Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join the intrepid duo, Clart (as in muck!) and our clean-hankied intellectual Mcbrain, who will lead you on a brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the wynds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh's Old and New Town. A Hilarious duel of wits across three hundred years of great writing and colourful characters.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour incorporates a dramatic script performed by two professional actors, not tour guides reading from books. The tour reaches beyond the well-known figures of Burns, Scott and Stevenson and includes some of the most colourful, literary characters who have added humour and wit throughout the ages to the unique tavern life of The Old and The New Town.
This award winning Tour was the first literary tour launched in Edinburgh in 1996! It has since carried more than 500,000 satisfied customers on a dramatic literary trail across Edinburgh. It's regarded by many as a pioneer, and a "Must-see" cultural attraction in guide books throughout the world.
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
By professional actors
Alcoholic Beverages
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.
literary pub tour
Duration: 2 hours
478 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
bruce,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
Delightfull evening which combined both pub visits and literary performances by a pair of talented and knowledgeable actors.
Pieternella P,
Sep 21, 2025
- Viator
Great tour, Emma and Doughal don’t just tell you about Scottish literary greats, they recite their work, explain and share fun facts. Not too serious but super interesting. Great for solo travellers.
Megan D,
Sep 11, 2025
- Viator
This is a fun experience for people that love literary history. There is some walking as you have to walk to the different pubs, but it is very manageable.
Steve S,
Sep 10, 2025
- Viator
We booked this Tour based on recommendations from some friends. We now highly recommend it for you. We had a great time on this tour. Our two tour guides/actors Mike and Blain did a wonderful job in their reciting and acting out Scottish literature. They did a good job keeping it to two hours. There is some walking involved so please e aware of that. We had a great time!!
JoAnn M,
Sep 9, 2025
- Viator
Paul and Emma are knowledgeable and wonderfully entertaining. If you want to know a little more of the literary characters of Edinburgh while experiencing some local pubs, take this tour! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Operated by The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour