Edinburgh: Old Town Pub Walk & Scottish Beer Tastings

Summary

Historic Edinburgh pubs, craft beer tastings, stories & laughter

You’ll wander through Edinburgh’s Old Town with a small group and a local guide who knows every pub story worth telling. Sample six Scottish beers—including traditional cask ale—and hear quirky history along the way. Expect laughter, real conversation, and those little details that make you feel like you belong here—even if just for one night.

What’s the experience like?

I’d planned to meet my friend outside the wrong pub—turns out there are three “Royal Oaks” within two blocks in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Typical. But our guide, Jamie, just grinned and waved us over anyway, no judgment. The cobbles were still slick from rain and you could smell that malty, almost sweet scent drifting out of the first bar. I remember thinking this was already better than any brewery tour I’d done back home.

Jamie started us off with a half pint of cask ale—he called it “proper Scottish breakfast.” He told us about the Charmed Circle and how this part of town basically ran on beer for centuries (I’m not sure if he was joking or not). There were only six of us, so it felt more like being out with friends than a tour group. At Stockbridge Market, we tried a cloudy IPA that tasted almost floral—never had anything like it. Someone asked about the difference between cask and keg; Jamie explained it while pouring, but honestly I was distracted by the old wood bar top, all nicked up from decades of elbows and pints.

The Grassmarket was buzzing even though it was barely 5pm—students spilling out of doorways, old-timers arguing about football in thick accents I could barely follow. We ducked into a place where the walls were covered in faded gig posters and tried something dark and smoky. I think it was called “Wee Heavy”? Anyway, Li laughed when I tried to pronounce it in Scots. The snacks came out (salty crisps, nothing fancy) and someone asked where to go after the tour—Jamie scribbled some local spots on a napkin for us.

I didn’t expect to actually learn much about Edinburgh’s history—I just wanted good beer—but somehow Jamie made every stop feel like part of the city’s story. The light outside turned gold as we walked between pubs. My shoes were damp but I didn’t care. Even now, sometimes when I catch that malty smell somewhere random, it takes me right back to that evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Edinburgh Old Town beer and history tour

• Walk through Edinburgh Old Town
• Pass by University graduation hall
• Pass by Old College of University
• Pass by historic Grassmarket area
• Visit historic breweries and pubs
• Sample traditional cask ales
• Stop at vibrant Stockbridge Market street
• Enjoy first beers and guide tips

Top questions

How many beers do you taste on this Edinburgh pub tour?

The tour includes 6 beer tastings plus a half pint of cask ale.

Does the Edinburgh beer tour include Stockbridge Market?

Yes, Stockbridge Market is one of the stops during the walking tour.

Is this pub walk suitable for people with limited fitness?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the info provided.

Are service animals allowed on this Edinburgh beer tasting tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Will we have a local guide during the Edinburgh pub walk?

Yes, your experience is led by a local pub guide.

Are snacks or food included on this Scottish beer tour?

No full meals are included; only beer tastings are mentioned (snacks may be available at pubs).

Does this day trip start in central Edinburgh?

The walking tour takes place in central Edinburgh's Old Town area.

What’s included

Your evening includes six different Scottish beer tastings plus a half pint of traditional cask ale at historic pubs around Edinburgh’s Old Town—all led by a local pub guide who shares stories as you go along. Digital or printed guides are available too; public transport is nearby if you need it after your last pint.