Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Edinburgh, Scotland
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Edinburgh boasts a unique brewing heritage that’s often overshadowed by Scotland’s whiskies. This small-group tour throws the spotlight on the capital’s now-resurgent beer scene, with visits to several top pubs and beer bars. Stroll the Royal Mile and discover Old Town highlights as you learn how Edinburgh was once the world’s leading bottled beer exporter. As you go, stop for a range of tastings, and learn the stories behind each brew.
- This small-group tour offers a more personalized way to explore
- Learn about Edinburgh’s brewing heritage and thriving beer scene
- Discover the best of the Old Town on this two-in-one walking tour
- All beer tastings are included in the tour cost
What's Included
- Alcoholic Beverages6 beer tastings and a half pint of cask ale
- Local Pub Guide (Digital or Printed)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 26 St Giles' St, Edinburgh EH1 1PT, UK
Meet your host outside 26 St Giles' Street in the Old Town. This is the last door on the street next to the railings at the top of the steps. Lost? Late? Reply to the SMS you received the morning of your tour.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
1
Edinburgh Old Town
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
2
Canongate
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Cowgate
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
McEwan Hall (Pass By)
University of Edinburgh (Pass By)
Grassmarket (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Christine_W
Iain our tour guide was full of historical facts and helpful tips. We had a blast, bouncing around a few hidden gems of pubs and had a sampling of some very interesting & spectacular beers. My husband was very excited to sample quite a few cask beers, which he was in pursuit of and having difficulty finding in London- he was so glad to find them in Scotland!!
Reviews
4.9
based on 281 reviews
Jean_C, May 2026
Small group was nice but very limited tasting of too many ciders and not enough beer. The history was interesting but it seemed that the pubs we went to were not the oldest or had anything significant historically. It seems like the pubs were chose for some other reason and were nothing special. Lots of walking, which was fine, but we passed older more impressive pubs to get to some off the normal routes. Samples were tiny. Literally a shot or two of beer in flights.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Jean. Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. The tour shares the story of Edinburgh through brewing, distilling and pubs from the medieval period right up to today. Pubs visited are traditional (your first pub), historic (your second pub on the site of an old brewery and third pub which has been operating since the 1600s). I'll check in with your host so the historic significance of the pubs is more clearly shared. We adjust tastings to suit preferences in the group and typically include one cask cider. Only one cider was included on this tour with the other drinks all being beer. The focus of the tour is trying lots of different styles in the first two pubs with a drink of your choice in the final pub. We find most guests enjoy the variety. I'll check with your host that the option to have larger pours of fewer beers is being offered at the start of the tour. Our tour isn't a pub crawl so isn't the right fit for those looking to drink lots.
Silke_B, May 2026
You visit some pubs and on the way from pub to pub you learn something about the history. In every pub you can Taste 3 or 4 different Beers.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Silke, for sharing your experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed the mix of history and beer tastings during the pub visits. It’s fantastic to hear you found the experience memorable and enriching.
Edward_G, May 2026
Incredible afternoon with Iain checking out beers and learning some history about the area and legacy of brewing
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Edward! We're thrilled you had an incredible afternoon with Iain exploring beers and discovering the brewing history. Your experience truly captures the essence of what we aim to provide.
Case_J, May 2026
Guide was informative and fun. I learned a lot about the towns history and about beer. The beer we tasted was good.
Response from Host, May 2026
We're glad you enjoyed the informative guide and the historical and beer-tasting experience. Your feedback highlights what we strive to offer!
Zylfije_M, May 2026
I highly recommend this experience to everyone. Iain was an excellent guide. As we walked between the pubs, he constantly shared fascinating insights about Scotland’s history and the beer-making process, which made the tour both enjoyable and informative. We visited three different bars and had three beer tastings at each stop, and the atmosphere in every place was warm and welcoming. Since I don’t drink beer, Iain was incredibly thoughtful and kindly offered me cider instead, which I really appreciated. His friendliness, knowledge, and enthusiasm made the whole experience even more memorable, and it was a fantastic way to explore the local culture.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Zylfije, for highlighting your enjoyable experience with us! We're delighted to hear Ian made the tour informative, accommodating, and memorable. Exploring local culture in such depth is our goal, and we're glad you had fun!
