The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour: A Dramatic Romp through Old and New Town's Historic Pubs

Join the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour for a hilarious and engaging romp through the historic pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town. Experience a dramatic script performed by professional actors and discover the lesser-known literary characters that have shaped the city’s tavern life. A must-see cultural attraction since 1996!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Edinburgh Old Town - The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour is is a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and new Town.
What's Included
  • Professional actors
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
Additional Information

Join the adventurous pair, Clart (as in mud!) and the clean-hankied intellectual Mcbrain, as they guide you on a delightful and clever dramatic journey through the wynds, courtyards, and pubs of Edinburgh’s Old and New Town. Enjoy a hilarious battle of wits spanning three centuries of remarkable writing and vibrant characters.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub…

Location
Beehive Inn
Grassmarket
Look out for our Ticketing person wearing bright vest. The tour starts up the stairs at The Beehive on the top floor. Feel free to purchase a drink at the bar beforehand and bring it upstairs with you to enjoy the first scene!
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(487 Ratings)
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Ethanl172
Mar 9, 2026
Exceptional way to feel connected to the textures of the Edinburgh old town - I had an absolute blast with Paul and Emma. Their performance was not just so rich in details but so funny and easy to get lost in. It was a pleasure and a wonderful way to feel connected to the beautiful layers of Edinburgh. Its a joy to get to hear poetry recited by actors and with the textures of the place they were written in. Cannot recommend enough!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dirka343
Nov 2, 2025
Drink in the history - My wife and I did the Literary Pub Tour back in 2019 and enjoyed it so much we took a literary friend along to it this week and were not disappointed. The history of Edinburgh’s poets, writers, and drinkers is presented in such a fun and entertaining manner, combined hitting a couple quintessential pubs along the way makes it well worth the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Keeleyd869
Oct 27, 2025
Paul and Hazel - Perfect combo of alcohol and history! - Had the best time! Both Paul and Hazel had such a talent of the arts and their passion for literature and Edinburgh's history shone through! Thoroughly entertaining and informative, will be recommending to all that visit! Just goes to show that even us locals can learn a thing or two!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mike_o
Oct 24, 2025
Scottish literary knowledge not necessary - This tour came highly recommended by friends of ours. I had almost no knowledge of Scottish literature while my wife had a little. As it turns out it wasn’t necessary. Dougal and Emma were excellent performers. They were funny, informative and had great chemistry. Plus, you’re in pubs! I highly recommend this tour no matter what your Scottish literary knowledge may be.
Review provided by Viator
Happy-hiker-ireland
Oct 17, 2025
Dougal and Emma - Outstanding ! The tour is exceptional! - The Literary Pub Tour in Edinburgh was an absolute delight! Dougal and Emma were outstanding guides — knowledgeable, engaging, and full of passion for Edinburgh’s rich literary history. Their storytelling and performances brought the city’s famous authors to life in such a fun and memorable way. You can tell they are both talented actors who love what they do. A perfect blend of education, humor, and good company. Thank you, Dougal and Emma, for a truly wonderful evening!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
68mbw
Oct 15, 2025
Fun and Educational Edinburgh Literary Tour - Mike and David gave us a fun, educational and very dramatic literary tour in Edinburgh. We visited several pubs and they shared info and reenacted scenes from some of Edinburgh’s most famous writers. Their interplay back and forth added a lot of humor to what could have been a very dry, academic topic. Well worth the price!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bruce
Sep 30, 2025
Edinburgh Literary Tour - Delightfull evening which combined both pub visits and literary performances by a pair of talented and knowledgeable actors.
Review provided by Viator
Mary
Sep 22, 2025
A great way to spend an evening. - Entertaining and informative. Emma and Dougal were great! Loved the attention to the female authors as well! It was a bit chilly so a coat is in order for September and we encourage a ‘hot toddy’ to warm the soul!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
54pep
Dec 29, 2025
Unfortunately not trustworthy! - Unfortunately, it's fancy. Info Received at very short notice. The replacement date a few days later is also cancelled, without any notification. No refund or feedback received. Conclusion: Not recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas
Oct 3, 2025
Literally the worst literary tour - This was to be a pub tour but most of it was outdoors in elements play acting the rule of the writers Little concise history
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $34
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).