Ditch boring group tours for a witty, self-guided walking tour/pub crawl with an intriguing literary and historical theme of Edinburgh Old and New Town.
🎯 Who it’s for: Friends, solos, couples & alternative explorers.
🔥 Why it’s worth it: easy access from Waverley station & 100% self-paced.
Charge your phone and start your quest! 📲
NB: if taking the tour with persons under 18, this won't be a problem for the tour itself but depending on the pub rules, they may restrict entry in the pub.
Places you will visit
4
You will walk
1320 steps
Total distance
1 km
A note from Questor creator
“Creator of quests and self guided tours in the UK and Europe.”
What you'll actually do
Download the Questo app and unlock the quest. Walk to Beehive Inn whenever you like · no guide, no group, no time slot.
Solve 4 puzzles hidden in the streets around you. Each one you crack unlocks the next location.
Finish at Milnes Bar and see where you land on the Edinburgh leaderboard.
Highlights
Ditch the boring walking tours! This self-guided walking pub tour guides you through Edinburgh’s best literary taverns at your own pace
Highlights:
Ghostly gallows history in the Grassmarket 💀
Drinking where Burns & Stevenson wrote 🥃
100% self-guided (stop for a pint anytime!) 🍻
Packed with history & wicked comedy 🎭
The mission: Your story in Edinburgh
Leave the dry history books behind and step into a living, breathing storybook where gothic alleyways meet historic ales.
This interactive, self-guided walking tour transforms the streets of Edinburgh with intriguing literary tales and the opportunity to visit and drink in the local historic taverns and pubs. Guided step by step on this tour at a pace that completely suits you, you can linger and languish in the taverns and reflect on these intriguing tales or march on at a brisk pace and rehydrate yourself at the final stop. Either way, this will be a self guided tour unlike no other whether your interest is in Scottish pubs or in literary tales.
Total walking distance to complete the tour: approx 1.1 miles (1.7 -1.8 km). Approx average timings - 1.5 to 2 hours. You can complete more quickly if you solve the clues quickly and don't stay on for refreshments. Alternatively, you can enjoy this as a much slower pace and enjoy hanging out at the local taverns!
ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
What to expect from Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour - a self-guided fun tour.
Ditch boring group tours for a witty, self-guided walking tour/pub crawl with an intriguing literary and historical theme of Edinburgh Old and New Town. 🎯 Who it’s for: Friends, solos, couples & alternative explorers. 🔥 Why it’s worth it: easy access from Waverley station & 100% self-paced. Charge your phone and start your quest! 📲 NB: if taking the tour with persons under 18, this won't be a problem for the tour itself but depending on the pub rules, they may restrict entry in the pub.
Ditch the boring walking tours! This self-guided walking pub tour guides you through Edinburgh’s best literary taverns at your own pace Highlights: Ghostly gallows history in the Grassmarket 💀 Drinking where Burns & Stevenson wrote 🥃 100% self-guided (stop for a pint anytime!) 🍻 Packed with history & wicked comedy 🎭
Start: Beehive Inn. Finish: Milnes Bar. 4 challenges included.
Good to know before you play
- Step Into the Story
- Hidden History
- Difficulty level: Medium 🟡🤔
- Difficulty level: Easy 🟢😊
- Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank
- Minimum recommended age: 16+
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
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