Private Tour of Edinburgh's Rose Street Pubs

Highlights

  • Soak up the cosy, old-fashioned atmosphere of Edinburgh’s historic pubs

  • Learn from your expert private guide about Scottish whisky culture on one of the city’s busy pub-lined streets

  • Imbibe the pub aroma of brass polish, yeast, hops and malt

  • Taste Scotch whiskey from independent distilleries, from single malts craft blends and more

  • Hear fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s centuries-old pub culture

  • Enjoy a tasting of either a local beer or a wee dram of whisky

Summary

Enjoy three wee drams or pints as you explore the city's famed Rose Street.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
10
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

202 Rose St, Edinburgh, EH2 4AZ, GB

123 Main St, Main St, Kings County, New York, 11217, United States

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

A rich rich brewing and distilling tradition ensures Edinburgh is home to many of the UK’s oldest drinking establishments with local pubs (or ‘locals’) at the heart of communities city-wide. On your private, guided tour of Rose Street:

 - Soak up the cosy, old-fashioned atmosphere of Edinburgh’s historic pubs
 - Learn from your expert private guide about Scottish whisky culture on one of the city’s busy pub-lined streets
 - Imbibe the pub aroma of brass polish, yeast, hops and malt intermingled with the honeyed smell of Scotch whiskey and smouldering, smoky embers
 - Visit three of the city’s 700 pubs (that’s one every 83 metres) in a population of 500,000
 - Sip a pint of Scottish beer such as Belhaven Scottish Ale and Scottish Oat Stout
 - Taste Scotch whiskey from independent distilleries, from single malts craft blends and more
 - Hear fascinating tales of Edinburgh’s centuries-old pub culture
 - Enjoy a tasting of either a local beer or a wee dram of whisky at each of the three pubs

From the Middle Ages’ spit-and-sawdust pubs that provided merriment for the poor to 19th century inns that offered an ear to life’s successes and misfortunes, pubs have been a cornerstone of Scottish society for centuries, serving as default venues for every occasion. Rose Street, a narrow traffic-free stone stretch running parallel to the main thoroughfare, is Edinburgh’s drinking heartland. Every pub in Rose Street has a tale to tell, from the bizarre and macabre to the curious. It is also famed in local lore for its drinking game – the Rose Street Challenge – in which pub-goers are dared to take a wee dram at every bar

On your Tour of Edinburgh’s Historic Pubs , swerve the mediocre and over-hyped to seek out pubs with authentic character. Your tour guide - a local expert - will take you to three of the best pubs on Rose Street, where you will enjoy a pour of whiskey or a pint at each stop. Nothing evokes bygone bars like the unmistakable smell of brass polish, yeast, hops and malt intermingled with the honeyed smell of Scotch whiskey and smouldering, smoky embers in the grate. Perchance you’ll enjoy a tipple at The Abbotsford Bar , built in 1902, and is famed for its eye-catching centerpiece island bay crafted from dark-brown Spanish mahogany, divided into small serving ports by intricately carved railings. Another curious haunt, Milnes of Rose Street, has been a popular poetic pitstop with generations of quill-wielding Scottish writers since 1910. With its mind-boggling array of whiskeys, Scotts is the oldest drinking establishments on the block, pouring its first pint in 1790 - when George III was on the throne. Bar yarns prevail at Dirty Dick’s , a dimly-lit beer joint built in 1859. Quirky artifacts ensure the decor is as oddball as its name, which honours a thirsty local man from centuries past who shovelled horse dung off the streets. No matter where you choose to pop into, each Rose Street pub will have a rich story to share with you

What’s included?

  • One single-shot of whisky or pint at each pub (3 total)

  • A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group

  • Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places

  • Additional food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way

  • Cost of transportation on the day. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport

  • Gratuities (optional)

Things to know

Before you book

  • This is a walking tour

  • Cost of transportation on the day is not included. Your guide will accompany you in a taxi or by public transport

Before you go

  • Please bring comfortable walking shoes

  • Please bring any medical requirements you need throughout the day

Covid Policy

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Travel Curious, based in Shoreditch/London, researches, creates and owns immersive, cultural tours and experiences in cities throughout the world. We provide our tours and experiences as a service to the travel industry and are privileged to name some of the biggest global brands as our partners