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 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.
What‘s Included
By professional actors
Alcoholic Beverages
Options
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
literary pub tour
Duration: 2 hours
Reviews
487 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time! Pubs and literature
momjena,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a delightful evening combining pubs, seeing the town, acted scenes, poetry recitation and literary history! Loved the stories and context!
Exceptional way to feel connected to the textures of the Edinburgh old town
ethanl172,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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!
Unfortunately not trustworthy!
54pep,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Unfortunately, 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!
Drink in the history
dirka343,Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My 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.
Paul and Hazel - Perfect combo of alcohol and history!
keeleyd869,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had 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!
Scottish literary knowledge not necessary
Mike O,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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.
Dougal and Emma - Outstanding ! The tour is exceptional!
Happy-Hiker-Ireland,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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!
Fun and Educational Edinburgh Literary Tour
68mbw,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike 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!
Literally the worst literary tour
THOMAS O,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00This was to be a pub tour but most of it was outdoors in elements play acting the rule of the writers Little concise history
Edinburgh Literary Tour
bruce,Sep 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Delightfull evening which combined both pub visits and literary performances by a pair of talented and knowledgeable actors.
From £25.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour