Viator Rating : 5 (23 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 2.2/10 (Poor Experience)
Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Haunted Pub Tour: Drinks, History & Fun!
180
Overview
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! 
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) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (10 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
Highlights
Explore Historic Pubs: Visit some of Edinburgh's most amazing and historic pubs.
Hear Spooky Stories: Learn about the grizzly past of Edinburgh's Old Town.
Enjoy a Welcome Cocktail: Start your tour with a tasty cocktail made by expert mixologists.
Walk with a Fun Guide: Your guide will show you around and share fun stories.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the knowledgeable and funny tour guides, especially John.
-
Many enjoyed visiting unique local pubs and learning about Edinburgh's history.
-
Several reviewers highlighted the tour as a great way to experience Edinburgh's pub scene.
-
Customers felt the tour offered good value for the money and a fun, memorable experience.
Some customers may want to consider that alcoholic beverages are not included after the welcome cocktail.
-
Because the tour is a walking tour, those with mobility issues may find challenges.
The Journey
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
More like this
Edinburgh
£15
Edinburgh Pub Crawl: Free Shots & VIP Nightlife
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.
Edinburgh
£15
Edinburgh's Best Pub Crawl: Drinks, Photos & Fun!
4.9
(220 reviews)
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.
Edinburgh
£55
Edinburgh's Adult Harry Potter Tour: Discover Magic & Pub Delights
5.0
(12 reviews)
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.
Edinburgh
£600
Edinburgh's Raunchiest History: Adults-Only Walking Tour!
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.
Edinburgh
£445
Edinburgh's Culinary Delights: A Whisky, Food & Wine Pairing Adventure
5.0
(18 reviews)
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.
Edinburgh
£36
Unlock Scotland's Liquid History: Edinburgh Whisky Tasting Journey
5.0
(10 reviews)
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.
Nearby Events
Wallsend GB
Aug 02
10:00 PMPete & 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.
Dunfermline GB
July 20
10:00 AM1950s Rock & Roll Show Dunfermline Tickets
The 1950s Rock & Roll Show brings the electrifying sounds of rock 'n' roll's golden era to Dunfermline, delivering high-energy performances of timeless hits from legends like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. This nostalgic tribute captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined a generation, with authentic costumes, choreography, and instrumentation that transport audiences back to the jukebox heyday.
Renowned for its faithful recreation of 1950s icons, the show features powerhouse vocals and blistering guitar riffs that have thrilled fans worldwide on extensive tours. Dunfermline's vibrant venue sets the perfect stage for this retro explosion.
OVO Hydro
Oct 06
6:31 PMHans Zimmer Glasgow Oct 2026: Premium Tickets & Hotels
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.
Dunfermline GB
Aug 07
7:00 PMSwift & Styles Tribute Tickets Dunfermline
Swift & Styles Tribute at null in Dunfermline brings a polished tribute night built around the biggest songs from Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and One Direction, with replica-style costumes, backing tracks and lyric-led visuals designed for singalong energy. The show has been promoted as a fan-focused celebration of pop anthems, mixing recognisable hits with a lively, interactive atmosphere.
Swift & Styles is presented as a touring tribute experience rather than an original artist appearance, making it a strong draw for fans who want the sound, style and familiarity of the chart-topping catalogue without the stadium setting. Dunfermline offers an accessible Scottish stop for live entertainment, and null gives the event a local backdrop for an evening of pop nostalgia and crowd-pleasing performance.
Wallsend GB
July 18
10:00 PMWe Are Champion – A Tribute to Queen | Wallsend
We Are Champion – A Tribute to Queen brings the electrifying sound of Queen to life in Wallsend, celebrating Freddie Mercury’s iconic vocals and the band’s legendary stagecraft. The show recreates Queen’s greatest hits with soaring harmonies, show-stopping guitar riffs, and an immersive atmosphere that captures the spirit of one of the world’s most beloved rock bands. Fans can expect a full-length concert experience packed with anthems that have defined generations.
As a dedicated Queen tribute act, We Are Champion delivers authentic vocal performances, meticulous attention to detail in costumes and stage presence, and the kind of energy that once filled stadiums around the globe. The venue in Wallsend offers an intimate setting that brings audiences closer to the action, making it the perfect place to experience Queen’s music live without the stadium price tag.
OVO Hydro
Oct 06
6:30 PMThe World of Hans Zimmer - Glasgow OVO Hydro
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.
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