Edinburgh Bar Crawl: 5 Pubs & Hive Nightclub Entry

Summary

Edinburgh nightlife with live music, pub stops and club entry

You’ll jump straight into Edinburgh nightlife with a local guide leading you through five lively bars—shots included—and end up dancing at Hive nightclub. Expect live music, friendly chaos, exclusive drink deals and a crowd as international as it gets. If you’re looking for real laughs and late-night memories in Edinburgh’s Old Town, this is your night out.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh bar crawl and nightclub visit

• Meet at Pilgrim Bar at 9 PM
• Visit vibrant live music bar in Old Town
• Enjoy lively Irish pub with live music
• Experience live music and Irish vibe
• Explore gothic Frankenstein Bar and show
• End night dancing at Hive Nightclub

Top questions

What time does the Edinburgh bar crawl start?

The bar crawl starts at 9:00 PM at Pilgrim Bar.

How many bars are included in the crawl?

The tour includes five bars plus entry to Hive nightclub.

Are drinks included in the price?

You get five complimentary shots during the crawl and exclusive drink deals at selected venues.

Is there a guide or host during the tour?

Yes, a local host leads the group throughout the night.

Are entry fees covered for all venues?

Yes, entry fees for all bars and Hive nightclub are included.

Is this suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, it’s designed for both solo travelers and groups looking to meet people.

Are professional photos taken during the crawl?

Yes, professional photos and videos are taken during the event.

Is public transportation nearby after the tour ends?

Yes, public transportation options are available near all venues.

What’s included

Your night includes entry fees for every bar plus Hive nightclub, five complimentary shots (subject to venue availability), exclusive drink deals along the way, a wristband from your local host or guide, and professional photos snapped throughout—all wrapped up with plenty of live music and good company before you wander home whenever you’re ready.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked things off at Pilgrim Bar, just as the city was starting to buzz for the night. Our guide—Robbie, I think?—handed out these bright wristbands (mine was already a bit sticky by the second stop) and tried to remember everyone’s names. The first shot burned a little but loosened us up fast. It was that kind of Scottish drizzle outside where you can’t tell if you need an umbrella or not, so being inside with new faces felt right. People from Spain, Germany, even one guy from Dundee who swore he knew the best chippy in town.

The route wound through Old Town’s cobbled lanes—Bar 50 (or maybe it was Stramash? I lost track after the third round), then The Three Sisters where there was some wild ceilidh dancing going on. I tried to join in but mostly just stepped on my own feet. At Finnegan’s Wake someone started singing along with the band and honestly, it sounded better than I expected. Robbie kept us moving before we got too comfortable anywhere—which was probably smart.

I didn’t expect Frankenstein Bar to be so… gothic? There were flashes of green light and this strange electric hum from somewhere behind the bar. Shots kept coming (five total—I counted), and by the time we hit Hive nightclub my voice was already half gone from shouting over music. The dance floor at Hive is sticky but nobody seemed to care; everyone just let loose. There were photos being taken all night—no idea how mine turned out but I’m hoping for at least one where I don’t look like a deer in headlights.

Walking back through Edinburgh’s streets at whatever hour that was, I realized how easy it is to feel part of something here—even if just for a night. Still thinking about that ceilidh moment and how much laughter there was between strangers.