img0 img1img2img3
Left Arrow
Right Arrow
img1
img2
img3
Rating Star

Viator Rating : 5 (23 reviews)

Dyvarcity Score Icon

Dyvarcity Score : 2.2/10 (Poor Experience)

Location Icon Edinburgh

Edinburgh's Haunted Pub Tour: Drinks, History & Fun!

Clock

180

Overview

Experience Intelligence

Highlights

Sentiment Analysis

FAQs

Location

Overview

Quotes Logo Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotland's Best Historical Pub Tour is a spooky adventure through Edinburgh's Grassmarket pubs. This walking tour guides you through the old town's creepy stories while visiting some of the country's coolest pubs.

Get ready to explore famous spots like Themed Cocktail Bar, Banshee Labyrinth, The Last Drop, Salt Horse, and Deacon Brodie's Tavern. You'll hear tales of ghosts and history while enjoying the unique vibe of each pub. Your guide will lead the way, sharing interesting facts and keeping you entertained.

Your tour includes a welcome cocktail made by 'Thirsty For's' own mixologists and a friendly guide. Drinks beyond your welcome cocktail will be available for purchase at each bar. This walking tour will be a spooky mix of history and pub crawling that you'll never forget! Quotes Logo

Experience DNA Fingerprint

Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.

What People Love

Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional)

Guide Quality (10 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable

Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable)

Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through

Highlights

Highlight Icon

Explore Historic Pubs: Visit some of Edinburgh's most amazing and historic pubs.

Highlight Icon

Hear Spooky Stories: Learn about the grizzly past of Edinburgh's Old Town.

Highlight Icon

Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail: Start your tour with a tasty cocktail made by expert mixologists.

Highlight Icon

Walk with a Fun Guide: Your guide will show you around and share fun stories.

Sentiment Analysis

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers loved the knowledgeable and funny tour guides, especially John.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Many enjoyed visiting unique local pubs and learning about Edinburgh's history.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Several reviewers highlighted the tour as a great way to experience Edinburgh's pub scene.

  • Positive Highlight Icon Customers felt the tour offered good value for the money and a fun, memorable experience.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Some customers may want to consider that alcoholic beverages are not included after the welcome cocktail.

  • Negative Highlight Icon Because the tour is a walking tour, those with mobility issues may find challenges.

The Journey

1

Themed Cocktail Bar

Indulge in creatively crafted cocktails at a bar renowned for its innovative mixology. Each drink is an experience, designed by in-house mixologists to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to another world. A perfect start to any Edinburgh adventure, offering a unique and sophisticated drinking experience.

2

Banshee Labyrinth

Descend into the atmospheric Banshee Labyrinth, a pub uniquely built within Edinburgh's ancient, winding tunnels. This legendary establishment is rumored to be haunted by a resident banshee, offering a chilling yet captivating experience for those brave enough to explore its depths. Discover a hidden world where history and the supernatural intertwine.

3

The Last Drop

Brave a visit to The Last Drop, Edinburgh's most haunted pub and the final stop for many condemned souls on their way to the gallows. Feel the echoes of history as you sip your pint in this eerie yet historically significant tavern. Experience the lingering spirits and tales of executions that define this unforgettable establishment.

4

Salt Horse

Hear the heartwarming tale of an execution escape at Salt Horse, a pub known for its compelling story about escaped executions. Experience the charm and history of a tavern that celebrates the triumph of spirit over adversity. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of camaraderie and resilience in this pub with an amazing story.

5

Deacon Brodie's Tavern

Step back in time at Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Edinburgh's oldest pub and a former haunt of notorious bodysnatchers who scouted for victims. Explore the chilling history within these walls, where shadows of the past linger. Uncover the stories of grave robbers and the dark side of 18th-century Edinburgh in this iconic establishment.

Know Before You Go

This tour includes a welcome cocktail and a guide. Additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price, so you'll need to purchase those separately. Meet your guide at the designated starting point in the Grassmarket, ready for a walking adventure through Edinburgh's historic pubs.

Hot Tip

Many reviewers recommend this tour to both locals and tourists. One reviewer stated that the tour felt more like a night out with friends with a bit of local history thrown in. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and be ready to try some local drinks!

Review Summary

Customers generally say that Thirsty for Edinburgh delivers an engaging, atmospheric experience combining Edinburgh's dark history with quality pub visits in authentic locations like the Grassmarket and Old Town. Travelers frequently praise the knowledgeable guides who bring the city's grizzly past to life, the included tastings and drinks, and the intimate small-group format that allows for genuine interaction. Common positive mentions include the historic pubs visited, the entertaining storytelling about Edinburgh's haunted past, and the value for money. Some travelers note that the tour involves significant walking on cobblestone streets and can be quite dark in the evening, so comfortable shoes and appropriate weather gear are recommended. A few visitors mention that the tour's focus on history and atmosphere may be as important to the experience as the beverages themselves, making it ideal for those interested in Edinburgh's cultural heritage rather than just a casual pub crawl.

This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team

From £29 Price

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

Book Now

As a Viator affiliate partner, we may earn a commission on purchases made through our platform.

