Edinburgh’s Best Bar Crawl: Free Shots, Discounts, Photos

Edinburgh’s Best Bar Crawl: Free Shots, Discounts, Photos – A Detailed Review

Exploring Edinburgh’s nightlife via a guided bar crawl can be an excellent way to meet new people and discover the city’s vibrant pub scene. This particular experience, offered by On The Rocks Bar Crawl, promises to take you through the Old Town’s most popular venues, with perks like free shots, fast-track entry, and professional photos capturing every moment. It’s designed for both solo travelers and groups eager to socialize, dance, and enjoy Edinburgh’s evening in a lively, safe environment.

What really draws us in is how accessible and inclusive this tour seems: energetic guides, free entry to at least five venues, and a focus on making everyone feel welcome. The added bonus of a photographer snapping away ensures you’ll have memories long after the night ends.

A possible consideration is the price point—at just $11 per person, it sounds like a great deal, but it’s worth noting that the experience is relatively short for some, lasting around 5 hours. For travelers seeking a full-blown pub crawl experience or a more relaxed, cultural exploration of Edinburgh’s drinking scene, this might be more of a quick, lively encounter.

This tour suits those who enjoy a social, energetic night out without the hassle of planning or long waits at busy venues. If you’re after a fun, hassle-free way to experience Edinburgh’s nightlife, this could be a perfect fit.

Key Points

Affordable Price: At $11 per person, it offers great value for a guided, social night out with multiple perks.
Inclusive Atmosphere: Guided by lively, friendly hosts who encourage mixing and introductions.
Multiple Venues: Explores at least 5 of Edinburgh’s top bars and clubs, showcasing diverse atmospheres.
Free Shots & Discounts: Enjoy at least 5 free shots and exclusive drinks deals at each venue.
Photo Memories: A professional photographer captures the night, with access to photos within 48 hours.
Short & Social: Lasts about 5 hours—ideal for a quick but lively introduction to Edinburgh’s nightlife scene.

The Experience: What to Expect from Edinburgh’s Best Bar Crawl

When considering a bar crawl in Edinburgh, it’s helpful to know what the actual journey entails. This tour begins at the Pilgrim Bar, located at 3 Robertson’s Close, right in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The meeting point inside the venue makes it straightforward to find your guide—just ask the bar staff if needed. Guides Shoub, Apurv, and TJ receive praise for their friendly, welcoming approach, which is vital for those who might be new to group drinking tours or unfamiliar with the city.

The Venue Hopping: What Makes Each Stop Special?

The route takes you through a curated selection of Edinburgh’s best bars and clubs, with each offering a unique vibe. The guides ensure the experience is lively and engaging, introducing everyone into the group, perfect for solo travelers or those looking to expand their social circle.

Each venue features at least one free shot, making the night more fun and less costly. The shots are well-received, with reviewers noting they’re not overwhelming—”shots weren’t too much to handle,” as one reviewer mentioned. The venues include well-known spots like Frankenstein, Ballie, and Bar Fifty, all known for their quirky atmospheres and good times. The diversity of venues means you’ll experience everything from cozy pubs to energetic clubs, all within the historic Old Town.

Entry & Speed: Why Fast-Track Matters

One standout feature is the fast-track entry—skipping long lines that are common in Edinburgh’s busy nightlife scene. This is a significant time-saver, especially during peak hours or weekends, allowing you to maximize your time enjoying drinks and socializing instead of waiting outside.

The Photography: Capturing the Night

The inclusion of a professional photographer is a nice touch. The photos are a great souvenir, capturing candid, fun moments that you might not remember fully the next day. Guest reviews highlight that the photographer, who is on hand throughout the night, captures everything—whether it’s a group shot or candid moments. Access to these images within 48 hours means you’ll have plenty of memories to look back on, which is often overlooked in similar experiences.

The Guides: Making the Night Special

According to reviews, the guides—Shoub, Apurv, and TJ—are knowledgeable and personable. They do a good job of making everyone feel included, starting conversations, and introducing guests to each other. This creates a friendly, welcoming environment, which is especially important if you’re traveling alone or with a small group.

