Edinburgh: Literary Pub Tour with Actors & Old Town Taverns

Witty tales, actors in character, laughter echoing through old pubs

You’ll trail behind two quick-witted actors through Edinburgh’s winding streets and storied pubs, laughing at their duels and learning odd facts you won’t find in guidebooks. Expect plenty of banter, local color, and maybe even a new toast or two by night’s end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Dramatic literary tour of Edinburgh

• Meet actors Clart and Mcbrain
• Explore Edinburgh's Old Town wynds
• Visit courtyards and pubs
• Enjoy dramatic script performance
• Learn about literary characters
• Discover tavern life history

The Experience

You know that muffled clatter you get when a pub door swings open? That’s the first thing I noticed on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour — the way sound spills out onto those narrow Old Town wynds. We were barely five minutes in when Clart (the actor, not a real muckraker, though he plays one) started bickering with Mcbrain about who really put Edinburgh on the literary map. It was half performance, half pub crawl. You could smell spilled ale and old wood everywhere.

I kept losing track of which century we were supposed to be in — one minute it was Burns and his wild nights, then suddenly Stevenson’s shadow in some candlelit corner. Our group shuffled after the actors from one tavern to another, past locals who didn’t even blink at a guy quoting poetry on a barstool. At Milne’s Bar, someone behind me muttered something about “the Makars” — I still don’t know if that was part of the act or just regulars chiming in. The whole thing felt like eavesdropping on history, but with more laughter than I expected. And yes, there’s always someone who tries to recite along (not me this time).

The best bit? When Clart tried to get us all to say “slàinte mhath” before moving on. My pronunciation was probably tragic — he grinned anyway. By the last stop I’d lost count of how many stories we’d heard (and pints poured). The rain started up again as we stepped outside; it made everything glisten under those yellow streetlights. I keep thinking about that mix of voices — actors, guides, locals — all tangled up together for a couple of hours.

What’s included

Your evening includes lively performances by professional actors as you wander between historic pubs in both Old and New Town—no need for advance reading or special gear; just bring your curiosity (and maybe an umbrella).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

Traveler reviews

4.56★★★★★★★★★★

511 verified traveler reviews

5 ★394

4 ★63

3 ★22

2 ★11

1 ★21

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How long does the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour last?

The tour typically lasts around 2 hours as you visit several pubs in Edinburgh's Old and New Town.

Are drinks included on the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour?

No drinks are included; you can buy your own at each pub if you wish.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves walking through cobbled streets and stairs.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to the starting location.

Who leads the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour?

The tour is led by professional actors performing dramatic scripts as literary characters.

Does this tour include both Old Town and New Town pubs?

Yes, you’ll visit pubs across both Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town areas.