

• Address: 26 Brougham Street, Edinburgh EH3 9JH.

• Nearest transport: Lothian Road bus stops are just a short walk south; nearest tram is at Haymarket (~0.5 mi west) or Picardy Place (~0.6 mi east).

• Hours: Tue–Sat 16:00–23:00 (Fri 16:00–01:00); closed Sun/Mon (call for any variation). (Check website for updates.)

• History/Info: Housed in a former 19th-century parsonage (its Victorian façade is misleadingly grand), Cloisters is a modest but acclaimed city centre pub. It was once part of the All Saints Episcopal Church complex.

• Drinks/Food: Famous for its changing taps, Cloisters offers an adventurous line-up of Scottish craft ales on gravity dispense. (No kitchen food service, aside from occasional snacks.)

• Atmosphere: Dark-walled and unpretentious, Cloisters is a “lovely spot… following a saunter around The Meadows”. Despite nearby trendy bars, it feels quietly traditional. The focus is on beer; expect a relaxed crowd of locals and beer enthusiasts.

• Accessibility: Narrow entry and bar, but street-level; limited seating (mostly standing). No formal wheelchair facilities.

• Price: Moderate (£4–5 per craft beer).

• Why #4: Cloisters’ highly regarded beer selection and cosy ambience make it a favourite in the city’s centre. Its humble charm (“inquisitive guests met with humble expertise on the star-studded house line-up”) was key to its ranking.

• Tips: It’s tiny and often crowded – a short happy hour on Thurs/Fri means fast service. Chat with the staff to try their latest rare beers.

5. Dagda Bar (Buccleuch Street, Old Town)

• Address: 93–95 Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh EH8 9NG.

• Nearest transport: Buses on Home Street/Victoria Street (10 minutes’ walk to Waverley); nearest tram at St Andrew Square (~0.6 miles).

• Hours: Sun–Thu 17:00–23:00; Fri–Sat 17:00–01:00 (kitchen until 22:30).

• History/Info: A classic student and southside pub, The Dagda has been a favourite for decades. Named after an Irish god, it opened in the mid-19th century and retains a snug, barrel-lined interior.

• Drinks/Food: Known for affordability – a rotating guest ale on tap each week, plus ciders and whiskies. The modest food menu offers pub bar snacks (pizza, pies, and salads).

• Atmosphere: Friendly and buzzing, especially on quiz nights (the pub quiz is a local legend). Packed evenings are normal – the long bar and communal seating encourage mingling. The vibe is no-frills and warm.

• Accessibility: Street-level, but very narrow interior; no wheelchair access (narrow aisles).

• Price: Very cheap (£3–4 pints, or less during deals).

• Why #5: Dagda’s old-style ambience and value make it stand out for local authenticity. It was especially noted for being “impossible to go wrong with” when seeking a traditional, friendly pint.

• Tips: Best time is weeknights (quiz night), when locals are sure to welcome newcomers. No booking; it’s often first-come, first-serve at tables.

6. Sandy Bell’s (Forrest Road, Old Town)

• Address: 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH.

• Nearest transport: Forrest Road bus stops are nearby; the closest tram is at St Andrew Square (~0.7 mi) or Princes Street (~0.6 mi).

• Hours: Daily 12:00–01:00 (see TripAdvisor or the sign).

• History/Info: An Edinburgh folk music institution since the 1950s. The pub’s electric-blue former grocery frontage conceals an interior echoing its past. Icons like Bert Jansch played here, and it helped spark a folk revival in the 1960s.

• Drinks/Food: No kitchen; drink offerings include local ales (Belhaven), whiskies and a resident microbrew on tap. Occasionally snacks like haggis chips are eaten.

• Atmosphere: No-frills, narrow and packed with folk posters and dark wood. Live traditional music nearly every night. It is famed for being “central [to] the folk-music revival” – expect singalongs and a cosy, communal feel.

• Accessibility: Small entry and interior (vintage stairs leading to one side); not wheelchair-friendly.

• Price: Low (£3–4 pints).

• Why #6: As an “Edinburgh institution” for authentic Scottish culture, Sandy Bell’s made the list for its unique ambience and music heritage. Locals and travellers alike praise its atmosphere and history.

• Tips: Check the nightly music schedule. Seating is limited and often standing room, so arrive early for the better spots. Don’t miss the sardine potato (fish & chips) if available.

7. St Vincent Bar (“The Vinnie", George Street, New Town)

• Address: 11 St Vincent Street, Edinburgh EH3 6SW.

• Nearest transport: Located at Circus Lane in New Town, near bus routes on George Street; tram at St Andrew Square (0.3 mi) or Haymarket (0.5 mi).

• Hours: Mon–Fri 15:30–23:00; Sat 12:30–23:00; closed Sun. (Call for up-to-date hours.)

• History/Info: Housed in a Georgian townhouse basement, St Vincent’s is a small, classically beautiful pub. Despite its proximity to touristy Princes Street, it remains a friendly local haunt nicknamed “The Vinnie".

• Drinks/Food: Focuses on cask ales (rotating real ales) and whiskies. No food other than occasional packet snacks; you come mainly for the drinks selection.

