Edinburgh and Glasgow have long been considered two of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and with good reason – after all, have you ever heard about the infamous Nessie leaving behind her beloved Loch for different scenery or greater adventures?

Well, she might want to now with our handy guide to the most characterful, distinctive old pubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow…

Fancy keeping her company? So settle in with some whisky and haggis and see where you’re heading to next on your tour of the 10 best things to do in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

If you don’t make time to visit Edinburgh Castle when you visit this historic city, have you even been to Edinburgh? As if this 11^th-century castle wasn’t special enough, its barracks also house the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Get directions to Edinburgh Castle.

Still hungry for history – and a traditional pub meal – after roaming the grounds of Edinburgh Castle? Step inside The Kenilworth, where they’re always likely to weave a tale and pour a perfect pint in equal measure. For example, did you know the current pub replaced one designed in 1893? Or that the name is taken from a novel by Sir Walter Scott? If you haven’t read it yet, bring it along – you’ll be here a while once you feast your eyes on their pies…

Though it has sweeping views of the city and a front-row seat to the Haymarket Clock – a memorial to the Heart of Midlothian football team – you’ll never doubt what time it is when visiting Edinburgh… because it’s always be time to visit Haymarket, naturally. Boasting both Georgian and Victorian styles and perched on a corner near the city’s first railway station, this beautiful pub has seen it all – except you, so shouldn’t you do something about that?

If you don’t make time to visit Edinburgh Castle when you visit this historic city, have you even been to Edinburgh? As if this 11^th-century castle wasn’t special enough, its barracks also house the Crown Jewels and the National War Museum of Scotland.

Get directions to Edinburgh Castle.

It doesn’t take an expert to crack the case of why The Conan Doyle is one of Edinburgh’s most-loved – and eclectic – drinking establishments. In fact, you’ll find out for yourself soon once you pop in after walking the Royal Mile! Just make sure to take the time to admire the life-sized statue of Sherlock Holmes watching over his creator’s birthplace close by. Then, the mystery of our name will be revealed…

822ft above the city, Arthur’s Seat is the peak of a mountain that’s kind enough to provide panoramic views of Edinburgh and Firth of Forth, all for the price of a moderate hike from the city. Two words: worth it.

Get directions to Arthur’s Seat.

We’d all like to think our very own dog is the most loyal – and they are, in our hearts – but are you ready to sob into your pint? Let us tell you the tale of Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar. We take pride in our pubs and the long, fascinating history attached to each one, and this is one of our favourites. There was once – according to legend – an adorable, feathery Skye Terrier named Bobby. When his owner died, he faithfully watched over his resting place until joining him in the Greyfriars Kirkyard. A short tale to be sure, but one that always tugs at our heartstrings. Fancy a hearty pub classic to make it better?

Edinburgh is always a city of energy and creativity, but it goes to the extreme in August every year when the Edinburgh Festival Fringe comes to town. A combination of free, street, and ticketed performances sweep the city, providing a stage for all tastes and audiences.

Find out more about Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

These days, when you think of The Last Drop in Grassmarket, you might be thinking of that final, upsetting drop in your pint before leaving the warmth of our charming pub. But once, long ago, this building was the site of the city’s main gallows and public executions, so you can probably guess where our name comes from. But before you put on your coat and cancel your plans, it’s now one of the most inviting pubs in Edinburgh, delighting locals and tourists alike.

Or, if you’re still a touch frightened by the macabre tale resting above, you could instead give Rose Street Brewery a visit. It’s all in the name – resting on Rose Street, Edinburgh’s drinking oasis, this characterful pub is famous for once brewing ‘Auld Reekie Ale’ for Rose Street residents only. Now, there’s plenty more on tap for guests travelling far and wide, so… what do you think? Should we let them know you’re coming after the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?

While you’re hiking up to Arthur's Seat, make sure to enjoy its surrounding parkland: Holyrood Park. With its walking and cycling paths – not to mention its serene loch – this may also be a gentler option for family-friendly walks.

