As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh draws in plenty of visitors. I’ve visited many times since my first trip in November 2013, and always love returning to the city. While many people visit for the history, it’s also just such a fun city to be in! I’ve rewritten/republished this post since I first published it in August 2019, as sadly several of the bars that I visited have since closed. If you’re looking for a quirky bar for a fun night out, this post is for you: unusual bars to visit in Edinburgh!

Paradise Palms

While yes, Paradise Palms has a good food selection, it’s really their cocktails that stand out! With a funky interior (it made me feel like I was at an arcade or a fair!) and drinks that come served on fire, this is a great place for a drink. They also serve some drinks in teapots if you’re looking to share!

41 Lothian St // Website

Panda & Sons

This speakeasy cocktail bar is a must-visit on a trip to Edinburgh. The vintage décor is styled like an old barbershop mixed with cozy charm. It’s received a number of accolades, including the best bar by Top 500 Bars. It might be useful to reserve a table on weekends.

79 Queen Street // Website

The Cocktail Geeks

The Cocktail Geeks is a pop-culture themed bar. The theme and menu rotate every few months, from Clue and Stranger Things to Star Wars and Jurassic Park. The cocktails are creative and the staff are super friendly – bookings highly recommended.

Arch 14, 27 E Market St // Website

The Wee Pub

The Wee Pub is the smallest pub in Edinburgh (and possibly even in Scotland?!). Located right on the Grassmarket, chances are you’ll be coming to the area for a drink anyway. It’s a bit of a novelty, to have a drink in a pub that can only hold about 20 people! It’s connected to a much larger pub next door – be aware the Wee Pub itself can sometimes get booked out for private parties.

94-96 Grassmarket // Website

The Burrow

This sleek cocktail bar has an impressive whisky selection, which complements the plush and classy décor. If you’re looking for an elegant and classy spot for a date, this is a great choice. They have a Banksy artwork, and there’s a pizza place upstairs. I wouldn’t say it’s unusual or quirky, but it had to make this list of Edinburgh bars.

19 Blackfriars St // Website

Ocean Mist Leith

This bar is actually located inside a 17-room luxury boat hotel in Leith. The restored boat was originally built in 1919 as a classic motor yacht, but its history is fascinating – during World War II, it was used as a torpedo recovery vessel. The Castle View Bar is open to the public and boasts impressive 360-degree views of Edinburgh city including the castle. There are a number of unique signature cocktails – which pay homage to the boat’s storied history – plus plenty of other drink options.

14 Shore, Leith // Website

Planning Your Trip to Edinburgh

I’ve visited Edinburgh many times, and am always looking for an excuse to return. Edinburgh is well-connected by public transport with the rest of the country – the fastest, direct LNER train from London to Edinburgh takes just over 4 hours. Edinburgh’s airport is easy to access from the city center by tram or bus – I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Click here for tours and activities in Edinburgh to experience the city’s nightlife, or check out more Edinburgh below!

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

I’ve stayed at a few different places in Edinburgh over the years, including staying with friends. Here are a few options on where to stay:

• Budget: Kick Ass Grassmarket – I stayed at this hotel over a decade ago and am pleased it’s still around! They’ve since rebranded, and have dorms, pods, and a restaurant/bar in an unbeatable location on the Grassmarket
• Budget: Castle Rock Hostel – another classic Edinburgh hostel, this property has a great location along with a kitchen, lounge, and clean facilities
• Mid-range: Malmaison Edinburgh City – this elegant hotel has sleek, trendy décor and a tasty breakfast in a central location
• Mid-range: Residence Inn by Marriott Edinburgh – I stayed here with my family on our pre-Christmas trip! Clean, comfortable rooms (ours had a kitchenette), excellent breakfast, and a quiet location
• Luxury: The Balmoral Hotel – this five-star property is synonymous with luxury in Edinburgh; there are multiple dining options, a spa, and plush rooms which have marble bathrooms
• Luxury: Gleneagles Townhouse – a truly luxurious hotel, with spacious and characterful rooms, attentive service, and a rooftop bar

Edinburgh is such a beautiful and historic city. If you look beyond the immediate pubs and the places lining the Royal Mile, there are lots of fun bars to visit! I hope this post helps plan some unusual and quirky bars to visit on your next trip to Edinburgh.

Have you visited Edinburgh before? Did you check out any quirky or unusual bars?!

You might like my other posts:

15 Tips for a Weekend Trip to Edinburgh

5 Harry Potter Places to Visit in Edinburgh

All my Scotland posts!

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