
Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 34 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour worth booking?
Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour is a 3-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $40 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 34 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (34)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $40 per person
A haunted jaunt through the historic pubs of Edinburgh’s grassmarket. This walking pub tour will offer a guided insight to the grizzly histories of Edinburgh’s old town in some of the most awe inspiring pubs in the country.
What you get
About this experience
A haunted jaunt through the historic pubs of Edinburgh’s grassmarket. This walking pub tour will offer a guided insight to the grizzly histories of Edinburgh’s old town in some of the most awe inspiring pubs in the country.
What's included
Included
- Welcome cocktail courtesy of 'Thirsty For's' mixologists
- Guide
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Old Town
An introductory themed cocktail crafted by our in house mixologists
20 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
A pub with a resident banshee, built into the labyrinthine tunnels of the old city
20 minutes here
Royal Mile
The last stop for those facing the hangmans rope, Edinburgh's most haunted pub
20 minutes here
Greyfriars Kirk
A pub with a heartwarming story about escaped executions
20 minutes here
Grassmarket
The oldest tavern in Edinburgh, where the bodysnatchers would choose their victims
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
Your host will meet you on the steps outside the National Museum of Scotland.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 16 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hungry For Tours
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos



What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 33 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
10 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
33 verified traveler reviews for Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10/10 recommend this pub crawl!
Ewan was the best! We had a wonderful time exploring some of the dark history of Edinburgh through pubs. Ewan was personable and funny, we were sad when the tour was over. Highly recommend!!
via Tripadvisor
Splendid Time!
We enjoyed our time with Rona! She was very knowledgeable about Edinburgh and other locations in Scotland. If you are looking for a fun and informative guide, I would recommend her.
via Viator
Edinburgh Pub Tour
Our tour guide, Adam, was wonderful! He was funny, informative, and very personable. The tour included the history of each bar along with information about the area and the grave yard we visited. We also enjoyed meeting some great people. I would definitely recommend this tour!
via Viator
Adam was a great tour...
Adam was a great tour guide. He was very entertaining to be around and went above and beyond in providing us with information about the history of the area and the pubs we visited.
via Viator
This pub crawl was...
This pub crawl was awesome. It ended up being only me and my wife so we got a private guided pub crawl. Adam was a great host. He was fun, friendly, and very knowledgeable. He taught us a lot about the city. We enjoyed every pub we went to.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 12
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $40 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 34 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Around 12 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
+
On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Included: Welcome cocktail courtesy of 'Thirsty For's' mixologists; and Guide. Not included: Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Your host will meet you on the steps outside the National Museum of Scotland. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour?
+
Across 34 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, food and drink. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Thirsty for Edinburgh: Scotlands Best Historical Pub Tour.
Pick your date




