There’s no better way to experience the buzzing heart of Edinburgh’s nightlife than by joining a pub crawl that’s become nothing short of legendary. This is not your typical bar hop. It’s a walking party that combines live music, Scottish humour, free drinks, themed nights, and unforgettable moments in some of the city’s most iconic venues.
Whether you’re travelling solo, visiting for the weekend, or a local looking for a new way to explore your city, the Edinburgh Pub Crawl offers an energetic and highly entertaining night out that you’ll talk about for months. Here’s why it stands above the rest.
A wee bit o’ history
Since 2013, the Edinburgh Pub Crawl has welcomed visitors and locals alike, bringing people together for evenings filled with dancing, storytelling, and the kind of laughter that echoes through cobbled streets. With five-star reviews across every major travel platform and a reputation that now reaches far beyond Scotland, it has become one of the city’s most iconic nightlife experiences.
This isn’t a generic crawl through overcrowded pubs. It’s a curated event led by guides who know Edinburgh inside out. Every stop is handpicked for its atmosphere, history, and unique character.
What to expect on the night
The crawl kicks off at Jake’s Place on Market Street (EH1 1DE), right in the city centre. From there, the group visits a carefully selected lineup of pubs and clubs that highlight both the traditional and modern sides of Edinburgh’s nightlife.
Included in the experience are seven bars, five free shots, one cocktail, and a Jägerbomb, plus VIP entry into one of the city’s best clubs to end the night. You’ll also get discounted drinks throughout the crawl and a variety of party games to keep the energy high. And it all comes at the very affordable price of just £7.
What sets this apart is how social and inclusive the atmosphere is. The guides are masters of icebreaking, and by the second venue, it’s not uncommon to see strangers chatting like lifelong friends.
The power of the guides
Founder Justin Davis and his team are not just there to keep you on track between stops. They’re storytellers, entertainers, and Edinburgh experts. Each guide brings their own flavour to the evening, sharing bits of local lore, historic anecdotes, and dry Scottish wit that keeps everyone smiling.
You’ll hear tales of haunted closets and royal scandals one moment and be challenged to a group drinking game the next. It’s this blend of culture and chaos that gives the Edinburgh Pub Crawl its unforgettable energy.
More than just pubs
One of the biggest draws is the variety. The crawl mixes traditional pubs with trendy cocktail lounges, alternative music bars, and high-energy clubs.
The Royal Mile Tavern is famous for its unicorn pints—colourful, surprising, and extremely photogenic. Then there’s Biddy Mulligans, where you’re likely to stumble into a folk music session that gets the whole place dancing. And if you join on a themed Friday, you might find yourself ordering a whisky beside someone dressed as a mediaeval knight.
It’s these spontaneous moments that make every crawl unique. No two nights are ever quite the same, which is why many people come back for a second or third go.
A few highlights to look out for
- Live music and local DJs—the sound of the city comes alive as you move from venue to venue.
- The Jägerbomb train— It’s as wild as it sounds, and no, we won’t spoil it for you.
- Fancy dress Fridays – From 80s nights to Halloween in July, you never know who you’ll end up dancing beside.
- The final club—VIP entry into one of the city’s top venues means no queues, just a smooth transition into the final hours of the night.
What past crawlers are saying
Testimonials from participants are glowing and consistent. People rave about the social vibe, the humour of the guides, and the fun of being part of a big, friendly group.
“Best night ever! Our guide was hilarious, and the group felt like a big family by the end. The Jägerbomb train was truly unforgettable,” said Lauren from Glasgow.
Jonas from Germany shared, “I’ve participated in pub crawls in Berlin and Amsterdam, but this one surpasses them all. Edinburgh’s nightlife is truly exceptional.”
And Katie from London summed it up: “We laughed, we danced, we drank—what more could you want?”
How to join
The pub crawl runs every night of the week, starting at 8 pm sharp. You can simply show up on the night and participate, but we strongly advise booking in advance. Edinburgh is a popular city for students, tourists, and stag and hen parties, so spaces can fill quickly.
Why it’s worth it
At just £7, this night out is one of the best-value experiences in the city. You’ll see a different side of Edinburgh, meet people from across the globe, and enjoy a carefully curated mix of local hotspots and party favourites.
It’s not just a pub crawl—it’s a crash course in Scottish hospitality, nightlife, and banter. So grab your mates, pull on your tartan, and join one of the best nights out in the UK.
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