Get directions to Holyrood Park.

Even if your mates are too busy to come round to the pub with you, you’ll always have company at The Mitre Bar. There are rumours that the spirit of John Spottiswood – once the Archbishop of St Andrews and tenant of our unique pub in 1615 – still walks around like he owns the place. With elegant décor, golden lighting and craft tipples, we can’t blame him, really – and you never know, maybe his mates didn’t show up, either. Ask nicely and maybe he’d like to walk through Holyrood Park with you?

We’re sure you know the Gothic novella, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, by famed Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson? Well, part of the inspiration came from a certain Deacon William Brodie, who led his own double-life. Respectable citizen and cabinet-maker by day, crime lord by night – and, eventually, he got his very own pub named after him! Now, at Deacon Brodies Tavern, the only horror story is when you finish your favourite hand-crafted pie…

Over in Glasgow, the Glasgow Science Centre offers a space for all you could ever want, including a science & technology museum with interactive exhibits, a mind-blowing planetarium, an IMAX theatre and cafés.

Get directions to Glasgow Science Centre.

Somewhere between morbid and memorable, the Glasgow Necropolis is a Victorian-era cemetery where many prominent Glaswegians are buried – perfect for those days when you fancy strolling through graves and mausoleums.

Get directions to The Glasgow Necropolis.

Built in 1924 by architect Andrew Balfour, our fancy old pub – The Drum & Monkey – used to be one of Glasgow’s many banks, so you can expect an especially grand pub visit, complete with ornate corniced ceilings, wood panelling, and marble columns.

Oh, our name? It’s said that it came from travelling showmen who toured the country at this time, delighting the people of Glasgow with drum-playing monkeys. A fact worth keeping in mind for any pub quizzes in the area…

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is as impressive as it sounds, showing off a diverse range of Scottish and international art and natural history displays. Get your tickets and, as they say, the rest is history.

Get directions to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

If you’ve been searching for a museum that’s pretty enough to be in a museum, this is the one for you. Riverside Museum boasts a hyper-modern exterior and it only gets better inside, with an array of historic vehicles and state-of-the-art interactive displays.

Get directions to Glasgow’s Riverside Museum.

Glasgow’s nightlife and art scene is as vibrant as this gorgeous city – and our historic pubs, if you don’t mind us saying – so we’d recommend making time to enjoy Glasgow’s live music events and theatre shows. Then, when the curtain drops, back to ours for another show-stealing round?

Right in the heart of Glasgow’s cosmopolitan West End is The Curler’s Rest, a pub that’ll have you wondering what year it is with its mix of traditional open fires and exposed bricks meets modern-minded pub dishes and cask ales. Well, as long as you’re not too confused to treat yourself to pub classics between sights, it’ll probably all work out, right?

Don’t worry about deciding which old Edinburgh pubs need to be on your to-do list… we’ve done it for you! Simple follow our Edinburgh Ale & Gin Trail and you’ll soon meet 8 of the best pubs in Edinburgh – as well as the best seasonal pies, haggis delights, and the finest ales and gins in this fair city, of course.

Follow this trail from Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to John Knox’s house (or vice versa) for an eclectic mix of historic Scottish pubs, each as cosy and charming as they are packed with tales to tell.

Oh, one last thing… For especially ‘appy travels along our Edinburgh Ale & Gin Trail, remember to collect your Ale & Gin Trail loyalty stamps on our app. Keep it up and we’ll pour you a FREE ale or gin with every 4^th old pub you visit.

If all that reading about the best attractions in Edinburgh and Glasgow – and the charming old pubs that go hand-in-hand with them – has you feeling thirsty, we think you deserve a break.

Find your nearest Nicholson’s pub and take a load off, treating yourself to a couple of cask ales, and perhaps a classic pub lunch, before getting back to your journey through the best cities in the UK.