Susan_B, May 2026
Wonderful educational and enjoyable Edinburgh pub tour experience spent with terrific guide Christy. Toured 3 wonderful pubs, tasted excellent, varied beers while learning about the amazing history of beer in Edinburgh and how it fits into the rich history of fascinating Edinburgh
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Susan, for sharing your experience! We're thrilled that you enjoyed exploring Edinburgh's pubs and learning about the city's rich history. Christy surely knows how to make it memorable. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Leslie_M, Apr 2026
Ian was a great guide! He was kind & knowledgeable and showed us some of the best beers Scotland has to offer.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Leslie! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience and Ian's guidance during your beer tour. We hope to see you again for another amazing excursion!
Sourabh_V, Mar 2026
Excellent tour with guide who knows beer , local historical pubs
Got a run down on history of beer making in England and Scotland from 1700 s upto now - pub selection was on point - answered all qs
She’s about to graduate from university and we wish her good luck !!
Must go for all travellers visiting Edinburgh
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Sourabh, for highlighting the expertise and charm of the tour guide. We're thrilled you enjoyed exploring the historic pubs and the captivating beer history. Wishing you many more memorable journeys ahead!
Omar_R, Mar 2026
Ian was great. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Prepare to not just enjoy the selection of beers but will also learn interesting facts about the history of Edinburgh.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Omar! We're thrilled you enjoyed learning about Edinburgh's history alongside the beer selection. We'll share your kind words with Iain!
John_O, Oct 2025
Wag was an exceptional guide with an incredible wealth of knowledge about beer making and its history. Could not recommend more!!
Filiz_I, Oct 2025
We visited 3 bars, 3+3+1 beer tasting, from a variety of old and new styles. Our guide Wag was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The bar selections were good. I felt engaged.
Lesa_S, Sep 2025
Christy was our tour guide for the Edinburgh beer tour which was very enjoyable. She had a vast knowledge of beer and made the experience wonderful
randykeeling, Sep 2025
Fun beer and history tour! Tilly was our guide and she really knew her stuff. What a fun way to spend a few hours in Edinburgh!
Therese_G, Sep 2025
Kristy is a fantastic guide and knows her stuff about beer and how it’s been processed through the years. Very personable and engaged with all in the group really well. Loved the side stories of history of Edinburgh she shared as we walked from pub to pub.
Christine_W, Jul 2025
Iain our tour guide was full of historical facts and helpful tips. We had a blast, bouncing around a few hidden gems of pubs and had a sampling of some very interesting & spectacular beers. My husband was very excited to sample quite a few cask beers, which he was in pursuit of and having difficulty finding in London- he was so glad to find them in Scotland!!
Una_D, Jun 2025
Christy was a great guide. Very interesting and a great storyteller! The tour was enjoyable and we visited 3 pubs which were within easy walking distance of each other.
Barbara_Y, Jun 2025
Our guide Ian did an amazing tour. He was clever, knowledgeable and we really got a wonderful sampling of cask ale. This tour is winner.
Susan_C, May 2025
Nice easy stroll and beer tasting. Learned about local history. Friendly guide. Would recommend. Gets chilly at night so dress warm.
duygu_h, May 2025
we went to the tour before the day of nye ; it was nice to taste and learn about scottish beers and some history around the city while walking
Kylene_M, Apr 2025
Our tour guide, Wag, was very knowledgeable about not only the history of brewing beer, but also about the history of local architecture and trade. It was an enlightening experience and worth every penny. We fully appreciate the craft and complexity of local brews after just a couple of hours with Wag.