The Value: Is It Worth It?

With a price of just $11, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’re getting free entry to multiple venues, free shots, exclusive drink discounts, and a professional photo service—all in a compact 5-hour package. It’s a convenient way to experience a slice of Edinburgh’s nightlife without the hassle of planning or navigating alone.

However, it’s worth mentioning that the tour’s duration—5 hours—means it’s more of an energetic introduction rather than an exhaustive pub crawl. For those wanting to explore more venues or enjoy a more relaxed pace, this might feel a little quick. Still, for first-timers or travelers short on time, it’s an excellent choice.

The Social Side & Group Dynamics

What really shines is how the guides foster interaction. One reviewer mentioned that “each pub provided a unique atmosphere,” and the guides ensured everyone was introduced and included. This makes the experience particularly appealing for solo travelers or those new to Edinburgh, who might otherwise find it challenging to meet new people.

Venue Atmospheres & Diversity

The variety of venues—ranging from lively pubs to energetic clubs—means that you’ll get a good taste of Edinburgh’s vibrant nightlife. The reviews mention spots like Frankenstein, known for its fun vibe, and others like Bar Fifty, which is especially lively. Such diversity keeps the night interesting and avoids the monotony of visiting similar types of venues.

Practicalities & Logistics

The tour meets at the Pilgrim Bar, a convenient, centrally located spot. The experience includes skip-the-line access, which is especially helpful during weekends or peak times.

You’ll need to bring a valid ID or passport, as venues enforce age restrictions and bouncers may scrutinize IDs. The activity is in English, and it’s not suitable for children under 18.

For those concerned about flexibility, the booking process allows you to reserve now and pay later—giving you the option to change plans if needed. Cancellation is also straightforward, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This bar crawl is ideal for solo travelers, first-timers in Edinburgh, or groups looking for a fun, social night out. It’s also perfect if you want a quick, lively taste of the city’s pub scene without committing to a full night of pub hopping.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, cultural experience, or those who prefer a more extended, in-depth exploration of Edinburgh’s drinking culture. The focus here is on fun, socializing, and capturing memories—rather than historical insights or in-depth tastings.

The Sum Up

For just over ten dollars, Edinburgh’s Best Bar Crawl offers a lively, social introduction to the city’s nightlife. The combination of free shots, exclusive discounts, swift venue entry, and professional photos makes it a worthwhile option for travelers seeking a fun night out without fuss. The guides are friendly and inclusive, helping even shy guests feel part of the action, and the variety of venues ensures a good mix of atmospheres.

While the tour is relatively short and fast-paced, it provides a safe, energetic way to meet people and enjoy Edinburgh’s vibrant pub scene. If you’re after a hassle-free, social experience that captures the essence of Edinburgh’s nightlife, this tour is well worth considering.

This experience is best suited for those who value good company, lively venues, and memorable photos—all at an affordable price.

FAQ

How many venues does the tour include?
It includes visits to at least 5 different bars and clubs, each with its own unique ambiance.

What is the starting point?
The tour begins at Pilgrim Bar, inside the venue at 3 Robertson’s Close, Edinburgh EH1 1LY.

Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, a passport or valid ID is required for venue entry, as bouncers reserve the right to check IDs at the door.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with start times depending on availability.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The guides are known for encouraging mixing and introductions, making it perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new friends.

What’s included in the price?
You get fast-track entry to all venues, at least 5 free shots, exclusive drink discounts, and access to professional photos taken during the night.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now with the option to pay later.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s only for travelers aged 18 and above.

Are there any language restrictions?
The activity is conducted in English, making it accessible for English speakers.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?
The tour is mainly focused on drinks and socializing; specific dietary requests are not detailed, so it’s best to contact the provider beforehand if needed.

In summary, if you’re craving a lively, social night out in Edinburgh with minimal fuss, this bar crawl offers a balanced mix of fun, convenience, and memorable moments.