One thing that the centre of Edinburgh has in abundance is pubs and bars.
With so much on offer though, it can be hard to know where the best place to get a drink in the capital is.
Whether it's a quiet pint you're after or a place to watch football or rugby, there's a venue in the City Centre for you.
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To help you find the best pubs and bars in the centre Edinburgh, we took to TripAdvisor and ranked the majority of them by their average review score.
We also included a sample review so you know exactly what visitors are saying.
Kitty O'Shea's, 43B Frederick Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 24
What one visitor said: "Popped in on the recommendation of a friend one evening and have to say the place looked great. The table we sat at however was dirty, the floors weren't clean and the toilets were a state. Ambience was very loud and rowdy. It felt much more like a club than a bar. Staff were working very hard but seemed to be focused on regulars rather than 'newcomers'."
Scott's of Rose Street, 202 Rose Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 49
What one visitor said: "Stopped in here for a drink to get out of the cold. However the place was like a fridge. Freezing cold and has no atmosphere. It wasn’t very busy but seemed like it was a hassle for the staff to serve you. Wouldn’t go again. Better bars on rose street."
Pilgrim Bar, Cowgate
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 160
What one visitor said: "Drinks were fab and great student deals. Highlight for me was the Disarrono Sour by Maeve which was probably one of the best I’ve had! The Swimming Pool Martini is a great choice too!"
Hanover Tap, 112 Hanover Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 191
What one visitor said: "My friend and I visited yesterday for the Boozy Brunch and is was a fantastic day! The food was fab and the staff were incredible, helpful, friendly and attentive. We loved it so much we’ve booked to go back next month! Highly recommend."
Belushi's, 32 Market Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 244
What one visitor said: "Visited whilst both football and rugby matches were being shown down was very busy but speed of service was still great. We couldn't find anywhere else showing both games so we were pleased to find this place. Was a brilliant atmosphere, really enjoyed it."
Juniper, 20 Princes St
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 298
What one visitor said: "Great cocktails with a great view of Edinburgh. I didn’t catch the lovely host’s name but she was great and no cocktail was off limits even if they weren’t on the menu. Great way to close a great day trip to the city."
Milnes Bar, 15-16 Market Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 443
What one visitor said: "Yes this place is busy. Yes pints are expensive, but what would you expect at this perfect location? We had an ice cold pint and watched everyone enjoying their food. This place was exactly what you should expect out of a pub in the UK."
The Playfair, Omni Centre
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 469
What one visitor said: "We had drinks here before a planned visit to an Indian restaurant nearby, The pub was very busy, and all the seats were taken. We decided to order using the app, which was the easiest way to order, although people going to the bar were served a little quicker owing to the number of customers making the same choice as us."
The Tron, 9 Hunter Square
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 535
What one visitor said: "Great bar good atmosphere, during Fringe handy for a drink, football on the tv, would recommend. Good game is trying to get the barman to smile, good job beer sales are not dependant on him being personable."
The Alexander Graham Bell, 128 George Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 641
What one visitor said: "We were a bit surprised to have had just an average meal here; based on meals at other Weatherspoon's pubs, we expected better. They were out of the Mediterranean salad and the coffee machine was out of coffee. And, the onion rings tasted old and tired. Must have been an off day."
The Standing Order, 62-66 George Street
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 685
What one visitor said: "Building was beautiful, service was incredible, staff very friendly and food was really good! This was our first place to eat when we arrived in Edinburgh and we were thrilled with everything."
The Three Sisters, 139 Cowgate
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 880
What one visitor said: "Came to 3 sisters with a group of friends. Thoroughly enjoyed my visit, great choice of beers and staff friendly and helpful especially Colin from the security team. Great visit to Edinburgh and some great tips on where to go."
Beehive Inn, 18/20 Grassmarket
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,102
What one visitor said: "Visited yesterday with friends before a concert in Edinburgh. Food was very good and a great selection of pub classics. I had the steak pie and it was delicious! It was very busy but the staff were very friendly and attentive. Drinks were good too and atmosphere was fun. I'd definitely recommend. I feel the prices were very reasonable too."
Frankenstein, 26 George IV Bridge
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,113
What one visitor said: "The decor is very much into the mad scientist Dr. Frankenstein theme and the drinks are as well! There's a decent cocktail and beer menu, plus food (that we didn't have). The upstairs has a few tables, but you get a great view of the "show" each hour plus the tables are creepy and fun for small groups."
The Booking Office, 17 Waverley Bridge
Rating: 3.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,158
What one visitor said: "I never expect a lot when I visit a Spoons but this place was fine. Generally clean (some tables needed cleared but it’s very busy in this branch). Food and drink basic but cheap. Good when you’re on a budget. Hard to find a table because of its location but overall, would return. Toilets down a lot of stairs so not suitable for anyone with mobility issues."
