Edinburgh: The Original Pub Crawl 7 Bars 7 Shots & Discounts

Edinburgh’s Original Pub Crawl is less about studying Scottish pub culture and more about getting a ready-made night out: seven Old Town bars, six shots, one opening bomb, and no cover charge at the venues on the route. Guides such as Tom, Tiana, Adele, Lewis, and Adam bring the social energy that makes this work.

I like the simple value: $20 includes seven bar visits and seven drinks, while VIP entry saves you from queueing at each stop. I also like the solo-friendly setup. Several guides make a point of joining people together, and one guide even helped visually impaired participants use more accessible routes.

The trade-off is clear: this is a drinking-first party, not a careful tour of traditional Scottish pubs. The venues can vary, Sunday nights may feel quieter, and six hours with seven drinks is a lot. Bring ID, wear proper shoes, and pace yourself.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven Old Town bars: You move through a string of venues rather than settling into one pub for the evening.
• Six shots plus one opening bomb: The provider chooses the shots, so you do not select the drinks yourself.
• Guides shape the night: Tom, Tiana, Adele, Lewis, Adam, Cameron, Esther, Robyn, and others have been praised for inclusion, safety, and group spirit.
• Good for solo visitors: The format gives you an easy way to meet people, even if you arrive alone.
• $20 is strong value: Entry, seven venues, and seven included drinks cost less than many ordinary nights out.
• Dress for nightlife: Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, sportswear, and costumes are not allowed.

Seven bars, one long night in Edinburgh Old Town

The crawl begins at Bar 50, where you meet your English-speaking guide and the rest of the group. From there, you walk between seven venues in Edinburgh’s Old Town, using the guide to avoid the guesswork of choosing where to go next.

That matters in a city with plenty of nightlife packed into a compact center. You do not need to compare menus, judge queues, or work out which doorway has the right mood. The guide keeps the group moving and explains what to expect at each stop.

The exact bar names are not fixed in the details provided, so you should think of this as a changing nightlife route rather than a guaranteed list of seven famous pubs. The appeal is variety: each stop offers another chance to sit, chat, dance, order a drink, or simply see how the evening develops.

The route also gives you a practical look at the Old Town after dark. You will walk between venues rather than being driven, so wear shoes that handle Edinburgh streets and bring a coat suited to the weather. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the route includes movement between venues, so anyone needing specific access arrangements should contact the provider in advance.

The opening bomb sets the tone

The first included drink is a bomb, intended to start the night quickly. After that, you receive six more shots selected by the provider. In other words, the package gives you seven included drinks in total, though the six shots and the bomb are separate parts of the offer.

This is a generous inclusion for $20, but it is also the part that requires the most judgment. You might be ready for a lively evening, while someone else in the group may prefer to drink slowly. You do not have to treat every included shot as a challenge. Take your time, drink water when you can, and remember that the crawl lasts six hours.

The shots are chosen by the company, not individually tailored to your taste. If you dislike strong drinks, have dietary concerns, or simply want to moderate your alcohol intake, ask the guide what is being served and make your own choices. The package price is not a reason to drink beyond your comfort level.

What the first few stops are really for

The early bars do the social work. At the start, you may know only the person you arrived with, or nobody at all. Guides such as Adele, Tiana, and Adam have been praised for helping people talk, play games, and settle into the group.

This is where the crawl is most useful for solo visitors. One solo participant described it as a strong way to meet people, while another made friends who later joined further exploring in Scotland. You should expect introductions, group conversation, and a fair amount of moving around rather than a quiet table reserved for your party.

Group size can vary. One evening included around 40 people, while other nights had smaller groups. A large group can bring more noise and more chances to meet people, but it may also mean more waiting while everyone is gathered. A smaller group can feel easier for conversation, though the atmosphere may depend more heavily on the guide and the people who turn up.

The guide’s personality matters here. Tom has been praised for explaining the rules and helping people bond. Tiana is often described as energetic and attentive. Robyn has been singled out for checking on people and keeping the group together. These details point to the real product: the bars provide the setting, but the guide creates the social flow.

The middle of the crawl brings more variety

By the middle of the six-hour route, the initial introductions have usually done their job. You know a few names, the group has found its rhythm, and the venues become less about meeting strangers and more about enjoying the evening together.

You might find a pub suited to conversation, followed by a louder venue where dancing or karaoke takes over. One guide was praised for exceptional karaoke skills, and another joined in with beer pong. These activities are not guaranteed at every departure, but they show how the night can shift beyond simply ordering drinks.

The free VIP entry is useful at this stage. You avoid cover charges at the venues visited on the crawl, and the group can use express security access. That does not mean every stop will be empty or that you will never wait for the group, but it removes some of the ordinary friction of a busy night out.

The 25% discount at selected bars and clubs can stretch your budget further after the included drinks run out. Check which venues accept it and what it applies to, since the discount is not described as universal across every drink or club in Edinburgh.

