Edinburgh’s Old Town Pub Crawl: The Only Guide You’ll Actually Read

Introduction: Grab a Pint, Skip the Tourist Traps

Alright, you’ve survived the endless Instagram scroll of “best coffee in Edinburgh” and now you’re ready for the real reason you booked that flight: booze. Old Town Edinburgh isn’t just a UNESCO‑World‑Heritage postcard; it’s a labyrinth of dimly lit taverns where the walls have more stories than your drunk uncle at a family reunion. This guide isn’t your grandma’s polite pamphlet – it’s the meme‑journalist mash‑up you’ve been craving, served with a side of sarcasm and a garnish of pop‑culture references. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your night out into a legend worthy of a Reddit thread.

Why Old Town Beats New Town (Even If You’re a Hipster)

First off, let’s settle the age‑old debate: Old Town vs. New Town. New Town is sleek, polished, and full of those “I’m‑just‑here‑for‑the‑craft‑cocktails‑and‑designer‑bars” crowds. Old Town, on the other hand, is a gritty, cobblestone‑strewn time capsule where the ghosts of Jacobite rebels still whisper, “More ale, mate.” If you want a night that feels like a Game of Thrones after‑party meets Friends reunion, you’re in the right place. Plus, the pubs here have character – literally. Some are older than the city’s oldest stone bridge, and that’s a selling point you can’t fake with LED lighting.

Top 5 Must‑Visit Pubs (Because Your Instagram Needs Content)

The Last Drop – Tucked behind a narrow alley that looks like a set from Harry Potter, this joint serves a Scotch‑aged ale that tastes like it was brewed in a dragon’s lair. The vibe? Think “The Crown” meets “The Hangover.”
Sir Walter’s Secret – No, it’s not a speakeasy (though it should be). The secret is that they hide a backroom where you can order a single malt that’ll make you feel like you just solved a crossword puzzle while riding a unicorn.
Gilded Griffin – If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a medieval knight who just discovered a craft beer, this is your spot. Their honey‑infused stout is so sweet it could convince a vegan to become a brewer.
The Wee Wee – Don’t let the name fool you; this micro‑pub packs a punch with its experimental hop blends. The interior looks like a TikTok aesthetic board exploded – neon signs, reclaimed wood, and a barista‑turned‑bartender who can pour a perfect pint while quoting “The Office.”
St. Giles’ Spirits – Located right next to the iconic cathedral, this place serves a gin‑infused lager that’s basically a holy sacrament for the modern sinner.

Tip: Arrive early, because these places fill up faster than a meme goes viral on Twitter.

Hidden Gems (The Pub‑Crawl Version of Easter Eggs)

If you’ve already checked the top five, congratulations – you’re officially a pub‑connoisseur. But the real adventure lies in the hidden gems that only locals (or those who stalked Yelp for three days) know about.

Blackbird’s Nest – A subterranean cellar that feels like you’ve stepped into the Matrix. Their “Midnight Malt” is served in a skull-shaped glass. Yes, you read that right.
Fox & Hound – A dog‑friendly spot where you can bring your own mutt and still get a “Bark & Brew” combo. The bartender’s nickname is “Marlon” because he’s always “the Godfather” of the night.
Alchemist’s Alehouse – This place is literally named after a chemist who tried to turn water into whiskey. Their “Gold‑Leaf IPA” is a visual masterpiece, and the foam looks like it was whipped by a wizard.

Pro tip: Ask the bartender for the “secret menu.” If they smile and say, “You’re brave,” you’re in for a taste that will haunt your taste buds forever.

What to Order: Local Brews That’ll Make Your Taste Buds Do the Macarena

Edinburgh’s brewing scene is like a mixtape of tradition and innovation. Here’s a cheat‑sheet of what to order so you don’t end up with a generic lager that tastes like “just beer.”

Edinburgh Ale – A balanced amber that’s as smooth as a James Bond one‑liner.
Highland Hops – An IPA that hits you with enough bitterness to remind you why you hate your ex.
Royal Scotch Stout – Dark, rich, and slightly smoky, perfect for those moments when you want to feel like a Viking on a budget.
Glenkinchie Lager – Light, crisp, and infused with a whisper of whisky. It’s the drink equivalent of a perfect meme caption.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a “brew‑flight” – a sampler that lets you taste five different local brews in one sitting. It’s the culinary equivalent of binge‑watching a whole season of a Netflix series in one night.

