The Best Al-Fresco Drinking in Edinburgh

places to drink outside in Edinburgh, Edinburgh beer gardens, bars with outside tables




Edinburgh has so many great venues to enjoy a drink in the sunshine and watch the world go by. 

You can people-watch with a cocktail from beneath a parasol on fashionable George Street, kick back in the leafy coolness of a beer garden or take a ring-side seat for all the fun of the Grassmarket. 

The options are endless.  We’ve compiled a list of our favourites:






The Cumberland Bar,  1-3 Cumberland Street
Come summer there are few places in the city that can match the idyllic atmosphere of the Cumberland  beer garden.  With very little traffic noise, it’s the perfect spot  for a leisurely drink in the sun.  On a busy summer night, the atmosphere is second to none.
 

Café at the Palace, Holyrood, Royal Mile
 A tranquil café set in the historic mews courtyard adjacent to the Queens Gallery. A great place to relax during or after a day's hard sight-seeing, to savour a glass of wine or two and drink in that dramatic Holyrood atmosphere….
 

Cargo, Edinburgh Quay, Fountainbridge
 Cargo has an idyllic canalside location where you can enjoy watching sun sparkle on water, narrow boats sail by and admire lycra-clad cyclists and joggers on the towpath.  Full range of drinks and cocktails plus a great wine list.
 

Maxie’s Bistro, Victoria Terrace, Grassmarket  
Located on a fabulous garden terrace overlooking lively Victoria Terrace, Maxie’s has a great atmosphere, especially on summer evenings. The perfect perch to spy on all the Grassmarket shenanigans....
 

Monteiths  57-61 High Street, Royal Mile  
Monteith’s has a uniquely  romantic and atmospheric outdoor area that’s ideal for long summer evenings and admiring the medieval drama that is Edinburgh’s old town.   

Old Chain Pier, 32 Trinity Cres., Newhaven
This establishment has a great spot, perched right over the Forth.  The outdoor tables preside over a panoramic  views toward the Kingdom of Fife.  
 

Oloroso,  33 Castle Street
Oloroso spectacular roof terrace commands a top floor corner site on the capital’s bustling George Street. Due to its unique position, the terrace provides stunning views across both the Firth of Forth and Edinburgh Castle.   Oloroso offer an excellent snack menu on the terrace during the sunny summer months.

The Spylaw Tavern, 27 Spylaw Street, Colinton
Situated in the heart of atmospheric old Colinton Village right by the gorgeous Colinton Dell, The Spylaw’s leafy beer garden is a tranquil place to while away a sunny afternoon.   


 

 

Browns, 131-133 George Street
A people-watching mecca on fashionable George St., Browns is the last word in elegance.  It has an extensive, award-winning wine-list with fabulous classics from all over Europe, a wide selection of continental beers and a highly acclaimed cocktail list.
 

The Waterline, 58 The Shore, Leith
Located on the characterful shore at Leith, the Waterline has a wonderful and pertinent maritime theme and a fabulous outside beer garden in which to soak up the sun and drink in the atmosphere of Leith's busy shore area. 
 

Black Bull, 12 Grassmarket 
One of Edinburgh's oldest pubs, the Black Bull is the perfect spot for people-watching on the historic Grassmarket.  The atmosphere is fantastic on a summer evening - lots of students partying, families, tourists, hen-nights etc. The Bull has plenty of real ale, a great selection of whiskies and cocktails on request.

 

Syn, 15 Charlotte Lane
This stylish, contemporary bar has a characterful little cordoned off outdoor area on a traditional cobbled mews in the West End.  Quiet enough that you can chat without shouting over the traffic, but lots of passing people to watch. 

Hotel Du Vin, Bristow Place
The hotel has a lovely little enclosed courtyard, a surprisingly tranquil haven from the bustling city centre.  Exceptional wine list and a comprehensive selection of ales served in traditional pewter tankards.