Bobby’s Bar Crawl 5 Bars, Nightclub and Scottish Ceilidh Dance

Need an instant Edinburgh night out? Bobby’s Bar Crawl strings together five Old Town spots, starting with a walk-in ceilidh at Stramash and ending at the nightclub at The Hive. I like that you get a built-in plan for meeting people, and I especially like the included complimentary shots that get conversations going fast.

One thing to consider: drinks are not included after the shots, and there is no food stop. So bring a realistic budget for pints and club drinks, and consider wearing comfy shoes because you are moving venues for about four hours.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Five stops, tight pacing, easy format: each venue gets about 45 minutes, so you will see a lot without feeling stuck in one place.
• Stramash ceilidh, no experience needed: live Scottish folk music plus a dance you can just join.
• Frankenstein Pub with a famous show: gothic setting, a lively crowd, and that legendary Frankenstein moment.
• Irish music at Biddy Mulligan’s: a change of pace with a welcoming pub vibe.
• The Hive nightclub finish: the night closes at a club known for cheap drinks and a strong dance-floor mood.
• Professional photos and a wristband: the tour includes photos and a wristband to keep things simple as you move around.

9 pm in Old Town, and why this crawl works

This is the kind of evening activity that saves you from wandering around Edinburgh wondering what to do next. It starts at 9:00 pm, right when locals and visitors are ready to go out, and the whole plan runs about four hours. That timing also means you get the nighttime version of the Old Town, not the mid-afternoon one.

What I like about this format is the rhythm. You are not doing a long, slow crawl where you miss the best moment at each venue. Instead, you hit music, a show, another pub style stop, and then the nightclub finish, all with a host keeping the group organized.

The other practical win is that you are not planning logistics all night. You have one start point, one end point, and a clear sequence of venues. You can focus on people, music, and figuring out your next steps in Edinburgh.

Meeting at Cowgate, then letting the host steer

The meeting point is 37 to 39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR, and you end at The Hive Nightclub & Venue 15 to 17 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG. The tour uses a mobile ticket, and it is near public transportation, which helps if you are coming from anywhere else in the city.

Group size is capped at 99 travelers. That is big enough that you will feel an atmosphere, but small enough that the host can still herd everyone through the night. If you enjoy meeting people but do not want a chaotic, free-for-all, this tends to fit.

Hosts are a big part of the experience, and you may see names like Danielle, James, and Luciano mentioned for bringing the energy. In particular, Danielle gets praise for being a standout host and an amazing singer, while James and Luciano are described as making people feel like family. Even if you get different leaders, the consistent theme is that the team wants you included, not just following along.

Stop 1: Stramash for a join-in Scottish ceilidh

Your first stop is Stramash for live Scottish folk music and a ceilidh dance. The best part for most visitors is right in the setup: you do not need experience. You basically arrive, get the basics, and then you join in.

This matters because a ceilidh can look intimidating from the outside. With a guided start, you avoid the awkward moment of standing around unsure where to place yourself. And because the music is live, the room tends to stay playful, not performative.

At this stop you get about 45 minutes, which is enough time to learn the vibe and get at least a few minutes of real participation. If you want a memorable first moment that is different from typical pub hopping, this is the one.

Possible drawback: if you dislike music-led activities and prefer pure sitting-and-talking, this opening stop might feel more active than you expect. But if you want a night with built-in fun, this is the best foot in the door.

Stop 2: Frankenstein Pub for gothic vibes and a legendary show

Next is Frankenstein Pub, an iconic place in Edinburgh with a gothic setting and a crowd that comes alive. You also get about 45 minutes here, including admission. The big draw is the legendary Frankenstein show, which is part of why this stop has a reputation.

This venue is a nice contrast after Stramash. Instead of folk music and dancing, you get theatrical entertainment and a buzz in the room. That change of pace keeps the crawl from feeling repetitive.

Two practical tips for this stop:

1) Expect energy. People tend to gather, take in the show, and move around between moments.

2) Keep your phone handy but not glued to your hand. If you want the atmosphere, look up occasionally and let yourself react with the group.

Stop 3: Biddy Mulligan’s for Irish music and a welcoming pub feel

After gothic fun, you switch to Biddy Mulligan’s, a lively Irish bar with traditional live Irish music. Like the earlier stops, you get 45 minutes and admission is included.

This is a great mid-crawl reset. It is still a pub atmosphere, but it feels more grounded and chat-friendly than a show-heavy venue. If your group is meeting each other for the first time that night, this stop gives you time to talk while the music keeps the energy up.

From what you are likely to experience in a group like this, this is often where new friendships start. People share where they are from, what they did that day, and what they plan to do next. If you are traveling solo, this stop can be the easiest place to connect because it is less “performance mode” and more “hang-out mode.”

A possible drawback: if you are chasing the biggest spectacle of the night, Biddy Mulligan’s might feel more like good music and atmosphere than a single headline moment. But as part of the sequence, it works.

