The ultimate guide to the best night out in Edinburgh’s Old Town

Old Town has everything you crave, whether you’re a fresher looking for your first hit of 2000’s bangers, or a seasoned veteran of Hive and Bongos, here’s my tried and tested formula for the most iconic night out you’ll ever have in Edinburgh.

It will be a night you may well forget, but hey, that’s the sign of a good one.

Step 1: Pres

Try to act sober: level impossible

Let’s start with arguably the best part of the night – pres. This is a crucial step in any great night out as the night must, of course, start off on the right foot.

This has to be at someone’s flat, not at a pub straight away, it just doesn’t build the same camaraderie that your ex flatmates, boyfriends brother’s kitchen has.

This is especially important if any freshers or non-Edinburgh residents are assimilating into your night out, helps them get to know everyone in a comfortable setting.

Step 2: The Auld Hoose

weird combo but no judgement here

After pres you need a pub that slightly resembles your great uncle’s local, with student deals, of course. So I suggest The Auld Hoose, a great first stop in the night.

Get a couple of rounds of pints in while still being able to chat up a storm with your friends. Bonus points for Auld House for being dog friendly.

Step 3: Bar 50

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On route to Finnegans, I would suggest Bar 50, a great bar if literally any sport is on, from football to underwater hockey (apparently that is a real thing).

Before you start to get the urge to dance and are too drunk to be trusted with anything in your hands,  you can have a game of pool while staring at the diabolical selection of drinks on offer – who on earth craves a Carling blackcurrant cider? But hey, nothing like downing a dodgy pint to set the night off strong.

Step 4: Finnegans 

I feel like this is Dropkick’s cooler older brother.

A major reason to prefer Finnegans over Drops is that, however busy it gets, you will still get served at the bar, perfect for the tipsy drunk stage of the night, where someone may need to slow you down, but not by too much.

Step 5: Stramash 

Weekly ceilidh that is always packed and fun? Yes please. I love a club with live music and one that is big enough to get a wee bit lost in, lost enough to find corners to hide from my mates, thus Stramash is perfect for your night out. 

Step 6: Hive

Get help x

If  Stramash didn’t kill you off, then hear me out: It’s cheap, it’s unforgettable, and it’s always a laugh. 

Finale: Castle Shawarma House (RIP Bobby’s)

Is there any other way to end an old town night out than force feeding your flatmates a massive chips, cheese, and gravy while you stumble through campus praying nobody watches the CCTV back?