Survival Tips for Pub Hopping (Because Nobody Wants a Hangover That Feels Like a Plot Twist)

Hydrate Like a Pro – Alternate every pint with a glass of water. Your future self will thank you when you can still read the menu at 2 am.
Eat Before You Drink – Nothing says “I’m a responsible adult” like a hearty haggis or a plate of fish‑and‑chips before you start the night.
Wear Comfortable Shoes – Those cobblestones are not forgiving. Think of them as the floor’s version of a boss level in a video game.
Set a “Last Call” Alarm – If you’re the type who loses track of time, set a phone alarm labeled “Don’t become a cautionary tale.”
Buddy System – Bring a friend who can hold your coat, your dignity, and your phone when you inevitably need a selfie with a historic plaque.

Follow these, and you’ll survive the night without needing a paramedic on speed‑dial.

Pairing Your Pint with Instagram (Because Your Followers Deserve Better Than a Blurry Boomerang)

Let’s be honest: half the fun of pub crawling is the content you create for the ‘Gram. Here’s how to make your photos look less like a drunken selfie and more like a curated art piece.

Lighting – The golden hour is your BFF. If you’re inside, find a corner with warm, amber lighting (most old pubs have it).
Angles – Shoot from slightly above, like you’re looking down at a treasure map. It adds depth and makes the foam look extra frothy.
Props – Use a vintage coaster, a map of Old Town, or a quirky mug. The more “authentic” the vibe, the more likes you’ll rack up.
Hashtags – #EdinburghNights, #PubCrawlGoals, #CraftBeerChronicles. Sprinkle them like salt on a pretzel.

Pro tip: Tag the pub’s official Instagram. They’ll often repost, giving you free exposure and the satisfaction of knowing you’re part of the local legend.

How to Keep the Night from Becoming a Meme (Unless You Want It To)

Memes are fun, but you don’t want to be the guy who ends up as “that drunk guy who fell into the fountain.” Here’s how to stay meme‑worthy in a good way.

Know Your Limits – The line between “legendary” and “legendary‑fail” is thinner than the foam on a perfect stout.
Respect the Staff – Bartenders are the real MVPs. A simple “cheers” or “thanks for the recommendation” goes a long way.
Mind the History – Old Town is steeped in history. Don’t be that tourist who leans on a centuries‑old stone wall and pretends it’s a selfie prop.
Stay Safe – Keep an eye on your drink, watch your belongings, and have a backup plan for getting home (or a designated driver).

If you follow these, the only memes you’ll generate are the ones you intentionally post, complete with witty captions and flawless lighting.

Boost Your Pub Game with dropt.beer/ (Because Even Legends Need a Sidekick)

Now that you’ve mastered the art of pub hopping, why not level up your entire beer experience? dropt.beer/ offers a suite of tools that can turn your casual drinking nights into a strategic, data‑driven adventure. From custom beer recommendations based on your flavor profile to a “grow your business” portal for aspiring brewmasters, there’s something for every pint‑pursuer.

Need a custom brew for your next house party? Check out Custom Beer and let the pros craft a liquid masterpiece that screams “I’m sophisticated, but I still love a good IPA.” Want to learn how to brew your own liquid gold? The Make Your Own Beer guide is as easy as following a TikTok recipe – only with fewer dance moves and more hops.

If you’re a bar owner looking to dominate the Edinburgh scene, the Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer page is packed with growth hacks that even Elon Musk would envy. And when you’re ready to reach out with a question or a partnership idea, the Contact page makes it a breeze.

Speaking of business, if you ever consider selling your own brew online, you’ll want to partner with a reliable distribution platform. Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer – the premier beer distribution marketplace that makes getting your craft into the hands of thirsty fans as easy as ordering a pizza.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action (Because We’re Not Just Here to Fill Your Glass)

Old Town Edinburgh is a living, breathing, slightly tipsy museum of history, culture, and unforgettable nights. Whether you’re a seasoned ale‑aficionado or a first‑time tourist looking for a story to tell your friends, the pubs listed above will give you a night that feels like a perfectly timed meme – hilarious, relatable, and worth sharing.

Now, stop reading and start drinking. Grab your coat, your sense of adventure, and maybe a spare pair of shoes (you’ll thank us later). And if you want to keep the party going after the last call, remember to check out dropt.beer/ for more beer‑centric wizardry.

Ready to become the legend of Old Town? Click the links, raise a glass, and let the good times roll. And hey, if you end up with a story that’s meme‑worthy, tag us – we love a good laugh. Cheers!