Medieval history and royal palaces? <\/strong>Check. <\/em><\/strong>Word famous festivals? <\/strong>Aye.<\/em><\/strong> Edinburgh does many things well, but if there\u2019s one thing it knows how to do<\/strong> really<\/em><\/strong> well, it\u2019s having a good time.<\/strong><\/p>\n Edinburgh\u2019s social scene is pumping. From cosy pubs tucked away in cobblestone alleyways to trendy cocktail bars with views of the city skyline, there\u2019s no shortage of pubs to pass the time and warm up on those (frequently) cold and damp Scottish days. <\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re looking for some good ol\u2019 pub grub and a pint or fancy popping on your glad rags to dance the night away, here are some of Edinburgh\u2019s best watering holes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Whisky lovers, rejoice! The Bow Bar has over 300 whiskies to sample (maybe not all at once) from Highland malts to Speyside malts and everything in between. They also have an impressive range of cask and keg beers. Stick to German and Belgian classics or surprise your taste buds with coffee and cherry stout or peat-smoked brown ale. Founded in 1987, The Bow Bar has the feeling of a \u2018proper\u2019 Scottish pub as soon as you walk in. You won\u2019t hear blaring music or TVs showing sports games here \u2013<\/strong>only good conversations oiled by a glass or two of top-notch scotch.<\/p>\n Okay, so Kilderkin might be super popular with tourists, but it still deserves a place on this list. Located in the heart of Old Town, Kilderkin is a classic old-school boozer with polished wooden floors, stained-glass windows, comfy leather sofas and rickety bar stools. It has a laid-back atmosphere and serves a fine list of thirst-quenching rums, cask beers and rustic pizzas. Kilderkin also hosts a well-known pub quiz every Tuesday which draws in plenty of locals.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a cosy, unpretentious joint where the staff are experts on everything on the menu, Dagda Bar has you covered. The bar oozes character and charm. It was built in an 18th-century tenement terrace building and has retained some of the traditional features. There\u2019s a solid selection of malt whiskies, craft tap beers and guest ales that change every week or so. Pull up a chair at a scuffed table or take a pew at one of the beer barrel tables to enjoy the friendly vibe.\u00a0<\/p>\n Caf\u00e9 Royal might be one of the more glamorous pubs on this list, but it still has a cosy pub atmosphere. Established in 1863, many original features are still intact including stained-glass windows, polished brass taps and an elegant marble bar stocked with a fine range of spirits. They also serve delicious pub grub (with a sophisticated twist) including freshly shucked oysters, garlic mussels, steak n\u2019 chips and ox cheek pie. Don\u2019t fancy a large late? Tuck into smoked haddock scotch eggs, samphire pakoras and other tasty bar snacks.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve come to Edinburgh to learn about its history, you have<\/em> to visit World\u2019s End. There\u2019s an interesting story behind this little pub. After the Battle of Flodden in the 16th century, Edinburgh became a walled city to protect the people, and anything outside of the walls was considered to belong to another world. This pub sits on the cusp just <\/em>inside the walls, hence the name. Pop in for a pint after strolling the Royal Mile or enjoy some hearty scran like steak pie, fish and chips and macaroni cheese. The atmosphere is as classic as Scottish pubs come with wooden beams, wonky walls and memorabilia pinned everywhere.<\/p>\n The name of this pub might make you think of the last dregs of booze. Nuh-uh<\/em>. Located in the heart of Grassmarket near the infamous Greyfriars Kirkyard (said to be the most haunted cemetery in the world), the \u2018last drop\u2019 actually refers to the last hanging that took place in the gallows directly opposite the pub. Some say it\u2019s haunted, but you\u2019d never guess after walking inside and seeing its low ceilings, polished wooden tables and leather-studded benches. They have a decent range of traditional and craft beers, wines and whiskies. If it\u2019s sunny, you can also sit outside in the lively pedestrian square to watch the world go by.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brewhemia was inspired by the life of a Scottish man named Robert who was a distant royal relative of Elizabeth Stuart. After missing out on the English throne, Elizabeth travelled to Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) where she became the Winter Queen (AKA the Queen of Bohemia). After learning about her life, Robert followed in her footsteps and fell in love with Bohemia\u2019s artistic lifestyle and riotous parties. He then travelled to Munich and Venice where he discovered Oktoberfest and Prosecco parties.<\/p>\n In his final days, Robert shared his stories with his family who were amazed by his free-spirited youth. The tales resonated with one of Robert\u2019s great-grandsons so much, that he created Brewhemia. With a copper Czech-style beer palace, a French-style boudoir and a Scottish tartan taproom, it\u2019s a place where you can get a little fancy and enjoy the finer things in life.<\/p>\n Psst\u2026 <\/em>apparently this is the oldest pub in Edinburgh. Established in 1360, these pub walls have seen it all. Sheep Heid Inn has been a favourite watering hole with monarchs and poets for centuries. One of its most famous punters was Mary Queen of Scots who enjoyed playing skittles here. Located in Duddingston Loch (a 10-minute drive from Edinburgh city centre), it\u2019s the go-to pub for a pint after climbing Arthur\u2019s Seat. They serve hearty meals like sea bass fillets, prawn linguine, rotisserie chickens,\u00a0chicken pies and plant-based dishes. It\u2019s also a prime spot to enjoy a Sunday roast. <\/p>\n The Royal Dick isn\u2019t your average pub. It\u2019s tucked away behind the popular Summerhall arts venue in what used to be the Small Animal Hospital of the Dick Vet School. It\u2019s a quirky joint with old projector slides set in the bar tops and peculiar art and veterinary artefacts on the walls. There\u2019s a good range of beverages including craft beers and gin from Barney\u2019s Beer and Pickerings Gin \u2013 both of which are brewed and distilled on-site in Summerhall. Take a seat in one of the eccentric rooms or head outside to the Courtyard Bar (supposedly the biggest in Edinburgh) to quench your thirst in the beer garden.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you fancy toe-tapping to some traditional Scottish folk music, head to Sandy Bell\u2019s. Famous for its \u201csessions\u201d, this watering hole is a bit of a local legend and musicians gather here to jam most days. Don\u2019t be surprised if you suddenly hear fiddles, guitars, accordions and wooden flutes come out of the woodwork while you\u2019re enjoying a quiet pint. The music is different every night so you never really know what to expect. Drinks-wise, they serve all the usual suspects as well as a solid selection of malt whiskies and craft beers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ever wondered what it\u2019s like to go to Wizard\u2019s afternoon tea? Or maybe you\u2019re a big Harry Potter fan? If so, the immersive cocktail class at The Cauldron will be a dream come true. You\u2019ll be given your own cloak and magic wand before being taken to an interactive workstation where you\u2019ll make drinkable elixirs and potions with a bubbling vat. There are also mixology experiences available for non-drinkers and families.<\/p>\n Le Monde is a boutique hotel, bar and restaurant where you can party into the wee hours. Located in the heart of George Street, it features global-inspired decor and drinks from some of the world\u2019s most vibrant cities. Enjoy a Prosecco afternoon tea on the terrace, kick back in a booth or dance the night away in the Shanghai club. If you\u2019re feeling a little more boujie or you\u2019re out celebrating something special, head to the plush New York-style cocktail bar or book a table in the champagne lounge.<\/p>\n![\"Outside](\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Kilderken_Exterior_640x427.jpg\")
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