DevinWalker, Apr 2025
Great experience! Our guide Iain was very knowledgeable and fun! Each beer we tried was delicious and Iain provided lots of history on the different types. Each pub was very cozy
Heather_M, Feb 2025
This tour was not well planned. The guide was knowledgable but not the friendliest. I wouldn’t recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback. Sometimes it happens that personalities don't click. Your guide Iain receives lots of compliments on his warmth of welcome. I'll send a message requesting specifics so we can review and continue improving.
Our guides do have discretion to adjust the route of the tour to deliver a personalised experience. This was the case with your tour and I'll check in with the team so we're only amending the route with opt in from guests.
Estefania_R, Feb 2025
We had our tour with Mhairi and it was great. We visited three different pubs, two of which were on our list to go to. We tried a few different beers and had the chance to learn more about the beers and about the history of Edinburgh too. I definitely recommend this tour if visiting Edinburgh.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We're so glad that Mhairi helped make your tour enjoyable and informative, and that you had the chance to explore some top-notch pubs along with learning more about Edinburgh. Our team is committed to providing memorable experiences, and we're thrilled to know we met your expectations. We can't wait to welcome you back on another adventure when you return to Edinburgh!
jackkroninger, Dec 2024
This tour is great! Perfect mix of history walking tour and new beers. Highly recommend. Very knowledgeable tour guide.
Abel_G, Dec 2024
I really liked this tour. We enjoyed various beers at different pubs around Edinburgh. Wag was our tour guide and he was very passionate about beer. The only thing the tour was missing was to be able to get a full beer of the one we enjoyed the most before everyone took off on their own.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
So glad you enjoyed your tour with Wag. Will check in with him so we're serving the round at the end.
Tiffany_S, Nov 2024
Our host, Iain, managed to make it even tho it snowed! Very thankful he put the effort in. He even brought snacks, which were delicious! We tried a very wide arrangement of beers, and Iain had tons of knowledge on the history and process off them all. Very fun experience!
Response from Host, Dec 2024
So glad you enjoyed your time with Iain. Wishing you many more wonderful adventures.
Courtney_A, Nov 2024
Iain was a great guide on our tour. Funny, learned loads about beer and Scotland, and will definitely return to do it again!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Edinburgh Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours. It's wonderful to know that Iain's knowledge, humour, and enthusiasm made the tour so enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh soon!
Laurentia_G, Nov 2024
Iain did a great job talking us through the different styles of beers produced in scotland. We got to do a small tour around Edinburgh as well. Great time trying super unique beers :)
Would recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your great review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Edinburgh Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours. It's wonderful to know that Iain's knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour so enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh soon!
Gina_R, Nov 2024
Great! well worth the money. A must when traveling to Edinburgh for the first time. Ian was knowledgeable and easy going.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your great review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Edinburgh Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours. It's wonderful to know that Ian's knowledge and easy-going nature made the tour so enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh soon!
BrianEKrim_B, Nov 2024
Fun and very informative tour. Wag was the guide. Passionate about Edinburgh history and beer! Neat education of the history of beermaking in the city, and delicious tasting along the way. Fun to enjoy several different authentic local pubs and some historic buildings along the way.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for your great review!
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Edinburgh Pub & History Tour with ScotBeer Tours. It's fantastic to know that Wag's passion for Edinburgh's history and beer made the tour so enjoyable.
We hope to welcome you back to Edinburgh soon!
Likely to Sell Out
From $60.11
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Likely to Sell Out
Edinburgh: Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting
281
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$60.11
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Edinburgh, Scotland
- National Museum of Scotland Tours & Tickets
- St. Andrews Castle Tours & Tickets
- Blackness Castle Tours & Tickets
- Iona Abbey Tours & Tickets
- Linlithgow Palace Tours & Tickets
- Rosslyn Chapel Tours & Tickets
- Leith Tours & Tickets
- Isle of Islay Tours & Tickets
- Forth Bridge Tours & Tickets
- Princes Street Tours & Tickets
- Rosslyn Castle (Roslin Castle) Tours & Tickets
- St. Giles’ Cathedral Tours & Tickets
- Stirling Castle Tours & Tickets