The Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl: 7 Bars!

Seven bars, no planning headache. This crawl is built for a simple goal: skip the research and get a Scottish night out with VIP entry and built-in drinking moments. You’ll move through 7 venues in the city centre, with discounts and included shots to keep the night rolling.

I especially like that the tour removes decision fatigue. The start is at Bar Fifty, then the group flows bar to bar, and the energy tends to pick up as you go. I also like the mix of VIP guestlist entry plus drink discounts, because that can save you money and, more importantly, time.

One consideration: this is party-forward. Some nights feel more club-like than old-school pub, and the pace can feel fast if you’re hoping for a relaxed, sit-down tour.

Key things I’d clock before you book

• 7 venues in 4 to 6 hours, ending at a different final bar each night
• Free drinks at the start, plus 6 shots and 1 bomb included
• VIP guestlist entry to every stop on the itinerary
• Drink discounts at selected bars and clubs, but extra drinks are on you
• Group size up to 75, so you’ll want to stay close to the guides

Why a 7-bar crawl makes sense in Edinburgh

Edinburgh nightlife can be fun, but it can also be a maze. Streets are hilly, pubs are packed, and it’s easy to waste your first night chasing the wrong place. This crawl is designed to solve that, with a ready-made route through 7 city-centre spots.

The price, about $20.81 per person, looks low compared to what you’d pay on your own once you add in cover charges, entry tactics, and buying drinks while you’re still figuring out where to go. Here, you get built-in value through the included items: VIP entry, drink discounts, and a set of included drinking moments (6 shots and 1 bomb). You still buy extra drinks yourself, but the big question becomes, how do you want to spend your night, on the fun parts or on logistical guesswork.

Also, this crawl is English-only, uses a mobile ticket, and runs with a maximum group size of 75. That last point matters. Big groups can be louder and slower at times, but it also means you’re meeting people fast.

Starting at Bar Fifty on Blackfriars Street, then moving into nightlife

The tour starts at Bar FiftyBar 50, 50 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NE. It’s central, and it’s close to public transport, which helps if you’re coming from elsewhere in town. You’ll receive confirmation at booking time, and you’ll use the mobile ticket.

From a practical viewpoint, the meeting point is good because it keeps you from starting in a random neighborhood. You’re already in the area where it’s easy to bounce between venues without spending half your evening getting across town.

Expect a “get everyone together, then go” rhythm. One less-fun moment in the overall experience can be simple crowd logistics, like waiting for the full group to assemble before leaving the first stop. My advice is to arrive a touch early so you don’t lose momentum.

The flow of the 7 stops: what each stage is likely to feel like

The itinerary runs through 7 bars, and the crawl ends in a final bar that changes nightly. All venues are in the city centre, so you’re not dealing with long transfers.

You should think of the night in stages. Early stops are about loosening you up and getting you into the group. Middle stops are where drink discounts and venue-to-venue energy start stacking. Later stops can shift toward louder rooms, especially since discounts are offered at selected bars and clubs.

Below is how the 7 stops usually feel based on what’s included and how the crawl is set up.

Stop 1: The kick-off bar (your launch point)

You start at Bar FiftyBar 50. This is where the night usually becomes social. The tour includes free drinks to help you break the ice, so you’re not standing around deciding what to order while everyone else already knows the vibe.

A smart move here is to use the first bar to meet people. Pub crawls work best when you pair up with someone nearby, because it becomes easier to stay together during transitions.

Potential downside: if the group isn’t fully gathered, you might wait before moving on. That’s not unusual on any crawl, but it’s the one place where you’ll feel it most.

Stop 2: First move, first included shots

This is typically where the included drinking moments start to show up. The crawl includes 6 shots across the night (and 1 bomb), so expect the early portion of those included items to appear within the first couple stops.

This stop is about momentum. You’ll likely feel the pace increase as you start moving away from “meeting the group” and into “working the route.”

Small tip: if you’re picky about what a shot tastes like, don’t assume every included shot will taste the same at every venue. Included shots can vary by bar, and one guest in the broader feedback mentioned the included shot tasting more like sweet mixer than strong alcohol. If that would matter to you, ask what’s in the included shot before you take it.

Stop 3: Drink discounts start to matter

By the third stop, drink discounts become the practical tool that makes the ticket feel worth it. The tour lists drink discounts at selected bars and clubs, meaning you’re not only paying for “a route,” you’re also getting direct help lowering the cost of the drinks you’ll want anyway.

This stop is often where groups start building. If you came solo, this is usually where you stop feeling like a stranger and start feeling like you’ve joined a temporary squad.

Potential drawback: if the group is large, the transition between places can feel crowded. That’s when good crowd awareness pays off. Keep your phone put away, plan for tight entry lines, and move when the guide tells you it’s time.

Stop 4: The middle of the crawl, where energy usually climbs

By now you’ve usually crossed the “first stop jitters” phase. The guide keeps the group moving, and VIP entry helps prevent extra friction at doors. This stop tends to feel more lively than the start, partly because you’ve had some included drinks and partly because venues at this stage are often set up for a fuller party crowd.

This is also a good time to check in with your own pace. The crawl runs about 4 to 6 hours, so you’ll likely still have time to adjust, but you don’t want to burn your stamina at stop 4 and then run out later.

Stop 5: Staying together is the secret sauce

At stop 5, the crawl becomes about timing. When the group moves, it tends to move. If you lag behind, it can become harder to rejoin, especially if entry lines form.