More like this

Edinburgh Pub Crawl: Free Shots & VIP Nightlife

Location Icon Edinburgh

£15

Edinburgh Pub Crawl: Free Shots & VIP Nightlife

Spring Break Short term availability Beer & Brewery Tours

Rating Star 5.0 (47 reviews)

Edinburgh Pub Crawl Free Shots and VIP Entry is the ultimate way to experience Edinburgh Nightlife! This walking tour takes party-goers through 6 of the city's most exciting bars, finishing at a top nightclub.

Expect a night filled with laughter, drinking games, and new friends. Each participant gets 6 free shots to kickstart the fun. Plus, enjoy VIP fast-track entry at every venue, skipping the long queues. The energetic hosts keep the party going with dares and unbeatable drink deals, making sure everyone has a legendary night.

This experience includes alcoholic beverages and ensures free entry and VIP line skipping. Participants should expect games and glorious chaos. The tour also captures the night's best moments and uploads them to Instagram, so guests can spot themselves in the madness.

Details

Book Now

Edinburgh's Best Pub Crawl: Drinks, Photos & Fun!

Location Icon Edinburgh

£15

Edinburgh's Best Pub Crawl: Drinks, Photos & Fun!

Short term availability Beer & Brewery Tours Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

Rating Star 4.9 (220 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 360 minutes

Edinburgh Pub Crawl: Explore the City's Nightlife. Discover Edinburgh's vibrant nightlife with this pub crawl through the historic Old Town. Perfect for newcomers, this walking tour introduces the city’s best bars and lets visitors meet fellow travelers. The tour includes fast entry to all venues, drink deals, and free shots. Guides capture the fun with a fancy camera.

What to Expect: The Edinburgh Old Town Pub Crawl visits hidden bars, cocktail spots, lively clubs, and pubs full of character. Key stops include the Edinburgh Old Town Pub Crawl and Meeting Bar (Edinburgh). Visitors can expect a night of exploring unique drinking spots and making new friends. The tour provides free access to photos taken by the guides and exclusive drink discounts.

Important details: Alcoholic beverages are included. Please note that stag/hen dos or same-sex groups of more than 9 are not accepted. This experience excludes additional purchases outside of what is listed.

Details

Book Now

Edinburgh's Adult Harry Potter Tour: Discover Magic & Pub Delights

Location Icon Edinburgh

£55

Edinburgh's Adult Harry Potter Tour: Discover Magic & Pub Delights

City Tours New Product Short term availability

Rating Star 5.0 (12 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 180 minutes

The Edinburgh Harry Potter Origins Adults Tour blends magic and history. Explore JK Rowling's inspiration, from Greyfriars Kirkyard to Victoria Street. Enjoy a drink in a local pub, connecting with fellow Potterheads. Discover the unique locations that shaped the wizarding world on this walking tour.

Details

Book Now

Edinburgh's Raunchiest History: Adults-Only Walking Tour!

Location Icon Edinburgh

£600

Edinburgh's Raunchiest History: Adults-Only Walking Tour!

Historical Tours Spring Break City Tours

Rating Star 5.0 (40 reviews)

The Dirty Olde Town Walking Tour offers a hilarious, adults-only exploration of Edinburgh's Old Town. Expect outrageous stories, bad language, and historical insights tailored for those who dislike traditional history tours. Enjoy a fun, uncensored, and unforgettable walking experience with small groups and shocking tales.

Details

Book Now

Edinburgh's Culinary Delights: A Whisky, Food & Wine Pairing Adventure

Location Icon Edinburgh

£445

Edinburgh's Culinary Delights: A Whisky, Food & Wine Pairing Adventure

Short term availability Dining Experiences Restaurants

Rating Star 5.0 (18 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 180 minutes

Private Whisky Tasting, Scottish Food & Wine Pairing Tour is a 3-hour immersion into Scotland’s culinary culture in Edinburgh. Perfect for foodies, you'll enjoy artisan Scottish foods paired with European wines and Scotch whisky. Led by a local expert, you'll learn about food and wine pairing in iconic restaurants. Book for a memorable tasting journey.

Details

Book Now

Unlock Scotland's Liquid History: Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Journey

Location Icon Edinburgh

£36

Unlock Scotland's Liquid History: Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Journey

Spring Break New Product Food & Drink

Rating Star 5.0 (10 reviews)

Duration In Minutes Duration: 120 minutes

Edinburgh Single Malt Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience: Journey through Scotland's whisky history, sampling four single malts. Led by an expert guide in a historic Edinburgh bar, uncover the success stories behind Scotch. Enjoy the camaraderie and explore over 100 whiskies post-tour. Best to remember the distinct notes of each dram.

Details

Book Now

Nearby Events

Columbos Soul Band Live in Dunfermline

Location Icon Dunfermline GB

July 18

10:00 PM

Columbos Soul Band Live in Dunfermline

Columbos Soul Band lights up Dunfermline with their electrifying soul performance, delivering high-energy rhythms and timeless classics that get crowds moving. Known for their tight harmonies and infectious grooves, this band has built a loyal following through sold-out shows across Scotland, blending classic Motown hits with original soul anthems.