Fierce Beer, 167 Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 35
What one visitor said: "Nice range of ales, even the gluten free & vegan ale tasted nice! Had the classic burger which was amazing too. Nice, friendly staff too."
Mather's Bar, 25 Broughton Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 106
What one visitor said: "Lovely traditional pub. Friendly atmosphere and great service. Wide selection of beers to choose from when we went to watch the rugby."
Bar 50, 50 Blackfriars Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 164
What one visitor said: "Would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to have a fun night! Fab Karaoke on a Thursday evening and love the pub quiz on Monday evenings."
Finnegan's Wake, 9b Victoria St
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 254
What one visitor said: "Great bar, fabulous staff and security team. Felt safe with mitch on the door - thank you for making us feel so comfortable it made our night even better and kept us there all night!"
The Amber Rose, 22-26 Castle Street/Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 452
What one visitor said: "I have been several times over the years and can highly recommend. The management and staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The food is excellent great choice and cooked to perfection . Everyone working here goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome and nothing is too much trouble. This is always the place we go and can’t recommend it enough. Pop in next time you won’t be disappointed."
The Voodoo Rooms, 19A West Register Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 592
What one visitor said: "The food was excellent and so were the drinks. The actual bar is really nice as well. Would recommend to anyone."
Rose Street Brewery, 55-57 Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 680
What one visitor said: "Pub is very well managed, has excellent food and very attentive staff. In recently and their selection of real ales was brilliant along with the managers knowledge."
The Black Rose Tavern, 49 Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 797
What one visitor said: "Found this place after an Indian and was a nice friendly and quiet pub for a pint, interesting decor and clearly a rock / alternative venue. Enjoyed the setting and good beer most importantly!"
The Abbotsford, 3-5 Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 805
What one visitor said: "This place oozes classic charm. The oblong shaped bar sits centred in a wood-panelled room that seem as if it is from another century. Even better was the friendliness and service we received when we stopped in for lunch. The food; pretty much average. Vegetarian curry and hamburger for us. Both good, but quite familiar."
No.1 High Street, 1 High Street Royal Mile
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 848
What one visitor said: "Stopped by for a quick lunch and while the food was very good the Guinness was excellent. In fact it was so good we stayed longer than planned. Good friendly staff too."
The Guildford Arms, 1-5 West Register Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 884
What one visitor said: "We ate in the restaurant so we had very nice table service. The soup of the day was delicious- tomato. And the Scottish specialities were, too. The decor is beautiful."
The Newsroom, 5-11 Leith Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 886
What one visitor said: "Visited for drinks and was served by Rachel T. Her cocktail knowledge is amazing and we will defo be back!"
Auld Hundred, 100 Rose Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 896
What one visitor said: "Friendly, traditional, Rose Street pub with relaxed but attentive staff. The venue was busy but I was served quickly and the choice of drinks was good. Although the restaurant was busy Alex found me a table. The food (Large salad with warm chicken) was perfect and set me up for an evening of festival adventures. Will be returning."
Biddy Mulligans Pub, 96 Grassmarket
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,006
What one visitor said: "Really friendly, great service, wonderful location! Good banter with staff who stayed lovely even under duress and accommodated difficult customer’s with ease. Would definitely go again. Special shout out to Rachel who was wonderful."
The Fiddler's Arms, 11-13 Grassmarket
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,048
What one visitor said: "Welcoming staff. Good selection of food that tasted delicious. Clean and warm environment. Thank you!"
The Mitre Bar, 131-133 High Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,148
What one visitor said: "Great pub. Live music excellent food and beer and service great too. Loved the haggis with neaps an tatties. Highly recommended."
Greyfriars Bobby's Bar, 30-34 Candlemaker Row
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,227
What one visitor said: "My wife and I have just returned from a four night stay in Edinburgh. We had never been to this bar on our previous visits. We ended up going to it three days in a row! Really friendly staff and tasty bar snacks washed down with a terrific pint of lager. We hope to return to Edinburgh later in the year and I just know that this place will be on our top priority list."
The Albanach, 197 High Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,340
What one visitor said: "They have a great selection of whiskeys. We had a great meal. The Haggis Fritters are actually pretty dang good! The Staff was super friendly and took good care of us."
Brewhemia, 1A Market Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,415
What one visitor said: "Amazing venue with the one of the best party atmospheres in town. Cannot recommend enough. Staff were a pleasure to deal with. Catered for our larger group amazingly. All said they wanted to return."
Cafe Royal, 19 West Register Street
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,843
What one visitor said: "A beautiful place for a meal - good food and ales. And our server Ross was friendly and attentive. A very enjoyable evening!"
The Last Drop, 74-78 Grassmarket
Rating: 4/5
Number of reviews: 1,914
What one visitor said: "Really friendly staff! Food was good and drinks were fresh, but most of all it was a real authentic scotch pub. Would really recommend!"