One very specific thing you can take from the overall experience feedback is that guides use signals to keep movement tight. Some nights, the guide uses a horn when it’s time to move on. Even if you don’t hear that exact signal, follow the guide’s cues, because they’re managing the whole flow.

Practical advice: if you want a bathroom break, do it at the edges of stops, not while everyone else is boarding into the next place.

Stop 6: Where clubs and dancing can enter the picture

The tour doesn’t just market itself as a quiet pub stroll. Since drink discounts can apply to selected bars and clubs, you should be prepared for a shift. Some venues may feel more like club nights than classic pubs, depending on the crowd and what the route chooses that day.

This is where the crawl can become a little less “old Scotland pub” and more “people having a great night with music.” If you’re looking for low-volume conversation the whole time, this stage might not be your favorite.

But if your goal is a party intro to Edinburgh, this is often the payoff zone.

Stop 7: Final bar, city-centre wrap-up

The final bar changes nightly, but it stays in the city centre. This stop is the close of the story, and it’s where you’ll feel the overall vibe of the crawl most clearly.

At this point, the night can go two directions. Either you’re ready to keep the momentum going, or you’re relieved it’s nearly done and you just want a final drink with your new friends.

The included items are behind you at this stage, but you still have a choice: keep it simple and pace your drinks, or order what you want and be smart about it. Either way, you’ll be in a central area, which helps with getting home afterward.

VIP guestlist entry and drink discounts: where your money actually goes

A lot of pub crawls basically sell a list of bars. This one adds structure that can be worth it in Edinburgh: VIP guestlist entry for all venues on the crawl route and drink discounts at selected stops.

What you should take from that as a value-focused traveler:

• VIP entry can reduce the time you spend figuring out how to get in.
• Discounts can offset the biggest expense of the night, the drinks themselves.
• The included 6 shots and 1 bomb add a “starter pack” feel, so you don’t need to negotiate what to do next.

There is one line to remember: extra drinks are not included. If you order more than the included items, you’ll pay bar prices like everyone else. That’s normal, but it’s the main place where people’s expectations can clash.

Also, because venues can vary, don’t treat the included shots as guaranteed to taste exactly the way you imagine. The crawl promises shots and a bomb, but what’s in them is venue-dependent.

Who this crawl suits best in real life

This is a great match if you want:

• an easy first-night plan in Edinburgh
• a structured route that keeps you moving
• a social environment where you’re meeting people fast
• a party-focused intro that includes bars and clubs through the night

It’s also a solid option if you’re traveling with someone who wants variety. The 7-venue plan gives you multiple vibes in one evening, rather than committing to a single bar for hours.

Who should think twice:

• If you want a calm, older-style pub crawl with minimal noise and minimal club energy, the “bars and clubs” angle might clash with your expectations.
• If you’re sensitive to fast pacing and big groups, this could feel chaotic at transitions.

On top of that, you’ll notice from the overall feedback that many guides lean into a high-energy host role. Names like Tia, Tom, Esther, and Cameron show up as examples of guides who helped groups feel included and kept the night moving.

Practical tips to get the most out of the night

Here’s how to keep the experience fun instead of frustrating.

Arrive early enough to avoid the first-stop delay. If the group is slow to gather, that’s where you lose the most time. A few minutes can make the difference.

Use the free drinks strategically. If the first bar includes free drinks to break the ice, don’t rush through them. Use them to chat with the group, then order what you actually want later with the discounts in mind.

Stay with the guide during transitions. Pub crawls depend on staying together. If you drift, you may spend time tracking the group while doors are busy.

Ask about the included shot options if you care about strength. The tour states included shots and a bomb, but one dissatisfied comment mentioned a “sugar water” taste. You don’t need to overthink it, but if it matters to you, ask what’s served.

Hydrate and pace yourself for 4 to 6 hours. This is a multi-stop night with multiple drinking moments. If you treat it like a normal single bar session, you’ll feel it later.

Weather and group-size realities in Edinburgh centre

This tour is listed as requiring good weather. If weather is poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That matters because a 4 to 6 hour crawl means multiple outdoor transitions, and Edinburgh weather can change quickly.

Group size is another reality check. The maximum is 75 travelers, and even if you don’t hit the ceiling, you’ll be in a crowd. That’s why staying close to your guide and moving when signaled matters. Big groups can be a lot of fun, but they can also create longer waits at the start or at busy entry points.

FAQ

FAQ

How many bars are included?

You’ll visit 7 bars during the crawl.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes 6 shots and 1 bomb.

Are drink discounts included?

Yes. There are drink discounts at selected bars and clubs.

Do I have to buy extra drinks during the crawl?

Yes. Extra drinks are not included, so you’ll need to buy anything beyond the included items directly from the bars.

Where does the pub crawl start?

It starts at Bar FiftyBar 50, 50 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NE, UK.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends in a final bar in Edinburgh city centre. The final bar can change nightly.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 4 to 6 hours.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

If poor weather cancels the crawl, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 75 travelers.

Should you book the Original Edinburgh Pub Crawl?

If your goal is an easy, social first-night plan, and you’re happy with a party route that includes VIP entry, discounted drinks, and included shots, then yes, it’s a solid value. It’s built to remove guesswork, keep you moving, and put you in front of Edinburgh nightlife without overplanning.

Book with a realistic mindset, though. This is not a slow guided pub chat. It’s a 4 to 6 hour nightlife crawl, with a chance the later venues feel more club-like. If that sounds like fun, you’ll likely have a memorable night. If you want quiet and low-key, you may prefer something more traditional.