When it comes to nightlife for students, Edinburgh, with its four universities, is a hot favourite. Edinburgh is always full of evening entertainment. The city has 275 pubs for every 100,000 residents. Here, we present the best 7 bars in Edinburgh.
Bow bar
Address: 80 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH
Business Hour: 12 pm-12 am
Most of Edinburgh’s pubs are pretty old, so it’s easy for them to be “old and traditional” and not be able to hold their own. But this Bow Bar in Edinburgh’s Old Town says it’s the best traditional pub in Edinburgh, so it’s a good bet that the rest of the city’s pubs will follow suit. With a long list of quality bulk beers and whiskies, it’s standing room only on Friday and Saturday nights, so if you want to get a taste of Edinburgh’s oldest traditional pub, visit the Bow Bar!
Brewdog
Address: 143 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS
Business Hour: 4 pm- 12 am
Compared to pubs that have been around for decades, the Edinburgh location of Brewdog, which opened a few years ago, is unassuming. However, the usual industrial-era style and industrial aesthetic of the Brewdog chain have made the new pub popular. The reputation of Scotland’s “punk brewery” is growing, with Brewdog’s physical pubs in several major cities across the UK. Not only do they have a wide range of beers brewed in-house, but Brewdog Edinburgh’s four bulk fresh beers are also a favourite among many customers. Beer lovers may want to stop by and order one. If you want to drink his beer but don’t want to go out, you can directly order online to buy an essential £1.80/bottle; there are a variety of brewing techniques and ingredients to choose from; buying more will be cheaper.
The Cauldron
Address: 57a Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH
Business Hours: 5 pm-12 am except Monday and Tuesday
The Cauldron is located in the centre of Edinburgh, and as soon as you walk through the door, you will feel an intense Harry Potter vibe as if you were there. The bar is split into two areas: the magic and general areas. The magic area can be booked in advance for magic lessons and cocktails in the general area, ranging from 7-10 pounds. The magic course is a hands-on mixology course where you can make your cocktails with ingredients in small pots and pans, which is a great experience and very playful! When you enter the bar, the waiter will let you pick a wand and wave it to summon service. Harry Potter fans will want to attend this pub! Warm reminder: over 18 years old can not drink. You remember to bring your ID to go to the card, and then learn magic. Beautiful photos will be fine!
Ensign Ewart
Address: 521-523 Lawn Market, Edinburgh EH1 2PE
Business Hour: 12 pm-12 am
Conveniently located on Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile, Ensign Ewart is a historic tavern. Once inside the furnishings and style of the house, along with the occasional encounter with bagpipers in traditional Scottish dress, you will wonder if you have travelled back to the Middle Ages. The mainstay of this pub is whisky, especially Scotch, but of course, there are other cocktails and drinks on offer. Five or six hundred whiskies are offered, and seven or eight bottles are refreshed every Monday. There are very few basics here. It’s from various distilleries, and the bar’s selection is excellent. The locals rate them highly, with many decades of regular customers. Ensign Ewart can’t be beaten price-wise, and for 10 quid, you can get drinks such as the Macallan 17-year-old Shirley single cask, Genting 10-year-old pc cask, etc., and best of all, they give a full 35ml for every glass. Please give a full 35ml per glass to say it’s value for money!
Cumberland beer
Address: 1-3 Cumberland St, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH3 6RT
Business Hour: 4:30-11 pm
44 Scotland Street is a series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, centred around a group of people surrounded by small things in the block of flats at 44 Scotland Street. The pub, often mentioned in the series, is based on the Cumberland Beer. Although the Cumberland Beer has a lot of traditional objects, such as wooden and copper decorations, the sense of history still needs to be improved naturally. However, apart from drinking, most of the people who come here mainly for the novels, so they don’t need to care about the sense of history.
Wee Red Bar
Address: Lauriston Architecture Building, 74 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh EH3 9DF
Business Hour: 7 pm-3 am
The Wee Red Bar, located on the Edinburgh College of Art campus, holds a special place in the hearts of many students who have studied in the Scottish capital. Unlike many of the bars on this list of our recommendations, Wee Red Bar offers endless gigs of all types. The venue also hosts regular club nights, such as The Egg, which has been running for over 20 years. Being a student bar, Wee Red Bar serves some of the cheapest drinks. Watch their programme if you’re looking for a night of excellent value entertainment!
Devil’s Advocate
Address: 12 pm-12 am
Business Hour: 9 Advocate’s Cl, Edinburgh EH1 1ND
Devil’s Advocate is also on Royal Mile but in a charming alleyway that requires going down. The downward alleyway only allows two people to pass through. Still, this alleyway entrance is so out of the film from above that it seems like you’re entering somewhere off Diagon Alley. The flight inside the pub isn’t too expensive, and there’s a decent selection, making it a friendly experience for newcomers. Note: Devil’s Advocate is too hot and crowded, so if you really want to experience it, we recommend going to the first few, and if you still want to experience it after you’ve been there, remember to call and make a reservation, or you won’t be able to get a spot.
FAQ
Which street in Edinburgh has the best bars?
If you’re looking for an authentic Scottish pub experience, then Rose Street is the place to be. This charming pedestrian street is lined with traditional Scottish pubs, each with its own unique charm.
Those looking for a more upscale experience can head to George Street. This elegant street is home to some of Edinburgh’s most luxurious bars and restaurants.
Does Edinburgh have good nightlife?
Edinburgh is well known for its vibrant nightlife, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or an energetic party, this city has everything. One of the most popular areas for nightlife in Edinburgh is the Old Town, specifically the Grassmarket and Cowgate streets.
What is the difference between a bar and a pub?
Pub: generally refers to a relatively simple pub that provides simple food, snacks, and board games for everyone to cheer up. The opening hours are usually from the afternoon to midnight.
Bar: A bar between a pub and a club, sometimes with live performances. Opening hours are usually midnight. Some bars also provide a ballroom for guests to dance.
