Our list comes courtesy of The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who recognise that a lot of pubs in the UK are so historic, that their cultural worthiness is equal to that of any statue or tourist attraction.
There are some incredibe pubs in Scotland’s capital – and CAMRA has included some of them in their list of the top 120 of ‘Scotland’s True Heritage Pubs’ guide published in 2018.
For those who just want an honest pint in a good old-fashioned boozer, there’s plenty Edinburgh venues to choose from.
Take a look through our photo gallery to see 15 of the Edinburgh boozers listed in the CAMRA guide – and why they were included.
5. Bennet’s Bar - 1 Maxwell Street EH10 5HT
CAMRA says: The Second World War knocked the British economy for six and there was little or no money available for pub developments for a decade after 1945. When they did start up again, they were usually low key and built of economical materials. Most have now been swept away, so Wee Bennet’s is, in its way, an interesting survivor of c.1960 Photo: Third Party
6. Central Bar - 7–9 Leith Walk EH7 5QH
CAMRA says: Without doubt, one of Scotland’s most stunning pub interiors. Built in 1899 and designed by P L Henderson, this tall, nearly square space served as the bar for Leith Central station, which closed c.1950. Photo: Third Party
7. Canny Man’s - 237 Morningside Road EH10 4QU
CAMRA says: Officially the Volunteer Arms, the pub was built as a two-storey private house of local grey stone, and it is still in the same family ownership since becoming a pub in 1879. The main bar at the front of the building has an old bar counter and back gantry. Photo: Third Party
8. Café Royal - West Register Street EH2 2AA
CAMRA says: Built in 1862 and a pub since 1901, the main Circle Bar has a white marble floor, panelled dado, foliate Rococo-style frieze and delightful compartmented ceiling. Photo: Third Party