The most beautiful part of the Capital has no shortage of places to enjoy a cold glass of something, though admittedly, it has seen major changes over the past few years. And not all of them for the better.
These days, traditional pubs in the area have to compete with a wide array of wine and cocktail bars, specialist gin and rum outlets and craft beer bars. And that’s not forgetting the number of once-loved boozers which have been converted into gastropubs.
All is not lost, though, as there’s still some places where you can enjoy a pint of lager and a packet of crisps – perhaps with a Hibs or Hearts match on the telly or a game of pool or darts thrown in for good measure.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 13 traditional pubs in Edinburgh’s Old Town we’d recommend for a pint.
. 13 traditional pubs in the Old Town
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 13 traditional pubs in Edinburgh’s Old Town we’d recommend for a pint. Photo: Third Party
. The Blue Blazer
Where: 2 Spittal St, Edinburgh EH3 9DX. Traditional Real Ale pub. Cracking rum selection. More whisky bottles than shelf space. Photo: Third Party
. Malt Shovel Inn
Where: 11-15 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP. Built in 1800 The Malt Shovel Inn maintains original stained-glass windows and dark wooded majesty. Photo: Third Party
. The White Hart Inn
Where: 32 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU. Claimed to be Edinburgh's oldest pub, with parts of the building and cellar dating back to 1516, the remainder of the pub is said to descend from 1740. Photo: Third Party
5. The Jolly Judge
Where: 7 James Court, Edinburgh EH1 2PB. The Jolly Judge sits at the foot of an Edinburgh ‘close’, in the centre of the Capital’s historic Old Town, a mere 2 minutes’ walk from the Castle. Photo: Third Party
6. The Bow Bar
Where: 80 West Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH. Award winning whisky and real ale pub in the heart of Edinburgh's old town. Photo: Third Party
7. Halfway House
Where: 24 Fleshmarket Close, Edinburgh EH1 1BX. One of Edinburgh’s smallest pubs, situated a very short distance between Waverley train station and the Royal Mile. Photo: Third Party
8. The Doric Tavern
Where: 15-16 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE. The Doric was built in the 17th century on Edinburgh's Market Street and adapted to become a gastropub in the 18th century. Photo: Third Party