Student Bars in Edinburgh: Where Students Actually Go (And Why)

If you are new to the city, finding the right student bars in Edinburgh can feel overwhelming.

There are hundreds of pubs. Tourist traps. Fancy cocktail lounges. Old man whisky dens. Hidden basement clubs.

But which ones are actually good for students?

You want:

• Affordable drinks

• A fun crowd

• Proper student energy

• Maybe even a discount

Let’s start with three favourites that consistently show up in student group chats.

🍻 The Pear Tree

If the sun is out, this is where half the university disappears to.

The Pear Tree is famous for its massive beer garden. It is chaotic in the best way possible during welcome week and exam season celebrations.

Why students love it:

• Big outdoor space

• Cheap drink deals during the week

• Close to George Square

It is not quiet. It is not subtle. It is pure student energy.

🎉 Drop Kick Murphys

If you want dancing without committing to a full club night, this is a classic.

Drop Kick Murphys turns into a full on party upstairs. It is loud, busy, and packed with students most nights of the week.

Why it works:

• Central location

• Strong student crowd

• Feels like a club without the huge entry fee

If someone says “big night but not too big,” this is usually what they mean.

🍺 Three Sisters

Three Sisters is one of the most versatile student bars in Edinburgh.

Massive courtyard. Big screens for sports. DJ nights. Society socials.

It is the kind of place where:

• You go for one drink

• You stay for five

• You lose track of time

It is reliable. And in student life, reliability matters.

The Real Problem: How Do You Know Where to Go Tonight?

Here is the thing.

There are far more student bars in Edinburgh than just three.

Some offer:

• Student discount nights

• 2 for 1 cocktails

• Society deals

• Free entry before a certain time

But information is scattered. You end up checking:

• Instagram

• Word of mouth

• Random posters

• Old Facebook events

Half the time you only hear about the best deals after they are over.

Uni-Chat Lists All Student Bars in Edinburgh in One Place

Instead of searching everywhere, Uni-Chat has pulled together a full list of student bars in Edinburgh, including pubs and clubs across the city.

You can see:

• Which bars offer student discounts

• Current promotions

• Key details about each venue

• What is happening tonight

And the best part?

You can see who is going.

Going out is always easier when you know you will not walk in alone. Whether it is friends, course mates, or new people you matched with, it changes the vibe completely.

If you want to explore every option and check which venues are offering student deals right now.

Final Thoughts

Edinburgh is one of the best cities in the UK for nightlife. But the difference between an average night and a great one often comes down to knowing where students actually go.

The best student bars in Edinburgh are:

• Social

• Affordable

• Busy with people your age

Start with the classics like The Pear Tree, Drop Kick Murphys, and Three Sisters.

But if you want the full picture including discounts and who is heading out tonight, Uni-Chat makes it simple.

University is short. Nights out become memories fast.

Make them count.