Edinburgh: 7 Bar Pub Crawl with 7 Shots & Discounts

Planning a night out in Edinburgh? If you’re looking to experience the city’s lively pub scene without the hassle of long waits or expensive cover charges, this pub crawl might just be the ticket. Offered by City Explorers Tours, it’s a well-reviewed way to hop between some of Edinburgh’s favorite spots, enjoy free shots, and meet fellow travelers.

What really caught our eye? First, the value—for just $16, you get access to 7 bars, skip-the-line entry, and 7 complimentary shots. Second, the group dynamic—many reviewers mention how friendly guides and inviting atmospheres turn these events into memorable nights.

Of course, no experience is perfect, and one thing to keep in mind is that some bars require you to buy a drink to receive your free shot, which might surprise some. But overall, this tour seems best suited for those who want a lively, social evening without breaking the bank. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or just want a fun intro to Edinburgh’s nightlife, this crawl could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Affordable Night Out: For $16, you get seven bars, seven shots, and exclusive discounts, offering good value for a fun night.
• Skip-the-Line Access: No queues at the venues means more time to enjoy, dance, and chat.
• Guides Make a Difference: Many reviews highlight how friendly, attentive guides elevate the experience.
• Local and Diverse Venues: The tour visits a variety of pubs, clubs, and live music venues, giving a taste of Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.
• Social Atmosphere: It’s a chance to meet people from around the world, often praised for the friendly group vibe.
• Potential for Extra Costs: Some bars may require purchasing a drink to redeem a free shot, so factor that into your budget.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Edinburgh Pub Crawl

When you first hear about a pub crawl like this, it might sound like just a fun night of drinking, but there’s more to it than that. It’s about the experience—exploring Edinburgh’s bar scene, enjoying good company, and having a guide who keeps the energy lively and the group together.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at The Tron bar, where you’ll meet the staff holding a big check-in sign. From there, the guide will lead the group through a carefully curated route. The activity lasts approximately 5 hours, with starting times varying based on availability, so it’s flexible enough to fit into most travel plans.

The group size isn’t specified, but the reviews suggest it’s large enough to be lively yet manageable. You’ll be with other travelers, many of whom are eager to enjoy a relaxed and friendly evening. Since the tour ends back at the starting point, it makes planning your night’s end straightforward.

The Bars and Venues

The chosen venues are a mix of local favorites and popular spots, including venues like The Tron Bar, Three Sisters, Frankenstein, Revolution, and Subway, among others. The guide’s selection ensures you get a taste of Edinburgh’s varied pub culture—from historic pubs to modern dance clubs with live music.

Every venue is free entry, and with no cover charges, the focus is on having fun rather than worrying about extra costs. The venues also offer discounts of up to 25% on drinks, which means your money goes further.

The Shots and Drink Deals

The highlight for many is the 7 free shots, each handpicked by the activity provider. However, some reviews mention that to receive the free shot, you might need to buy another drink at some bars. It’s worth keeping this in mind—planning to have a couple of drinks on hand or be ready to purchase one if needed.

The shots are clearly a crowd favorite, with many reviewers mentioning how much they enjoyed the variety and the chance to try different drinks early in the night. Plus, the discounts on other drinks really add up, making this a budget-friendly way to party.

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The Guides and Atmosphere

Many reviews sing the praises of the guides, with descriptors like “brilliant,” “friendly,” and “engaging.” Guides such as Ál, Alvaro, Belle, and Theis seem to go above and beyond to ensure everyone feels included, safe, and has a good time. Their knowledge about the city’s nightlife and knack for keeping the group energized makes a big difference.

One reviewer said, “The guide Ál really took care of everyone and it was such fun having him around,” and others echoed similar sentiments about meeting friendly hosts. It’s these personal touches that turn a simple pub crawl into a memorable experience.

The Social Side

This tour often attracts solo travelers, couples, and groups alike. The reviews highlight how it’s a fantastic way to meet people from all over the world, especially if you’re traveling alone. Many mention making friends and bonding over shared drinks and good music.

The lively, inclusive atmosphere seems to be one of the biggest draws—many folks describe it as “a great laugh” and “brilliant for solo travelers to meet people.” If social interactions matter to you, this is likely to be a highlight.

What Could Be Better?

While most reviews are glowing, some mention that not every bar offers a free shot without additional purchase. This might catch some off guard if they’re expecting all shots to be free with no strings attached. Also, since the tour is around 5 hours, it’s a fairly long night, so pacing yourself is wise.

It’s also worth noting that this tour isn’t suitable for under-18s, which is typical for alcohol-focused activities.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This pub crawl really shines for young travelers, solo visitors, and groups wanting a lively introduction to Edinburgh’s nightlife. It’s an excellent choice if you’re on a budget and want to maximize fun without spending too much.

People who enjoy meeting new friends, dancing, and trying a variety of local pubs will find this a great fit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed, quieter night or are not keen on heavy drinking, this might not be the best fit.

Travelers who value organized, guided experiences that handle the logistics—like skipping lines and managing group dynamics—will appreciate the effort the guides put into making this smooth and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re looking for an affordable, social way to explore Edinburgh’s nightlife, this pub crawl offers tremendous value. It combines convenience, a variety of venues, and a friendly guide to create a fun, lively night out. The reviews suggest that many participants leave with new friends, great stories, and plenty of good memories.

At just $16, it’s a pretty tempting option, especially considering the included 7 shots and discounts. That said, it’s important to be prepared that some bars may require you to purchase a drink to get your free shot, and the night can be quite energetic and long.

This experience seems perfect for those who want a structured night out but with enough flexibility and spontaneity to enjoy themselves fully. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, it’s a solid way to dip into Edinburgh’s vibrant pub scene without the stress of planning individual bar visits.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people under 18?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18, as it involves alcohol.

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts about 5 hours, with start times depending on availability.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in your travel plans.

Where do I meet the guide?
At The Tron bar, meeting downstairs with a large check-in sign.

Does the tour include food?
No, the focus is on drinks and nightlife, not meals.

Are there restrictions on group size?
The data doesn’t specify, but reviews imply it’s a lively group experience.

Is there a dress code?
This isn’t specified, but casual and comfortable attire suitable for bars and walking is recommended.

Can I stay at a pub longer if I want?
Yes, many venues are flexible; you can stay at a place you like after the tour ends.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is centered around pub visits and shots, so it’s probably not ideal if you don’t drink.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after a fun, budget-friendly way to see Edinburgh’s nightlife, this pub crawl looks like a solid choice. Just remember to pace yourself, keep an eye on additional costs, and most of all, enjoy the lively atmosphere and new friends you’ll meet along the way.

You can check availability for your dates here: