The Best Student Bars in Edinburgh
Student life shouldn’t be all work and no play, especially when you’re living in a city as spectacular as Edinburgh!
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the best student bars in Edinburgh, so that once you close your laptop you can head out and enjoy all this magical city has to offer.
Here we go…
The Devil’s Advocate
This is definitely one of the best student pubs in Edinburgh. It’s one of the most popular spots in Edinburgh, and once you enter through its impressive large wooden doors you’ll understand why.
The Devil’s Advocate has an amazing atmosphere and a huge outdoor terrace, perfect for spending time relaxing with coursemates after a long day of studying.
The food is prepared with ingredients fresh from the garden, and there’s an extensive choice of whisky here and cocktails too.
Panda and Sons
If you’re on the hunt for the best student bars in Edinburgh, then don’t skip Panda and Sons.
One of the most well-thought out bars in Edinburgh, it has a Prohibition theme, which adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to the experience.
The ground floor is set up to look like a barbershop (and is impressively realistic!) but if you go down to the basement, you’ll discover a hidden underground speakeasy!
So grab your uni mates, head over to Panda and Sons, and take your pic from the food and drinks menu - just don’t get caught!
Bramble
Ranked in the Top 20 Bars Across the World by the Australian Bartender’s Magazine and gracing the top 50 two years in a row, Bramble has a sterling reputation for being one of the best student bars in Edinburgh, and indeed the world!
Make sure you check it out, and see why it has gained such a great reputation.
Bramble is a top quality choice for music lovers. The moment you enter the venue, you'll be treated to tunes from a multitude of genres, played by the many DJs who frequent Bramble.
Wee Red Bar
Hosted by Edinburgh College of Art, Wee Red Bar offers the perfect setting if you’re looking to have a more cultured experience.
While having a reasonably-priced drink, you can also take in an art exhibition or listen to live music.
There’s always something on for you to enjoy, as the bar regularly switches up exhibitions and hosts events. Make sure you check out their Facebook page as it's always jam packed with their events.
What’s more, it’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests - so if you’re new to the city, this is definitely one of the best student bars in Edinburgh.
Bar Soba
Soba is the place to be if you’re a fan of cocktails - they have an enormous variety on their menu.
As well as that, they serve up mouth-watering Asian food and have some pretty sweet student discounts.
From Monday to Friday you can get 2 main meals for the price of one, making this a great place to bring a friend. We reckon it will become one of your staple places to visit while you’re living and studying in Edinburgh.
The Bon Vivant
Are you a person who likes to enjoy life to the fullest without worrying about anything? Then in French you are a ‘Bon Vivant’!
If you want to have the feeling of being a Bon Vivant, then this is definitely the place for you, and one of the best student bars in Edinburgh to let it all go.
There’s a lovely warm atmosphere here, with plenty of delicious food and drinks on the menu. The main point is just to feel free and enjoy yourself.
There’s a wide selection of cocktails to choose from, as well as some sharing plates which are ideal for sampling with friends.
The Cumberland Bar
Although this is a great place for any time of the year, it’s an absolutely perfect choice for a sunny summer’s evening.
That’s because The Cumberland has a stunning terrace shaded by trees where you can chill out with uni friends while sampling ales, ciders and wines from the menu. The perfect Instagrammable moment.
If you’re hungry, you can also get hold of some traditional British pub grub here- what more could you ask for?!
The Bow Bar
This place is a proper pub, and although it might not be the trendiest place in the world, it has all the traditional Scottish pub vibes you could wish for. So if you want something authentically Scottish, then The Bow Bar is for you.
They have won an impressive number of awards over the last few years, thanks to their amazing range of whiskies. Make sure you sample some of them, and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
This place is a good option for a more toned-down evening with uni friends after an intense day of lectures and studying.
Boteco do Brasil
Get some sunny Brazilian culture in your life at Boteco do Brasil - one of the best student bars in Edinburgh to have a good time!
Switch the Scottish whisky for a dash of rum, and dance the night away at the dance classes that are hosted here. All levels are welcome, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned dancer, the important thing is that you get stuck in!
An ideal opportunity to shake away any coursework tension at the end of a long week studying!
The Earl of Marchmont
Everyone knows that being around cute animals is an excellent way to destress.
So if you find that exams and coursework are getting on top of you, why not head over to the Earl of Marchmont - Edinburgh’s DOG-FRIENDLY bar!
If having a drink while petting a dog in a blanket sounds like heaven to you, then you’ll love this place! Sure to be one of those places you go to when you need a few home comforts.