The final stops are for the party crowd

The later venues are where the crawl either pays off or becomes too much, depending on your style. If you want dancing, loud music, and a group atmosphere, staying through the final stops gives you the full six-hour experience.

If you prefer traditional pubs, early evenings, or quiet conversation, you may enjoy the beginning more than the end. The route is designed to culminate in a big night out, not to provide a measured tasting of local ales or a detailed account of Edinburgh’s pub traditions.

One useful feature is that you can meet people with different plans. Some may leave early, while others continue to the final venue. The group does not need to remain identical for the whole evening, although the guides work to keep track of people and make sure nobody is left behind at the bars.

Sunday deserves special mention. A Sunday crawl can still be enjoyable and social, but the venues may be less crowded, and some people may drop out before the end. If you want the fullest party atmosphere, choose a busier night when possible. If you prefer more space and easier conversation, a quieter night may suit you better.

The guides are the heart of the experience

The strongest pattern in this pub crawl is the importance of the individual guide. The provider has run pub crawls for more than 13 years, but your evening will depend on the person leading your group.

Tom has been praised for being funny, friendly, informative, and good at explaining the rules. Tiana is known for high energy, group games, and creating a safe atmosphere. Adele has been described as someone who keeps people smiling and brings the group together. Lewis has been praised for his enthusiasm and for taking people to bars they might not have found on their own.

Other named guides include Adam, Cameron, Esther, Robyn, Gi, Abby, and Matt. The exact guide is not guaranteed, so book this for the format rather than for one particular person. Still, the range of positive comments suggests that staff training and personality are major parts of the company’s approach.

Safety also comes up in practical ways. Guides have helped people reach venues by more accessible routes, checked that everyone was together, and assisted with lost belongings. That does not remove the need to look after yourself, especially after several drinks, but it is useful to have a guide managing the group.

What $20 gets you

At $20 per person, this is one of the easier Edinburgh nights out to price. You receive:

• Seven bar visits
• Six selected shots
• One opening bomb
• A guide for the evening
• VIP entry and no cover charge at the venues visited
• 25% discounts at selected bars and clubs

Food is not included, and neither is hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to budget for meals before or during the evening, plus any extra drinks you buy.

The value is best if you plan to visit several venues anyway. Seven cover charges alone could cost more than the ticket on a busy night, and the included drinks give you a useful start. The package is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike crowded nightlife, or would rather choose every bar yourself.

There is also a practical saving in time. You do not spend the first hour checking maps or standing outside venues that may not suit your group. For a first night in Edinburgh, that convenience can be worth as much as the discounts.

Who will enjoy this most

I would point this crawl toward:

• Solo visitors who want an easy social evening
• Friends looking for a lively night rather than a formal tour
• People visiting Edinburgh for the first time
• Anyone who wants to compare several Old Town venues in one evening
• Visitors who value a guide, group energy, and no cover charge

It is less suited to children, pregnant people, non-drinkers, and anyone seeking a quiet or strongly traditional Scottish pub experience. Nobody under 18 can join, and you must bring a passport or ID card.

The dress code is stricter than you might expect for a casual pub night. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, sportswear, and costumes are not allowed. Wear comfortable closed shoes and avoid arriving in fancy-dress clothing.

Booking, meeting, and cancellation details

Meet the guide inside Bar 50. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date. The activity lasts six hours and is conducted in English.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Edinburgh plans are still changing. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. If you have trouble finding the group or need help on the night, the provider asks you to contact them on WhatsApp.

Because the route and guide can vary, save the meeting instructions before leaving your accommodation. Arrive ready to walk between venues, carry your ID, and keep your phone charged.

Should you book the Edinburgh Original Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want a low-cost, social introduction to Edinburgh nightlife and you are happy to let the guide choose the route. The seven venues, seven included drinks, no cover charges, and friendly group format make $20 good value for a party night.

Skip it if you want a quiet evening, a carefully selected list of historic pubs, or complete control over what and where you drink. The pace can be demanding, the bar selection is not fixed, and Sunday nights may be subdued.

For solo visitors, this is probably the strongest reason to choose it. You arrive at Bar 50 alone and immediately have a built-in group, a guide, and a plan. For groups of friends, it is a convenient way to add new people and avoid the usual debate over where to go next. Pace yourself, wear sensible shoes, and treat the included shots as an option rather than an obligation.

FAQ

Where does the Edinburgh pub crawl meet?

Meet your guide inside Bar 50 in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

How long does the pub crawl last?

The activity lasts six hours.

How many bars are included?

The route visits seven bars in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

How many drinks are included?

You receive six shots selected by the provider and one bomb at the start of the night.

Is entry to the venues included?

Yes. VIP entry and no cover charge are included for the venues visited during the crawl.

Are discounts available during the night?

Yes. You receive 25% discounts at selected bars and clubs.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live guide speaks English.

Can solo visitors join?

Yes. The group format is suitable for solo visitors who want to meet people.

What identification should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Are there clothing restrictions?

Yes. Sandals, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, sportswear, and costumes are not allowed.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact the provider if you need specific information about the route between venues.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the price.