Edinburgh Local Picks
The pubs I send friends to when they ask where to drink in Edinburgh — historic locals, neighbourhood favourites, and the ones most visitors walk straight past.
Edinburgh's pub scene is one of the best parts of the city — if you know where to look. Skip the overcrowded tourist traps and head to the places locals actually drink: old coaching inns, back-street whisky bars, proper beer pubs, and a few hidden corners that feel like a secret.
Duddingston Village
Said to be Scotland's oldest licensed pub, sitting at the foot of Arthur's Seat by Duddingston Loch. A proper old coaching inn with open fires, cask ales, and a skittles alley out the back. The walk there through Holyrood Park is half the reason to go.
Victoria Street
A quiet, unpretentious real-ale pub just off the Royal Mile. No music, no TVs, just excellent Scottish beer, whisky, and conversation. This is the kind of place locals guard jealously.
Newington
A relaxed Southside pub with a strong food offering, local ales, and a garden. A favourite with Edinburgh residents rather than visitors, which tells you everything.
Leith Walk
An independent, dog-friendly Leith Walk pub with a changing beer selection and a laid-back crowd. Great for an unplanned afternoon pint.
Stockbridge
A stylish Georgian hotel bar that's open to everyone, with a well-kept garden and one of the prettier corners of Stockbridge on its doorstep.
Advocate's Close
Tucked down an Old Town close, this candlelit bar serves modern Scottish food and a serious gin list. The setting — down a narrow wynd off the Royal Mile — feels like you've stepped behind the scenes of the city.
South Clerk Street
A friendly, traditional pub with a loyal local following, good beer, and a proper Sunday roast. The kind of place that's easy to settle into for the evening.
These picks and 100+ more Edinburgh spots — restaurants, coffee shops, walks, and hidden gems — are all saved in one Google Map, ready to open on your phone while you're exploring.
Looking for more than pubs? The Edinburgh Local guide covers the best coffee shops, restaurants, walks, neighbourhoods, markets, and hidden gems — all with a Google Map so you can find them easily on the move.