Bobby’s Bar Crawl 5 Bars, Nightclub and Scottish Ceilidh Dance

Edinburgh’s nightlife gets a fun Scottish twist on this four-hour Old Town crawl, which begins with a ceilidh dance rather than a quiet drink. I like the mix of live Scottish and Irish music, and I like that nightclub entry, complimentary shots, drink deals, photos, and a wristband are built into the $20.57 price. You can meet people quickly without planning every stop yourself.

The main trade-off is simple: drinks are not included, and the evening moves fast, with about 45 minutes at each listed stop. The package is promoted as five bars plus a nightclub, while the supplied route names Stramash, Frankenstein Pub, Biddy Mulligans, and The Hive, so check the exact evening plan when you book.

Key points at a glance

• Scottish ceilidh first: Stramash gives you a chance to learn traditional dances in a lively setting, with no prior experience needed.
• Four named stops: The route includes Stramash, Frankenstein Pub, Biddy Mulligans, and The Hive nightclub.
• Hosts who shape the night: James, Luciano, and Danielle are among the Bobby’s team, with Danielle also known for singing.
• Strong social value: The format is built for meeting people, and some participants even returned to favorite venues the following night.
• Low headline price: At $20.57, included entry and extras make the crawl good value if you plan to visit several venues.
• Late start, central finish: Meet at 9 p.m. at 37 to 39 Cowgate and finish at The Hive on Niddry Street.

Starting on Cowgate at 9 p.m.

You meet at 37 to 39 Cowgate, in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, at 9 p.m. That timing suits a proper night out rather than an early-evening pub visit. The tour lasts about four hours, so expect the finish around 1 a.m., though the exact pace can vary.

The mobile ticket keeps the arrival simple. Confirmation comes at booking, and the meeting point is near public transportation. I would still arrive with enough time to locate the entrance, especially if you are new to Cowgate and are trying to meet a group in a busy nightlife area.

A wristband helps identify the group and may make moving between venues easier. The crawl can take up to 99 people, so this is not a quiet, small-group pub tour. You are signing up for a social night with a sizeable mix of people, music, and movement.

That size can work in your favor if you are traveling alone or hoping to make friends. It also means you should stay aware of the group between stops. Keep your phone charged, carry only what you need, and make a note of the final venue so you know where the evening ends.

Stramash brings Scottish dancing to the first stop

Stramash sets the tone with live Scottish folk music and a ceilidh dance. A ceilidh is a social dance built around simple steps and group formations. You do not need dance experience, and the point is to join in rather than perform perfectly.

I like this opening because it gives the crawl something more distinctive than a standard sequence of bars. You get a taste of Scottish culture through movement and music, not just through a themed menu or a decorative sign. If you are shy at the beginning of the night, a group dance gives you an easy reason to talk to people.

The scheduled visit is about 45 minutes, with admission included. That is enough time to take part and get a feel for the place, but not enough for a long, relaxed pub session. The short stop also means the evening keeps its momentum.

Danielle is one of the hosts associated with the crawl, and she has been praised for her singing. James and Luciano are also named members of the team. The hosts matter here because a ceilidh is more enjoyable when someone helps newcomers understand what to do and keeps the group involved.

Frankenstein Pub adds a gothic change of mood

The second stop is Frankenstein Pub, known for its gothic setting, busy atmosphere, and Frankenstein show. It gives the night a clear change of mood after the folk music at Stramash. If you enjoy theatrical bars and places with a strong visual identity, this should be one of the more memorable stops.

The legendary Frankenstein show is part of the appeal, though the supplied details do not specify its exact timing or format. That is worth bearing in mind. You should expect a themed bar with entertainment, not a full stage production with a guaranteed start time.

Entry is included, and the planned visit is about 45 minutes. Drink deals may be available at selected venues, but you still pay for most drinks yourself. At a nightlife venue, those extra purchases can quickly cost more than the booking fee, so set a spending limit before the evening begins.

The gothic theme also makes this a useful photo stop. Professional photos are included as part of the crawl, though the details do not promise a specific number of photos or a delivery time. Consider the photos a pleasant extra rather than the main reason to book.

Biddy Mulligans keeps the music going

Biddy Mulligans is an Irish bar with a welcoming feel and traditional live Irish music. The music gives you another cultural angle, and the Irish setting contrasts nicely with the Scottish opening at Stramash.

A 45-minute visit works well for a short live-music stop. You can listen, have a drink, and chat with the people around you without giving up the rest of the night. If you prefer a slow pub evening, this part of the crawl may feel brief. The format is designed for variety, not for settling into one bar for several hours.

This is also the kind of stop where the social side can feel natural. You already share the evening’s route with the group, so you have an easy subject for conversation. The supplied comments make clear that forming quick friendships is a major part of the experience. One person enjoyed a venue enough to return the next night, which suggests the crawl can help you find places worth revisiting independently.

You should not expect a food tour. Food is not included, and no meal is listed as part of the route. Eat beforehand or plan another meal around the evening, since the four-hour schedule focuses on drinks, music, dancing, and nightlife.

