So many bars, so many cocktails so little time – never fear – we’re here to help you find the best bars in Edinburgh.

Whether you’re looking for a chilled night out or a buzzing atmosphere, Edinburgh has something to offer everyone and here are our tips on where to get the best drinks in the city:

 

Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar

The colder nights call for warming whisky and there are few places that do it better than The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, where you can cosy up in their wonderful ground floor bar, Kaleidoscope, which offers an exceptional range of the finest single cask whiskies money can buy.

Choosing whisky can often seem overwhelming, but at the Society all the bottles are characterised in one of their 12 flavour profiles, making it much easier to find your favourite dram.

There are events held at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society throughout the year so don’t forget to check out their events page, including for events in Leith.

28 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1Jz
Website:  Scotch Malt Whisky Society

 

Whiski Rooms

Continuing on the whisky theme, here’s another bar that knows a thing or two about the nation’s favourite tipple. Perfect if you find yourself wandering around the Royal Mile, the famous bar, restaurant and shop offers a huge variety of whisky.

The relaxed environment plays host to whisky lovers and tourists alike, so whether you’re a malt aficionado or a dram novice you’re bound to find something memorable.

4-7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP
Website:  Whiski Rooms

 

Bramble

If you really want to feel like you’re escaping the crowds, then consider settling into the dark and intimate surroundings of this notorious underground bar. Previously crowned ‘Best bar in the UK’ (https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-cocktail-bar-named-best-in-the-uk-1-4749911), Bramble really is a cocktail haven. However, you’ll need to do a bit of exploring first, just look for the Queen Street venue’s mysterious staircase to discover something unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

16A Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JE
Website:  Bramble

 

Nightcap

This cosy, intimate underground bar feels like a local secret. With a wealth of interesting cocktails and spirits, you’ll be spoilt for choice and the friendly staff can guide you to finding your perfect tipple. With levels of cellars, candlelight, it’s a place you can happily lose an afternoon (or evening) in.

3 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EB
Website:  Night Cap Bar

 

The Bow Bar

This iconic bar sits in the heart of the Old Town and is definitely one of the best whisky destinations in the city. They often stock more than 300 bottles of single malt, from fan favourites to real rare finds. Their selection is ever-changing as new releases are brought in, ensuring there is something for everybody and the whisky exploration never ends.

The traditional pub is simply furnished with wooden fixtures and fittings, a beautiful mahogany gantry displaying their collection and old memorabilia on the walls, making it the ultimate authentic Edinburgh watering hole.

80 West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2HH
Website:  The Bow Bar

If you like our pick of Edinburgh’s Best Bars, you might also like
Edinburgh Wine Bars