Nor' Loft, 6 Market Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 103
What one visitor said: "Popped in for Friday drinks. Stunning views, great service and gorgeous surroundings. Highly recommend."
Dropkick Murphy's, 7 Merchant St
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 108
What one visitor said: "One of the best venues in Edinburgh, have so much fun here every time we are there! Staff are all fantastic, has the best atmosphere, great live music and all round such a class night out! Can't recommend it enough, you're bound to have a great time if you're there!"
The Globe Bar, Niddry Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 114
What one visitor said: "We’re 3 siblings from the states. We met a very nice gentleman named Marc Anthony and his rather intoxicated fiend. It was a blast chatting with them and getting drink recs from the bartender. Would recommend!"
The Black Bull Tavern, 43 Leith Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 120
What one visitor said: "Devlin and Andy served us all night, was a very enjoyable experience and both of them are very informative and professional. I highly recommend this place if you want banter and a drink."
The Oxford Bar, 8 Young Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 130
What one visitor said: "Great wee bar away from the madness that is Edinburgh in August. It's like a local in the heart of the city. Great staff. Great prices. Brilliant pub."
Salt Horse, 1A Market Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 131
What one visitor said: "Fantastic beers selection, always rotating - food is great too. My go to spot if waiting for a train on killing an hour or two in the area."
Sandy Bells, 15-16 Market Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 141
What one visitor said: "Friends recommended Sandy Bell's to us. We were not disappointed. We enjoyed the local musicians playing around a booth table and giving the place an outstandingly wonderful vibe. Go there!"
The Bow Bar, 80 West Bow
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 395
What one visitor said: "We visited this pub on three occasions in our time in Edinburgh and really enjoyed the experience. Bar staff were great and great selection of beers. Great atmosphere - proper old-school pub."
The Black Cat, 168 Rose St
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 405
What one visitor said: "A friend recently visited Edinburgh and recommended this bar. We weren't let down. Great atmosphere, good drinks, pleasant staff. A good place to visit!"
Whistle Binkies, 4-6 South Bridge
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 454
What one visitor said: "Visited during the Fringe and they always seemed to have the best free fringe shows on. Bar staff are great and venue is very welcoming."
The Cambridge Bar, 20 Young Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 578
What one visitor said: "Visited The Cambridge for the second time and it did not disappoint. First visited on a stag weekend and we were very impressed by the burgers so when looking for a casual place to eat on our first night in Edinburgh for my partner’s birthday I thought it would be a good shout. Chilled but buzzing pub atmosphere, good drinks selection and the burgers really are some of the best we’ve had."
The George IV Bar , 54 George IV Bridge
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 676
What one visitor said: "This pub was excellent we were looking for some to have something to eat and a drink so we here the food was nice a good price the staff were pleasant & helpful a good place to visit if in Edinburgh & you want a drink & something to eat."
Jolly Judge, 7 James Court
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 760
What one visitor said: "Great stop for a drink but no food. The place is quaint but not a lot of room. If you're tall you might feel closed in. For the rest of us, no issues. Stop by and see what I’m talking about."
BrewDog, 143 Cowgate
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 848
What one visitor said: "Fantastic service, great atmosphere, friendly staff, best pizza in a long while. Amazing choice of beer."
The Holyrood 9A, 9A Holyrood Road
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,421
What one visitor said: "A brilliant pub with atmosphere. We are an Adult family with a dog and we were well catered for. Lots of options for drinks / beers and food options to cater for our mix of vegan/ veg/ flexi / meat eaters. The dog was also caters for with a bowl of water and a few gravy bones. I had the halloumi burger which was tasty and came with fries and coleslaw. Have been previously for a drink but would definitely return to eat again."
The Doric, 15-16 Market Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,659
What one visitor said: "The Doric was another of our pub dining options and was recommended in reviews by persons at our hotel. Service was friendly and accommodating to some changes of selections. The food was quite nice and fairly typical and the Shepherd's pie a nice change and one we'd be looking for. Again desserts were nice including the sticky toffee pudding and creme brûlée."
Devil's Advocate, 9 Advocates Close
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 1,673
What one visitor said: "Stylish, intimate, and sophisticated bar in central Edinburgh. Perfect setting for catching up with friends and trying the delicious peach and raspberry sour cider. Random note but I really liked the lighting and the atmosphere."
The World's End, 2-8 High Street
Rating: 4.5/5
Number of reviews: 2,999
What one visitor said: "What a find fantastic old pub great food friendly staff cannot fault in anyway would highly recommend a visit if you’re in the old town."
The Piper's Rest, 3 Hunter Square
Rating: 5/5
Number of reviews: 519
What one visitor said: "Seated without a reservation, fantastic food drink and live music. Neve our waitress was very attentive and a friendly happy young lady. Definitely recommend 100%."
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