The Hive finishes with a proper dance floor

The final named stop is The Hive Nightclub, at 15 to 17 Niddry Street. It is known for cheap drinks, a lively dance floor, and a strong nightlife feel. This is where the evening shifts from a pub crawl into a club night.

Nightclub entry is included, which improves the value of the package. Buying entry separately, then paying for several bar admissions, can easily make a self-planned night more expensive than $20.57. The included access also removes one common late-night problem: reaching a club and finding an unexpected cover charge.

The Hive is the end point, so you have a clear place to finish. That is useful if you want to keep dancing after the organized part of the crawl, though the supplied details do not confirm how long the hosts remain after the scheduled experience ends.

The group may be at its largest-feeling point here, with people ready to dance rather than sit and talk. If you prefer quiet cocktail bars or early nights, The Hive may not suit you. If you want music, movement, and a social finish, it completes the route well.

What the $20.57 price really covers

At $20.57 per person, the price is low for an organized night that includes entry to the listed bars and nightclub. You also get a local host or guide, complimentary shots, drink deals at selected venues, professional photos, and a wristband.

The value depends on how you would spend the night without the crawl. If you planned to visit several of these places anyway, included entry can make the booking worthwhile. If you would normally choose one pub and stay there, you may get less financial value, though the social organization and hosts remain useful.

The word complimentary applies to shots, not to general drinks. Food is also extra. This is important because the affordable booking price can create the wrong expectation if you arrive thinking most of the night is prepaid.

I would budget separately for drinks and keep an eye on the drink deals. Deals are available at selected venues, not necessarily at every stop. The package gives you access and structure, but it does not remove the normal cost of a night out.

The people are a major part of the experience

Bobby’s Bar Crawl is built around its hosts as much as its venues. James, Luciano, and Danielle are among the names connected with the evening. Danielle is also noted for being an excellent singer, which fits especially well with the music-led parts of the route.

The strongest benefit for a solo visitor is the built-in social setting. You move as part of a group, share dances and music, and have several natural chances to meet people. The comments tied to the experience repeatedly point to new friendships, friendly hosts, and a feeling of being welcomed in Edinburgh.

That does not mean every person will click with the group. A crawl with up to 99 people can feel energetic and crowded. The experience suits you best if you are comfortable introducing yourself, joining a dance, and moving on when the group moves on.

The evening has also included extra touches such as a scavenger hunt. That is not listed as a guaranteed feature for every booking, so treat it as a possible bonus rather than part of the core promise. The core experience is the route through the venues, the hosts, the included entry, and the social atmosphere.

Who should book this Edinburgh night out?

I would recommend it most strongly to solo visitors, pairs, and small groups who want an easy way to meet people. It is also a good fit if you want to try a ceilidh without committing to a formal dance class, or if you want both pub music and a nightclub in one evening.

First-time visitors to Edinburgh may appreciate the Old Town route. You do not have to research which bars to visit or work out how to reach the nightclub later. The experience gives you a ready-made night, while still leaving you free to return to a favorite venue afterward.

It is less suitable if you want a refined tasting experience, a quiet conversation, or a carefully paced evening. The route is short-stop nightlife, with about 45 minutes at each named venue. You should expect music, movement, group energy, and your own spending on drinks.

The late start also matters. The meeting time is 9 p.m., and the activity lasts about four hours. That makes it a poor match for anyone who prefers daytime sightseeing or an early bedtime, but a natural fit for a full night in Edinburgh.

Practical details before you reserve

The experience is available with a mobile ticket, and confirmation arrives when you book. It is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The stated maximum is 99 participants, so the actual group may be much smaller or may feel quite large depending on the date.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Because the route includes alcohol and a nightclub, bring a valid form of identification if the venues require it. The supplied details do not specify an age requirement, dress code, or exact drink prices, so you should confirm those points with Bobby’s Bar Crawl if they matter to your plans.

Should you book Bobby’s Bar Crawl?

Book it if you want a social, high-energy Edinburgh night with Scottish dancing, live music, themed pubs, nightclub entry, and hosts who help bring strangers together. The price is attractive because admissions and several extras are included, and the route gives you a broad sample of Old Town nightlife in about four hours.

Skip it if you prefer one calm pub, a food-focused evening, or full control over the pace. You will pay separately for drinks and food, and the group may be large. For the right kind of night owl, though, the combination of ceilidh dancing at Stramash, Frankenstein Pub’s theatrical setting, Biddy Mulligans’ Irish music, and The Hive’s dance floor makes this a lively introduction to Edinburgh after dark.

FAQ

Where does Bobby’s Bar Crawl start?

It starts at 37 to 39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, UK.

What time does the experience begin?

The start time is 9 p.m.

Where does the crawl finish?

It finishes at The Hive Nightclub, 15 to 17 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, UK.

How long does the bar crawl last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Which venues are included?

The named stops are Stramash, Frankenstein Pub, Biddy Mulligans, and The Hive nightclub. The experience is described as a five-bar crawl with a nightclub.

Is entry to the venues included?

Yes. Entry fees for the bars and nightclub are included.

Are drinks included in the price?

Drinks are not included, apart from the complimentary shots. Drink deals are available at selected venues.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.