Stop 4: The Hive nightclub, cheap drinks, and real dance-floor time

You end at The Hive Nightclub & Venue for another 45 minutes, including admission. The Hive is known for a nightlife vibe, plus cheap drinks and a dance floor that actually gets used.

This is where the tour’s value shows most clearly. Instead of ending the night at the first bar that will have you, you arrive at a dedicated nightlife space. You get a chance to keep partying without having to gamble on whether a random venue will be fun at that hour.

Also, selected venues include drink deals, and there are complimentary shots included across the crawl. That matters because drinks are where your budget can jump fastest on a nightlife evening. You still pay for your own drinks after what is included, but deals help you stretch the night.

Practical note: because this is a nightclub ending, plan for the “last hour effect.” It is easy to overdo it on drinks if you are feeling social. If you want to remember the fun, pace yourself and keep water nearby.

What you actually get for the price (and how to budget)

The price is $20.57 per person, with admission included at all the stops plus the nightclub entry. For most people, that is the key value point. Nightlife entry fees add up fast, and you also get a structured evening rather than paying for nothing but the right start time.

Here is what is included:

• Admission fees for all bars and the nightclub
• Local host or guide
• Complimentary shots
• Drink deals at selected venues
• Professional photos
• Wristband

What is not included:

• Drinks (except the complimentary shots)
• Food

So yes, you should budget for your own drinks and snacks if you need them. That is the trade-off of paying a low tour price while getting entry included. If you plan to eat before you meet, you will feel much freer once you are out.

If you want an easy budgeting rule: assume you will buy at least a drink or two on top of the included shots, then add extra if you want cocktails or multiple pints at The Hive. This tour is still good value, but it is not an all-you-can-party package.

The group vibe, photos, and that I-feel-welcome feeling

This crawl is built for social momentum. You are guided from place to place, but the host also helps you plug into the vibe at each stop. That is why people talk about meeting friends quickly and feeling welcome in Edinburgh.

The high praise centers on the hosts and the energy. Danielle is called out for strong hosting and singing, and James and Luciano are described as making people feel like family. That style matters because it changes the experience from awkward solo wandering to a shared night with a clear path.

You also get professional photos, plus a wristband to keep access simple across venues. The photos are a nice souvenir because they capture the night’s moments without you having to work like a personal photographer all evening.

One extra element that can make the night feel game-like is a scavenger hunt style activity. If your group includes it, it adds a layer beyond just music and drinking. It also gives you an excuse to chat and move as a team, which is perfect for travelers who want more than passive nightlife.

Practical tips so you enjoy every stop

A few small things can make a big difference on a night like this.

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will be walking between venues and standing for music and shows.
• Go in with a plan for drinks. Since drinks are not included beyond shots, decide early what you will spend so you do not get surprised later.
• Bring a charger option. The night includes photos, and you will likely use your phone for maps and your own pictures.
• Eat earlier. Food is not included, so treat dinner as your responsibility and save the crawl for socializing.
• Be ready to join in. Stramash is specifically structured for participation. If you are nervous, remember that no experience is needed.

Also, because it is a late start, consider what your next morning will look like. If you have an early train or a long drive, this might be the “one big night” option rather than a late-night add-on after something else.

Who should book Bobby’s Bar Crawl in Edinburgh?

This is a strong match if you want:

• a guided way to do Edinburgh nightlife without planning every step
• live music and a real dance element right up front
• a structured group night where meeting people is part of the plan
• a good mix of pub vibes and a nightclub finish

It is also a good fit for solo travelers who want social energy but do not want to gamble on where to go. The format reduces decision fatigue. You show up, follow the host, and you get a complete nightlife arc.

If you prefer nightlife that is quiet, slow, or strictly food-and-craft-beer focused, this may feel too party-shaped. You are moving every 45 minutes, and the emphasis is on entertainment and dancing more than lingering.

Should you book it? My recommendation

If you want a fun Edinburgh night with entry fees included, live music, a ceilidh you can join right away, and a proper nightclub ending, I think this is a smart buy. The low price is mostly possible because you are not paying for drinks, food, or a long guided history lecture. You are paying for access, pacing, and a host-guided party plan.

Book it if:

• you like social group energy and quick introductions
• you are curious about Scottish dance and want to try it
• you want a simple route through Old Town nightlife without extra research

Skip it or reconsider if:

• you need food included
• you dislike active activities like group dancing
• you want to control every venue choice yourself

FAQ

What time does the Bobby’s Bar Crawl start, and how long is it?

It starts at 9:00 pm and lasts about four hours.

How many stops are included?

There are five stops, including Stramash, Frankenstein Pub, Biddy Mulligan’s, and the end at The Hive Nightclub and Venue.

Are drinks included in the price?

Drinks are not included, except for complimentary shots. There are also drink deals at selected venues.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Where do I meet the group, and where does it end?

Meet at 37 to 39 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JR. The tour ends at The Hive Nightclub and Venue, 15 to 17 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.