• Atmosphere: Quiet and welcoming. The wood-panelled bar and low ceilings make it feel like a tucked-away local. Staff and regulars are noted for “warm smiles", making even solo visitors feel at home. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing pint away from the crowds.

• Accessibility: Ground-floor entry, but very narrow bar room. No wheelchair access due to short flights and tight layout.

• Price: Moderate (£4–5).

• Why #7: Its understated charm and quality drinks earned it a place. The “homely spot” description captures why locals treasure it – a peaceful oasis in the city.

• Tips: The bar often fills with lawyers and creatives from the offices above after work. Try a quiet late afternoon pint here (opens at 15:30) for a genuine local experience.

8. Bennett’s Bar (Leven Street, New Town)

• Address: 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LG.

• Nearest transport: West End buses on Princes Street/Queensferry Street; nearest tram at Haymarket (0.4 mi) or St Andrew Square.

• Hours: Daily 12:00–23:00 (check weekend late hours).

• History/Info: A historic free house opened in 1839, Bennet’s is famous for its ornate Victorian decor. Originally men-only, the stained-glass windows were installed to conceal 19th-century rowdiness. Today it’s a small leather-furnished pub with a famous upstairs snug (used to segregate women in the 1900s).

• Drinks/Food: Serves a range of cask ales (often including Innis & Gunn) and malt whiskies. Only light snacks (sausages, crisps).

• Atmosphere: Retains “old-world charm”. The stained glass and snug add character. It’s busy but not cramped, mostly an over-30 crowd appreciating the history and quiet vibe.

• Accessibility: Ground-floor entry, but only narrow spaces. Small step at door. No disabled loo.

• Price: Moderate (£4–5/pint).

• Why #8: An Edinburgh “people’s palace", Bennet’s was included for its well-preserved Victorian atmosphere and character. The unique decor (the “women’s snug”) makes it memorable.

• Tips: Head upstairs to the snug for privacy and good conversation. Watch out for Saturday pub quizzes and comedy nights that draw a crowd.

9. Café Royal Circle Bar (West Register Street, New Town)

• Address: 19 West Register Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AA.

• Nearest transport: Adjacent to The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street, so tram at St Andrew Square (0.1 mi) and numerous buses on Princes Street are available.

• Hours: Daily 17:00–01:00 (may open earlier for special events).

• History/Info: Part of the historic Café Royal (an elegant Victorian cocktail bar, formerly an oyster house), the Circle Bar is famed for its 1920s-style circular counter and grand décor. It’s one of the city’s most beautiful pubs.

• Drinks/Food: Known for cocktails and premium drinks; also serves oysters (fresh from Isle of Gigha) and high-end bar snacks. House speciality: Hendrick’s gin, served creatively (e.g., with cucumber).

• Atmosphere: opulent and atmospheric – marble, brass chandeliers, and antique fixtures. While touristy by day, locals still flock to its convivial bar circle. The vibe is classy yet lively.

• Accessibility: Fully accessible (step-free to bar, large space).

• Price: Expensive (cocktails ~£12, pints ~£5–6).

• Why #9: We included Café Royal for its blend of Victorian grandeur and quality drinks. Its tourist-friendly reputation is balanced by its historical value (“Parisian-style exterior… one of Edinburgh’s most beautiful pubs”).

• Tips: Sit at the central circular bar for the full experience. Weekend evenings can be busy with a mixed crowd (drink quickly!). Try the signature oyster and Champagne combo.

10. The Hanging Bat (Lothian Road, City Centre)

• Address: 133 Lothian Road, Edinburgh EH3 9AB.

• Nearest transport: Lothian Road trams and buses (just south of West End); nearest tram: West End stop (0.2 mi).

• Hours: Daily 12:00–23:00 (Mon–Thu), until 01:00 (Fri–Sat); Sun 12:00–22:00.

• History/Info: Edinburgh’s first dedicated craft beer bar (opened 2015). Industrial-chic fit-out with concrete floors and chalkboards. Home-brewed ales from its on-site microbrewery make it stand out.

• Drinks/Food: Over 20 taps of local and international beers – from Bat’s own IPAs and stouts to guest craft beers. Also offers cider and an interesting spirits selection. No food kitchen, but offers snacks (cheese boards and nuts).

• Atmosphere: Friendly, quirky and laid-back. The focus is beer exploration – described as a “beer-lovers’ paradise” with a microbrewery visible inside. The vibe is relaxed and modern, popular with young locals.

• Accessibility: Street-level entry with a spacious interior; wheelchair-friendly.

• Price: Moderate (£4–6 per craft pour).

• Why #10: We round out the list with The Hanging Bat because of its innovative craft offerings. It provides something different – locally brewed beers and a fun pub ambiance – which complements Edinburgh’s traditional pubs. It’s beloved by beer geeks city-wide.

• Tips: Check the beer board early – favourites can sell out. The Flying Scotsman IPA is a house staple. The upstairs area is quieter if the ground floor is packed.

Each of these pubs offers something special – whether it’s historic atmosphere, live music, craft beer or exceptional whisky – and all come highly rated by reviewers. Together they paint a full picture of Edinburgh’s vibrant pub scene.