Top 9 Drinking Tours in Scotland

1.The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 485 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $34Our pick

Spend about two hours walking Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns with actor-guides such as Emma, Dougal, Mike, or Hazel. Expect comic performances, Scottish poetry, songs, and stories about Burns, Stevenson, Scott, and other writers. Pub visits are included, but drinks are optional, and much of the performance takes place outdoors.

“Dougal and Blair! They created characters used to dramatically convey some of the key features of Scots poets and authors. A most vibrant, educational and spirited discussion designed to draw the audience right into 17th and 18th (particularly) Scottish mindset. With stops to refresh the pint glass!”

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2.The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 282 reviews · 4 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $20Best value

Join guides such as Tom, Esther, Cameron, Tia, and Justin for a four-to-six-hour crawl through seven Edinburgh bars and clubs. Your $20.81 ticket includes six shots, one bomb, drink discounts, and VIP entry. The route changes nightly, so expect a social, party-focused night rather than a fixed tour of traditional pubs.

“From what I can remember, I had a really great time. The Scott's really know how to drink! Our guide was fun too!”

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3.Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $63Top rated

Walk from St Giles’ Street through Edinburgh’s Old Town, Canongate, and Cowgate with a guide such as Wag, Iain, Christy, Sara, or Mhairi. Visit three pubs, taste included beers ranging from cask ales to sour styles, and connect Edinburgh’s brewing past with its lively pub culture. Groups are limited to 12 people.

“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!”

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4.Pub Crawl in Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 220 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $20

Meet at Pilgrim Bar at 7:30 pm for a six-hour crawl through Edinburgh Old Town. Your group visits at least five venues with free entry, a small shot at each stop, reduced drink prices, and group photos. Bring a valid photo ID, expect up to 100 people, and note that large stag, hen, and single-sex groups are not accepted.

“Found a couple of great new bars to visit. Places that I would never have found myself. One with fantastic live music and dancing.”

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5.Distillery and Brewery Tour in Inverness Scotland

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 120 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $48

At Uilebheist Brewery and Distillery in Inverness, you’ll spend about 75 minutes learning how beer and whisky are made, hearing local folklore, and tasting three drinks: new-make spirit, Colpach whisky, and beer. The group is capped at 15, and guides such as Richard explain the process in clear detail.

“It’s a long tour with a very, very, very technical description of the distilling and brewing process. Beautiful facility but I’d skip the tour and just get a pint. If you’re interested in the technical components of brewing and distilling it’s for you. If you’re looking for more of the Scottish mythology and about the company itself you can skip the tour.”

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6.Pubs & History Walking Tour with Beer Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 81 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $63

Walk from George Square through Merchant City with a guide such as Mhairi, Iain, or Leigh, stopping at three pubs for Scottish beer tastings. Expect about two hours, several beer styles, brewing stories, and Glasgow history. The group is usually small, though the maximum is 12 people.

“Such a great afternoon! Fran did an excellent job of teaching us about the different types of beer. It was a very informative and tasty afternoon. A must do tour”

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7.Beer Tasting Session in Edinburgh’s Underground Vaults | 1 hour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 66 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $31

Meet at John’s Coffee House & Tavern for a one-hour tasting in The Lost Close. A host such as Sarah, Mark, or Nicky guides you through four local beers, brewing styles, flavors, and the vault’s unusual past. Groups are capped at eight, making this a relaxed adult experience in central Edinburgh.

“Low-key, short and sweet beertasting in an authentic location. Interesting, casual and fun. Perfect when youre looking for beertasting central located, without using half the day in a brewery.”

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8.Afternoon Whisky Tasting in a Traditional Edinburgh Bar

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $54

Meet Neil for a 90-minute tasting at the Jolly Judge in central Edinburgh. You’ll sample four single malt Scotch whiskies, learn how production shapes flavor, and get practical advice on buying whisky and choosing local bars. Groups run from one to six people, making this a friendly first step for beginners.

“Neil was so great. He was so knowledgeable about whiskey and everything whisky related. We had a great time learning about the process and trying new flavors.”

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9.Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $984

Meet your private guide at 59 Glassford Street and walk through Glasgow’s Merchant City, stopping at The Social, All Bar One, and The Piper Whisky Bar. Expect craft cocktails, local brews, broad drinks menus, and Scottish whisky, with a guide who can shape the experience for your group. The tour is offered in English.

“It was an experience that truly elevated my visit to this vibrant city. our knowledgeable guide was a true whisky connoisseur, easily sharing their passion and expertise and I found myself fully immersed in the art of whisky tasting. This tour is highly recommended!”

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