The best beer gardens in Edinburgh

The busy tartan streets of Auld Reekie are ones everyone should tread at least one point in their lives, but, when you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the Scottish capital, where should you go? Well, a beer garden of course.

So, whether you're after jam-packed gardens to watch the footy, a place to drink the night away under the watchful gaze of Edinburgh Castle, or you just want a quiet corner of the city to have a chat alongside a bottle or two, we've got everything you could want just a scroll away. So, what are you waiting for? Get planning that weekend away!

 

 

The Three Sisters

When: 12pm - 1am Sunday to Tuesday, 12pm - 3am Wednesday to Saturday 

Where: 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS

The backyard of this iconic Edinburgh establishment is one that's always packed to the brim. The Three Sisters offers a whole host of live entertainment from music to comedy to cabaret (you'll have to go inside to catch this one, but it's so worth it), as well as an array of sports events shown live in the courtyard to huge crowds on its outdoor projector screen. On top of this, if you're just after a quick bevvy, there are endless options of food and drink, just make sure you're in time to get a table in the beer garden, it fills up quick.

This place has a bit of something for everyone who steps foot inside, and it ranks high among the best beer gardens in Edinburgh.

 

Find tickets for events at The Three Sisters - here

 

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The Peartree

When: 12pm - 1am every day

Where: 38 W Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9DD

Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this stalwart of the city is also home to one of its most popular beer gardens. Charmingly encircled by a colourful flower bed, this courtyard is for sure the main attraction at the Peartree, with a giant screen TV, extensive outdoor bar and regular BBQs, large crowds flock here whenever the Scottish sun decides to say hello. Make sure you plan around the big sporting events if you're after a quiet one, as it gets very busy here come kick-off. 

Quintessential mention when talking about the best beer gardens in Edinburgh, and, whilst a regular haunt for students, this 18th-century pub welcomes all to sup their beverage of choice.

 

Find tickets for events at The Peartree - here

 

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Beehive Inn

When: 12pm - 11pm every day, open until 1am on Friday and Saturday

Where: 18-20 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU

Now, this is a venue for all you history nuts out there. The site that is currently the Beehive Inn has held a drinks licence since the 16th century, and, being situated in the historic Grassmarket (once a busy market spot for corn, forage and cattle), this building has seen its fair share of action throughout the years. if you look carefully as you walk up the stairs to the restaurant, you will see a large door, totally out of place in the pub. This is the door of the condemned cell from Calton Jail, which was demolished in 1935, pretty cool right?

Not only is it steeped in history but its recently renovated beer garden is not to be missed. Whilst you can sit out front and get caught in the sun trap, we recommend going down to the multi-tiered garden out back, with TVs for sport and a decent amount of room it's cosy and great for a more reserved afternoon drink, this is one for the older crowd.

 

Find tickets for events at The Beehive - here

 

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The Royal Dick, Summerhall

When: Opening times vary, check their website for details

Where: 1, Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL

Paying homage in its name to the old Dick Vet School, this hip little garden epitomises the creativity of its surroundings. Found amidst the arts hub of Summerhall, this beer garden is eccentrically decorated with objects from across the globe and is many of the quirkiest in Edinburgh's go-to beer garden.

Serving up pints aplenty, many of which are brewed in Summerhalls resident craft brewery, Barneys Beer, as well as a range of gins from Pickerings Gin, which is also distilled on-site, this place is a testament to its surroundings and a great day out when looking for the best beer gardens in Edinburgh.

 

Find tickets for The Royal Dick, Summerhall - here

 

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Bellfield Brewery

When: Opening times vary, check their website for details

Where: 46 Stanley Pl, Edinburgh EH7 5TB

Just a 10-minute walk from the Scottish Parliament, this award-wining brewery is also home to a quaint beer garden that sees many a visitor come the weekend. Not only is all the beer brewed on-site, but it's also vegan and gluten-free! the site is also host to several pop-up street food vendors who produce grub that goes mighty fine with one of their beers on a hot day. 

This is more of a left-file adoption when looking for a beer garden, but it is ready-made for any lover of a good craft or IPA inquisitor, so if you're after a place to test your tastebuds, then this should be right up your alley.

 

Find tickets for events at Bellfield Brewery - here

 

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Cold Town House

When: Opening times vary, check their website for details

Where: 4 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU

Under the watchful gaze of the historic Edinburgh Castle, the rooftop beer garden of Cold Tap House is an essential visit. Winning Best Beer Bar Winner at the Scottish Beer Awards in 2021, as well as being a finalist at the National Pizza Awards in the same year, this place provides you with the highest quality entertainment in the most gorgeous of surroundings.

I don't know about you, but we love a well-decorated beer garden, and when everything is draped in plants and flowers, it's always a good sign. So, whether it fits your aesthetic on Instagram, or you just like your sinking holes on the flamboyant side, this should be the place to go when looking for the best beer gardens in Edinburgh 

 

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Teuchters Landing

When: 9:15am - 11pm every day

Where: 1c Dock Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LU

Is it a beer garden? Is it a Canal Boat? Could it possibly be both? You're gonna have to decide for yourself and visit the incredibly unique grounds of Teuchters Landing. Found in the coastal town of Leith, not too far from the city centre, this bar knows its USP and goes all in. On all the hidden gems lists for the city, you will find your water top seating accompanied by a massive range of locally brewed beers, as well as a whiskey menu that's in the hundreds. 

If you want a day trip out of the city one day, then Leith is a good option, even if it is only to visit Teuchters Landing.

 

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Subway Social

When: 2pm - 3pm every day, opens at 12pm on weekends

Where: 69 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JW

This stunning Beer garden is one of the latest editions to Edinburgh's vibrant drinking scene. An extension of the already existing Suiubway Cowgate Bar & Club, this beer garden is located under the railway arches of George IV Bridge and provided a much-needed space during lockdown for Auld Reekie's partygoers. Now, the garden is still open alongside the venue and is a quality night out for anyone who visits. Bursting with atmosphere and good vibes, when speaking about Edinburgh beer gardens, this one cant go amiss.

 

Find tickets for events at Subway Social - here

 

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Festival Village

When: 11am - 10pm every day

Where: Waverley Mall Rooftop, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ

A partnership between two local brands, Smugglers Spirits and the Secret Garden Distillery, this outdoor paradise has been through a proper rebrand recently and now features spectacular floral displays and laid-back summer aesthetic. It has a large range of independent food vendors (We're still dreaming about the Block Brothers Poutinerie), as well as loads of live music and comedy, so you'll never get bored here.

This has the best atmosphere of any on the list and it's very welcoming if you want to bring a four-legged friend along, so what are you waiting for, get down and soak up the vibes.

 

Find tickets for events at Festival Village - here

 

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The Outhouse

When: Opening times vary, check their website for details

Where: 12A Broughton St Ln, Edinburgh EH1 3LY

Now, finally, for one of Edinburghs best kept secrets, The Outhouse. Tucked away down an alley you'd miss if you weren't looking for it, this bar does away with frivolities and offers a stripped-back charm to those who enter. But, with funk and soul DJs producing soundwaves on the regular, this place turns into a great little party come sundown.

When on about the best beer gardens in Edinburgh, it might not top most lists, but it undoubtedly deserves a place and is a top choice for a nights drinking.

 

Find tickets for events at The Outhouse - here

 

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Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.