Columbos Soul Band stands out for their authentic sound rooted in the golden era of soul, captivating audiences with powerhouse vocals and brass-driven arrangements. Dunfermline's vibrant music scene provides the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable night of live soul music.

Details

Book Now

Hans Zimmer Glasgow Oct 2026: Premium Tickets & Hotels

Location Icon OVO Hydro

Oct 06

6:31 PM

Hans Zimmer Glasgow Oct 2026: Premium Tickets & Hotels

Classical Classical/Vocal Music

The World of Hans Zimmer comes to Glasgow's OVO Hydro in October 2026, presenting an extraordinary live concert experience curated by the legendary Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning composer himself. This internationally acclaimed arena tour features the production 'A New Dimension,' an emotional journey through Zimmer's most iconic film scores, from The Dark Knight to Pirates of the Caribbean, delivered with breathtaking orchestral arrangements and cutting-edge visual projections.

Hans Zimmer's concert series transforms his cinematic masterpieces into a multisensory theatrical event, combining the world-class Odessa Orchestra & Friends, the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, and top soloists under the musical direction of Grammy-nominated conductor Matt Dunkley. The OVO Hydro, one of Europe's premier arena venues, provides the perfect setting for this spectacular showcase of film music excellence.

Details

Book Now

The World of Hans Zimmer - Glasgow OVO Hydro

Location Icon OVO Hydro

Oct 06

6:30 PM

The World of Hans Zimmer - Glasgow OVO Hydro

Music Film

The World of Hans Zimmer – A New Dimension takes over Glasgow's OVO Hydro on October 6, 2026, presenting an extraordinary live concert experience curated by the legendary Academy Award® and Grammy® Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer himself. This internationally acclaimed concert series features an emotional journey through Zimmer's most iconic film scores, brought to life by conductor Matt Dunkley, world-class soloists from Zimmer's talent pool, the Odessa Orchestra & Friends, and the Nairobi Chamber Chorus.

The production combines Zimmer's unique orchestral suites with visually stunning projections, powerful sound arrangements, and moving solo performances to create a multisensory cinematic experience. The OVO Hydro, one of Europe's largest arena venues, provides the perfect setting for this breathtaking spectacle that has already captivated over 1.2 million fans worldwide.

Details

Book Now

Hona Costello UK Album Tour Penicuik

Location Icon Penicuik GB

July 25

7:00 PM

Hona Costello UK Album Tour Penicuik

Hona Costello - Godfather of Chicago: The UK Album Tour lands in Penicuik, delivering an electrifying showcase of the artist's rising star power. Known for his Spotify-charting albums and singles that blend Chicago grit with UK flair, Hona brings his latest tour to captivate fans with fresh tracks and high-energy performances.
Hona Costello captivates audiences through platforms like Eventbrite and Universe, where his events draw eager crowds. Penicuik serves as a key stop in this intimate UK tour.

Details

Book Now

65daysofstatic Live at The Arches Glasgow 2029

Location Icon The Arches, Glasgow

Feb 14

7:00 PM

65daysofstatic Live at The Arches Glasgow 2029

Rock Alternative Rock Music

Experience 65daysofstatic at The Arches, Glasgow on February 14, 2029—an unmissable performance by Sheffield's legendary instrumental post-rock pioneers. The band, formed in 2001, continues to push sonic boundaries with their distinctive blend of glitchy electronics, heavy guitar-driven passages, and progressive instrumentation. Spanning nearly three decades of evolution, 65daysofstatic remain unafraid to challenge artistic conventions, from their critically acclaimed 2004 debut The Fall of Math to their ambitious algorithmic compositions and generative soundscapes.

65daysofstatic's sound has continuously evolved through drum'n'bass, techno, IDM, and their self-proclaimed "dustpunk" aesthetic, culminating in expansive sonic sculptures that feel like collapsing universes or dawning realities. Their innovative "Decomposition Theory"—a method of decomposing infinite algorithmic possibilities rather than composing from scratch—represents the cutting edge of electronic music creation. The Arches, Glasgow's premier underground music venue, provides the perfect atmospheric setting for this immersive audio experience, hosting world-class electronic and alternative performances.

Details

Book Now

Pete & Bas Live at Anarchy, Wallsend

Location Icon Wallsend GB

Aug 02

10:00 PM

Pete & Bas Live at Anarchy, Wallsend

Pete & Bas live at Anarchy in Wallsend promises a high-energy night built around the duo’s cult-status rise from viral novelty to full-blown live phenomenon. Their act blends gritty South London character, sharp one-liners, and crowd-pleasing swagger, making the show especially appealing to fans who like rap with humor, attitude, and a strong sense of personality.

For listeners, Pete & Bas have become known for turning internet fame into a distinctive performance style that feels part comedy, part music event, and part social moment. Wallsend adds a practical, local gig setting for live music fans in the North East, with Anarchy serving as the venue backdrop for an intimate, up-close concert experience.

Details

Book Now

The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Edinburgh

Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Edinburgh From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Historical Tours & Rock in Edinburgh. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.

View Edinburgh Activities