All Travel Guides

Provided by: Gianluca Piccin/shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe United Kingdom Edinburgh Bars & Nightlife Bennets Bar

Overview

Bennets Bar

The guide was updated: 2025-12-25

A steadfast relic of old Edinburgh, Bennets Bar has been a fixture since 1839, retaining the opulent interior from its 1906 refit. It’s the real deal, with stained-glass windows, ornate tiling, and a gleaming wooden bar complete with a brass water tap for diluting whisky. Its most charming feature is the original "snug" — a small, sequestered room with its own service hatch, historically reserved for women and those wishing to drink discreetly. While the atmosphere is the main draw, the pub offers a solid Scottish menu and an impressive selection of over 150 malt whiskies. Located next to the King's Theatre, it’s a favourite for a pre-show pint but remains a genuine local haunt, offering a rare, unpretentious glimpse into the city’s social history.

Useful Information

Address: 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh
Website: www.instagram.com/bennetsbar
Phone: +44 131 229 5143

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

The Bongo Club

The Bongo Club

The Bongo Club, Edinburgh's longest running underground nightclub and music venue, is a thriving artistic hub that pulsates with energy. As a versatile space, it caters to a range of artistic expressions, serving as a nightclub, gig venue, and events space all in one. The venue boasts residencies from Scotland's most notorious club nights, drawing in a diverse crowd of music enthusiasts and partygoers. Be sure to check their website to see upcoming gigs.

Bennets Bar

Bennets Bar

A steadfast relic of old Edinburgh, Bennets Bar has been a fixture since 1839, retaining the opulent interior from its 1906 refit. It’s the real deal, with stained-glass windows, ornate tiling, and a gleaming wooden bar complete with a brass water tap for diluting whisky. Its most charming feature is the original "snug" — a small, sequestered room with its own service hatch, historically reserved for women and those wishing to drink discreetly. While the atmosphere is the main draw, the pub offers a solid Scottish menu and an impressive selection of over 150 malt whiskies. Located next to the King's Theatre, it’s a favourite for a pre-show pint but remains a genuine local haunt, offering a rare, unpretentious glimpse into the city’s social history.

The Stand Comedy Club

The Stand Comedy Club

If you're a fan of stand-up comedy, this laid-back basement venue is an absolute must-visit. It's considered the top spot in town for catching hilarious performances by local, national, and international comedians. With its doors open seven days a week, you can always count on a fun-filled evening of laughter.

The Voodoo Rooms

The Voodoo Rooms

The Voodoo Rooms is an award-winning gastropub offering an extensive selection of craft beers, expertly crafted cocktails, and exquisite wines, perfectly complemented by an eclectic menu that caters to all tastes. From delectable tapas and sharing platters to burgers and vegan dishes. As you indulge in the culinary delights, soak in the vibrant atmosphere created by live music and DJs. All this unfolds within opulent Georgian surroundings, adding an extra touch of elegance and charm to your experience.

Tigerlily

Tigerlily

An after-work on a Friday is a great way to feel like a true local, and this hip bar/restaurant is the spot to make sure you're part of the crowd. The DJ has a special way to ease you into the weekend, and if you're feeling in a party mood, Tigerlily is a great first stop for a wild night out!

The Holyrood 9A

The Holyrood 9A

Craving a delicious burger and a cold beer? If so, Holyrood 9A is the place to go. Right in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, this cosy pub offers a menu full of tasty burgers and ales and craft beers from all around the world.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

Housed within a Gothic 19th-century church, Frankenstein is a unique themed pub featuring 3 bars over 3 levels, an eclectic menu, and a monster show. The bar's interior is meticulously designed to resemble Frankenstein's laboratory, complete with a body on a gurney awaiting the infusion of lightning. Adding to the ambience, the original film adaptation is screened, bringing Mary Shelley's literary masterpiece to life.

Roseleaf Bar

Roseleaf Bar

This playful, family-run bar is located in the beautiful historic Port O' Leith. They have everything from hearty dishes to cocktails in teapots and, of course, ice-cold pints served in a lovely bar where the vintage furniture creates a magical atmosphere.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly

If cocktails are your cup of tea, then you must visit the Dragonfly. This elegant 20s-style cocktail bar and lounge is a paradise for those who appreciate the art of mixology. With an extensive cocktail menu that showcases a wide range of spirits expertly combined with fresh juices and fruit-infused alcohol, every sip is a delightful journey for the taste buds. The Dragonfly also hosts weekend DJ sessions, infusing the atmosphere with vibrant energy.

Bailie Bar

Bailie Bar

A beloved local institution, Bailie Bar is a traditional basement pub known for its authentic atmosphere and commitment to Scottish brewers, with a focus on cask ale. The classic pub menu features well-executed staples like fish and chips, burgers and haggis, all served by exceptionally friendly staff. Its popularity with locals adds to the genuine, welcoming vibe. Alongside a solid whisky selection, the pub is a lively venue for watching sports and hosts regular live folk sessions, making it a dependable and characterful spot for a pint and a meal.

Indigo Yard

Indigo Yard

A fixture in Edinburgh's West End since 1996, Indigo Yard is a rustic bar and restaurant that thrives as a social hub. Its appeal is versatile: by day, it serves breakfast and lunches; later, the focus shifts to craft beers, creative cocktails and a menu of Scottish classics like gourmet burgers and their famously massive 'Indigo Munro' nachos. The week builds to a buzz with a competitive Wednesday pub quiz and live music on weekends. With its dark wood interior and reliable, crowd-pleasing formula, it’s a go-to for everything from a casual meal to a night out.

Ghillie Dhu

Ghillie Dhu

For a truly Scottish experience, treat yourself to dinner and a pint before enjoying a lively ceilidh (a Gaelic gathering with folk music and dancing) at this traditional yet strikingly modern Scottish pub and live entertainment venue. Look out for the surprising architecture, live music many nights of the week, and the special events on weekends in the auditorium.

The Jolly Judge

The Jolly Judge

The Jolly Judge is a traditional pub in the heart of Edinburgh, offering a wide range of malt whiskies, real ales, and tempting pub food in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with low beamed ceilings and log fire.

Sheep Heid Inn

Sheep Heid Inn

Located just outside Edinburgh, at the foot of Arthur’s Seat, this traditional pub is Scotland’s oldest surviving public house, established in 1360. Sit by the fire in winter or make yourself comfortable in the hidden courtyard during the warmer summer months.

The Scotch Whisky Experience

The Scotch Whisky Experience

Uncover the secrets of Scotland’s national drink at the Scotch Whisky Experience. Take a unique tour through a replica distillery in their Whisky Barrel Ride before learning more about the whisky regions of Scotland and enjoying a few drams as you marvel at the world’s largest collection of Scotch whisky.

Next section

Next Section