traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip

Bannerman's Bar (solo trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Solo-Friendly is Bannerman's Bar?

83%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: Nightly free or low-cost rock gigs, karaoke and open-mic give a solo traveler lively entertainment and easy socializing, and bar staff happily advise on affordable whiskies.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 2,099 reviews)
The Eric Bell Trio  - Whiskey In The Jar. Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh 20th Jan 2024.
7 min
Start from:
0:00
The Eric Bell Trio - Whiskey In The Jar. Bannermans Bar, Edinburgh 20th Jan 2024.
2.6K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Free Entry Events: Most live music, karaoke and open mic nights have no door fee.
  • Social Atmosphere: The cellar layout and community events make it easy to meet locals.

Challenges:

  • Ticketed Shows: Some larger gigs charge £10–£13; tickets sell fast on festival nights.
  • 18+ Only: Entry is restricted to guests aged 18 and over; bring valid ID.
Bannerman's Bar image 1
Bannerman's Bar image 2
Bannerman's Bar image 3
Bannerman's Bar image 4
Bannerman's Bar image 5
🏖️ Explore Bannerman's Bar with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Bannerman's Bar. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Bannerman's Bar?

  • A multi-level subterranean pub built into a converted Victorian fruit warehouse beneath Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade
  • A labyrinth of interconnected snugs and vaulted cellars serving as an intimate live-music venue
  • A comprehensive bar offering Scotch whiskies, real ales and a dedicated Jägermeister lounge

What is so special about Bannerman's Bar for solo trip?

  1. Free live music and open mic nights perfect for meeting locals
  2. Karaoke Tuesdays and pool tables offer built-in social activities
  3. Extensive whisky list with personal recommendations
  4. Compact, 18+ cellar setting fosters friendly chats

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to enjoy live music, try a whisky dram, join karaoke or play pool without rushing.

(View Bannerman's Bar on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Bannerman's Bar

Live Music Nights:

Attend free local band sets in the intimate cellar space six nights a week.

Tip: Check the online schedule to know which nights require a ticket (£10–£13) and which are free entry.

Karaoke Tuesdays:

Sign up for complimentary karaoke to perform on stage.

Tip: Arrive early to reserve your song slot and meet fellow solo singers.

Open Mic Sundays:

Watch or join local singers and performers at the weekly open mic.

Tip: Bring a small donation to support artists and spark conversations afterward.

Whisky Chat:

Sample regional malts and special bottlings from the bar’s whisky list.

Tip: Ask the bartender for a sampler flight or their top recommendation based on your taste.

Pool Table Hire:

Play pool in the relaxed lounge area.

Tip: Use a game as an icebreaker to chat with locals; tables cost around £3 per hour.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bannerman's Bar

  1. Check the Calendar: View the event schedule online to plan around free and ticketed nights.
  2. Arrive Early: Secure a table or a good spot for live acts and reserve karaoke slots.
  3. Leverage Bartender Tips: Ask staff for whisky recommendations or off-menu specials.
🏖️ Tour Bannerman's Bar like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Bannerman's Bar. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Bannerman's Bar

Powered by Google
Martin McCue

Martin McCue

Oct 2025

This is a live music institution! Such a cool spot. Friendly bartenders and staff! If in Edinburgh and a music fan, stop here. You can even swing by for a pint if music isn’t your thing! No food served, just good times!

Kyle Harris

Kyle Harris

Oct 2025

I found my way to this great little bar on my trip to Edinburgh. As soon as I walked through the door I was greeted with great music, warmth and good beer. The locals really made the place welcoming to a "southerner" like me (southern by Edinburgh standards, being from Yorkshire and all). I even managed to meet The Stoaters who were a good bunch and I fully intend to have gander at your music. Ba...

Aodhán R

Aodhán R

Aug 2025

Genuinely a nice place with good people inside the bar, plenty of rockers. There’s a great little space out the back for small gigs. One of the bartenders, a shorter man with a bald head and a piercing, was extremely rude (random and unprovoked) for reasons I couldn’t quite understand – if you’re having a bad day, it’s best not to project that onto your customers. If you don't enjoy working, then ...

Daniel Kuschny

Daniel Kuschny

Jul 2025

great rock&metal bar with live music, great selection of beers. no food tough. Two days ago (on my birthday) I was in the other two popular metal&rock bars around here and was a bit disapointed (wednesday might ;_ the reason), this place definitely made it all up. 10/10, will come again. +live movies on Tv (Predator with Arnie, another plus as I am from Austria 🤣🤪)

stan mooney

stan mooney

Nov 2024

Didn't get food, was there to see Hawklords, with the added bonus of Marley Davidson. They were both fantastic and the venue was great, it is a small cellar room with an arched cobblestone roof, the sound was very good, vocals could have been a bit louder ( or god forbid the instruments a bit lower) it was a great gig. The two negative aspects were. Firstly the gents toilet was stinking, it was cl...

When is the best time to visit Bannerman's Bar (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

During the Edinburgh Festival in August, shows book out fast and some gigs switch to paid entry. Check ticket requirements and arrive early to avoid queues.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Pint of real aleGBP 4.5
Whisky dramGBP 6
Pool table hire (1 hour)GBP 3
Ticketed gigGBP 12
Snack (burger or sandwich)GBP 5
Total EstimatedGBP 30.5

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Bannerman's Bar

Address: 212 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NQ, UK

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Bannerman's Bar (Edinburgh)?

← See other Things to Do in Edinburgh (solo trip)

About Bannerman's Bar

Opening Hours

Monday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Tuesday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Wednesday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Thursday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday:12:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 556 3254

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip

Things to Do in London, solo trip
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, solo trip
Manchester

🇺🇸 United States, solo trip

Things to Do in Hawaii, solo trip
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, solo trip
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, solo trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, solo trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, solo trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

Things to Do in Dublin, solo trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, solo trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, solo trip
Galway

🇮🇹 Italy, solo trip

Things to Do in Rome, solo trip
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, solo trip
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, solo trip
Milan

🇫🇷 France, solo trip

Things to Do in Paris, solo trip
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, solo trip
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, solo trip
Lyon

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

searching for