The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
Overview
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.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
By professional actors
Alcoholic Beverages
What To Expect
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.
Options
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
literary pub tour
Duration: 2 hours
Reviews
464 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It’s okay, and the actors...
Leonard S,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
3.00It’s okay, and the actors offer a dramatic, humorous and entertaining overview of Scottish literary highlights. But it’s also a bit misleading. The pub side of the tour has nothing to do with the literary side. Essentially you stop at a pub, the guides tell those who want a beer to go in, everyone else waits outside, and then you move on to a neutral space where the actors regale you with a few minutes of literary history. Some may enjoy it, but had we known better we would have avoided it.
Lebendige Literaturtour
Norbert N,
Jul 20, 2025
- Viator
5.00Phantastic introduction to famous Scottish writers done very vividly by 2 actors. Burns, Stevenson, Scott and others. Poems are said and even sung.
Fantastic Duo - David and Dougal
Lakshmi I,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00We booked this experience on the evening we arrived in Edinburgh. We thoroughly enjoyed learning about Scottish authors and poets while strolling through different pubs that were very interesting. David and Dougal were amazing guides and actors. They made it so much fun. Amazing to hear the poems they recited and played different roles. Surely, recommend it. Bring an umbrella or a little rain jacket in case it starts raining.
Do not miss the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour!
Deborah S,
Jul 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Fantastic! Please clone Mike and Hazel. The historical presentation by both were great. The energy between these two actors was special.
Great tour
Dale T,
Jun 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00The wife and I enjoyed this tour very much the tour guided made this tour fun to attend. The way they passed on info about the spaces and buildings that they showed us.
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Operated by The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour