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Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street

Johnnie Walker Princes Street
5
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 11:30 PM
About
Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers a personalised whisky experience where you can explore the flavours of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh. Book your tour tickets and reserve your table on our website. Enjoy world-class cocktails with sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle in our 1820 rooftop bar and sought after whiskies in our Explorers' Bothy bar. Discover our private dining offering, retail area and more. Our opening hours vary by department. Tours: from 11am-7pm (subject to availability, varies by tour). Advanced Table booking is recommended. Check our website/TA listing for the latest details.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Princes Street and Gardens
Glaswegians tease Edinburghers that their High Street is only half one, since buildings only line one side. But what they don’t say is how extraordinary the views are from Princes Street as a result. From here you look onto expansive and decorative public gardens beneath the mighty basalt cliffs on which Edinburgh’s Castle stands proud above the rest of the dramatic old town skyline. Yet many of those on Princes Street look the other way, as they’re concerned with chain store shopping or catching the tram or a train at main train station Waverley. But it’s not all utility here; the Scottish National Gallery rewards purposeless wandering, and December’s huge winter market in the gardens begins a season of revelry which ends with Hogmanay, Britain’s largest New Year’s street party.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Michelle C
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    True Scottish, amazing experience
    The Johnnie Walker on Princes street is an absolute must whether you love whisky or not. Try one of the JW journey experiences and you will come to appreciate JW even if you don’t care for whisky. But I believe you will find something you like. :) And if nothing else, the view from the rooftop bar is one of the best in the city. I highly recommend making reservations for the rooftop bar.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 4 October 2023
  • David ATL
    Atlanta, Georgia5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Book this now, no matter your drink preferences
    This is an amazing experience. The tour is so well done and informative and interactive. Colin our tour guide was beyond awesome (even though the poor lad had a cold). This was the best liqour manufacturer tour I’ve ever done.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 6 October 2023
  • Dariusz S
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see experience for both whisky beginners and connesieurs.
    The whole experience was brilliant and I would recommend it even to people who never tried whisky before as well as to those who have been very engaged into it for years. It is a tailored and very Immersive experience with theatrical elements. Collin was a great host and ensured all of us had great time. He made special effort to get to know us better as well. The experience guide us through the story of Johnny Walker, the main ideas and values behind it and really highlight that whisky should be drunk the way you like. After the experience, I head to the 1820 bar which has an amazing view over the city and the castle. Fowwaz Was a great and knowledgeable bartender. Thank you so much for making my visit so awesome.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 7 October 2023
  • Last1Standing
    20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit
    We visited Johnnie Walker, Princes Street following a recommendation from a friend. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Our guide and presentations were done by Thomas and Nicola. They really brought the whole thing to life. The cocktails were great too! Well worth a visit.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 October 2023
  • Sue S
    Dundee, United Kingdom36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must try!
    Amazing unique experience even for the non whisky drinkers. They may even be converted. From beginning to end it was a knowledgeable insight into Johnnie Walker whisky. Book the rooftop bar afterwards.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 October 2023
  • Fearless01512030501
    Dublin, Ireland2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience q
    Amazing experience. A warm welcome straight away from walking into the building. Helpful and courteous staff guide you through the beautiful building which is immaculately kept. Our guide Alice was excellent, very knowledgeable and her presentation skills were incredible. The storytelling by her colleague Russell was one of the highlights of the tour. The theatrics and visual effects were unexpected but captivating. The various tasting rooms were sublime and I cannot compliment or recommend this experience enough. Afterwards we had lunch and a drink in the rooftop bar. Another stunning setting with the best views in Edinburgh. Amazing experience overall.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 October 2023
  • Andrew M
    Glasgow, United Kingdom3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss it (even if your'e not a drinker)
    Great day out in Edinburgh including The Johnnie Walker experience which was the highlight. Professional, polished tour which entertained as well as informed. The use of audio visuals was amazing. Special mention for Thomas. Brilliant!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • johnb60
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceptional experience
    This was a supreme experience. The whole tour and ethos of this was fantastic The tour is very well put together and all your staff are very enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very good at what they do. Our tour guide was only working here for 3 months and was all of the above and more. The technology is amazing from the drink dispensers, to the graphics and interactivety with the tour guides. The whisky, by the way was fantastic and a big surprise having previously drunk lots of blended and single malts over the years. The building us amazing and very well rebuilt. I would certainly attend again and would recommend to friends and family. Thank you for a great day out. John Blake
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 21 October 2023
  • Jerome W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Impressive and delightful experience
    The presentation technology was impressive. Thomas, our guide, was delightful and Amiee did a great job with the presentation. We thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it and highly recommended it to several people already. One of our highlights in Edinburgh
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Jessica H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Thomas was the best!
    This is a little late as we went on the tour in August of 2023, but didn't want to forget. Thomas was our tour guide and it was only his second day on the job and he totally crushed it. He was able to answer all of our questions thoroughly and thoughtfully and we were so impressed with his ability to memorize everything while staying on cue with the music and other voices. We'd highly recommend people to go to this tour, but especially recommend they get Thomas as their guide. He was a warm welcome to Edinburgh and we also loved his self-deprecating English humor.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles2,278 reviews
Excellent
2,070
Very good
126
Average
28
Poor
35
Terrible
21

M Edin
25 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
The conversion of the old Frasers / Binn's building has been done to an exceptionally high quality with some amazing attention to detail. The Journey of Flavour Tour is a good introduction to the story of JW and whisky flavours in general. The use of media makes it really immersive although there are a couple of elements that felt a wee bit 'Whisky Disney' to me, but that doesn't detract from the quality of the tour.

The £25 tour includes three drinks and lasts 90 minutes. At that price it represents excellent value and also comes with a 10% discount in the store, where you can buy exclusive JW whiskies as well as a selection of Diageo single malts.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claire0209
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
My husband has always loved whisky but I have always said I detested it. We came to Edinburgh on a weekend break and he booked the "journey of flavour" tour for us. There was no point booking a full on single malt tasting at a distillery as I would not have got anywhere near enjoying it.
You can take a flavour questionnaire before you go but I came out with the same profile as the husband, so upon arrival was greeted by Les, one of the guides who signposted me to a different profile after a quick chat. I'm so glad he did! When it came to the tasting I realised there was likely to be whisky for me, I just had to be discerning in what I chose.
As for the tour itself, it is interactive and interesting, but obviously centred around the Johnnie Walker brand. There was no hard sell, just enthusiasm on the part of the guides and the expected inclusive drinks.
I would have no hesitation in recommending this tour for those who feel whisky isn't for them. Our guide Villeo was an absolute diamond. I even remembered the name of one of the whiskys he recommended for my palette and I found it in a pub later... Loved it!
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad to see that you and your husband enjoyed your tour with Villeo and your whiskies. We hope you enjoyed the rest of your weekend in Edinburgh and we'd love to welcome you both back soon.
Written 5 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Andy D
Edinburgh, UK7 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Terrible, terrible, experience which probably only lasted around two minutes. From the entrance which proclaimed 'Automatic Door', which wasn't, to my departure after being called 'Mate' by a young unhelpful floor staff, this place is a disaster, which I firmly believe will close within two years.

The ground floor is very small, with an array of overpriced merchandise, but most of all, there is absolutely no sign of what the place is all about!

Access to the rest of the building is through another large glass panel proclaiming, ' Automatic Doors, and this time it is actually firmly locked shut!

I pointed this out to a member of staff, who said, ' Aye mate, that's for the rooftop bar and if you need the toilet'. He then grudgingly produced an electronic keycard to open the door!

I told him not to bother and left.

The overall impression I have is that if you are not a smiling tourist, desperate to part with your cash, then you are not welcome. Especially if you come with a local accent.

I have seldom in my sixty odd years on the planet felt so angry by such an awful, patronising and humiliating retail experience.

Diageo. Get your act together! And start by training your staff in how to interact with people!
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris B
Edinburgh, UK145 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Friends
Fantastic day out. This is the best whiskey tour I’ve ever been on! This tour offers much more than your standard tastings and a tour of the still etc. Everything from the fantastic attention to detail, the fantastic actress talking us through the history of their whiskey to the very swish bar where we got 3 excellent drinks.

Colin, our host was fantastic, very funny, friendly and knowledgeable. For the price I thought this was excellent value for money and will recommend any one else to give it a go even if they don’t like whiskey
Written 21 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're delighted that you enjoyed your tour with Colin and your whiskies. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 5 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Weescottishadventures
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
We booked this tour as we were looking for something new to try and what a good shout that was. From the moment you walk into the place it is pure class. We were welcomed onto the tour by our Guide, Bonnar. He was friendly and instantly made us feel relaxed and looking forward to what was to come.

I'm not a Whisky drinker but that didn't matter one bit. The tour was so interesting and enjoyable. Everything was so polished and well organised but also relaxing and fun. All the staff who we came into contact with went over and above, including the female concierge at the bars (didn't get her name) who managed to find us a table in the fully booked rooftop bar (we had only asked to have a look so we could book at another time) We had only been able to book the Bothy Bar which was incredibly beautiful. They are very different vibes so I was delighted to have had the opportunity to have a drink in both and the views from the outdoor terrace are second to none!

I will recommend this to anyone, whiskey lover or not. The Hiball drinks were delicious and with the 3 drinks included, this was value for money. Look forward to coming again, but I imagine we will need to book well in advance as the news of this place gets out!
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tarnya H
3 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022 • Friends
i made a reservation for the restaurant in February however my reservation was cancelled shortly after do our disappointment.
However we are still awaiting the return of out deposit ??? weeks have passed without and refund or explanation also can not get past automatic answering service or had any return calls.
so i advise anyone to carefully consider paying a deposit for a booking
Written 9 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, we would appreciate if you could get in touch with us and send your contact details to JWPS.F&B@diageo.com so that a member of the team can contact you to understand what happened? As part of our processes we do not cancel bookings that have paid a deposit, as these are considered confirmed bookings – so we are keen to understand how this might have happened. If the booking is a no show on the day, then the booking would be cancelled after 30 minutes of the booking start time, as per our terms and conditions. The only bookings that would be cancelled are unconfirmed bookings, and only after we have contacted or attempted to contact the guest, but there would be no deposit associated. Thank you, Lauren
Written 11 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

dezzyd01
Glasgow, UK275 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
We found the Johnny Walker Experience to be fantastic from the warm welcome to the superb graphics and interactive show. Also a great bit of Scottish history told through an actress and your well informed guide, you are taken through the humble beginnings to the now global company. The tasting are great at the end and when you return to the shop there is 10% off if you’ve attended the Experience.
I would have uploaded photos, however, there are more than enough already. Overall we throughly enjoyed the Experience and would happy recommend it Whisky drinkers and to those who are willing to Experience Johnny Walker.
Written 5 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed your Journey of Flavour tour and we hope to welcome you back to Johnnie Walker Princes Street soon!
Written 11 February 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rav1oli
London, UK812 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
We did the Whisky experience as a birthday present which I was very happy with. It's a good experience for both expert and novice whisky drinkers alike.

The [person guiding the tour [A very nice Canadian lady] was incredibly knowledgable, informative and made it fun for the group. She also did an excellent job of getting all of us involved in commenting and sharing opinions on the various tipples we were enjoying.

This was a very good balance of tasting, learning, and a few laughs. The location is excellent also.

After the tasting, we went to the Blue Room where we had quite a few cocktails [highly recommend the pineapple cocktail] and enjoyed the view from the terrace where there is a lot of photo opportunities.

Definitely recommend this as a cool experience in Edinburgh.
Written 22 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your tour and tastings with us. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Written 22 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Susan S
7 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
The seating in the centre of the bar is very uncomfortable and poorly designed.
My Husband were there celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and we were seated in the centre of the 1820 bar. I was on the very low sofa and my Husband was opposite me on a high stool. It felt very uncomfortable as my Husband had to look down to me to speak. Also the tables were placed so close together and therefore tuning in to other peoples conversations. This was my second visit and I would not recommend sitting in the central area as it us very impersonal and those sitting on the sofas are unable to appreciate the view.
Written 21 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Susan S, Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback about your recent trip to Johnnie Walker Princes Street and our 1820 Bar. We take all feedback seriously and we are always looking to improve our experience and I am so delighted to inform you that we will very shortly be making changes to the furniture to make the experience more comfortable. We would love for you to come in and have a look and welcome your feedback and I would invite you to e-mail jwps.f&b@diageo.com when looking to make your next booking. Thank you once again and we look forward to welcoming you back to 1820 in the not too distant future! With Best Wishes, Kijean D Assistant Operations Manager
Written 30 May 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Charlie66
Alderton, UK542 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Friends
The building alone, an anchor venue at the end of Princes St, opposite the Caledonian, tells you that Johnnie Walker is, and is acting like a BIG brand. Eat your heart out Chivas Regal and Pernod Ricard!

Scotch Whisky production and flavour can be one of the simplest ideas made incredibly complicated. Good news, here at the Johnnie Walker experience they keep it simple and give you the basics. 4 corners of Scotland and 6 key flavour profiles. If you don’t like whisky that is simply a story you tell yourself. If you like flavour there is a whisky here for you.
At times this experience is a bit Malt Disney (I wish that was my own original line), but hey, you are here to be entertained and learn. As a visitor experience it is excellent, something for everyone. If you don’t drink you can still get involved in the flavour experience. Included in your very reasonable entry price are three drinks, access to the rooftop bar, and 90 minutes of high-tech interactive learning. This place busts the myths around Scotch whisky and helps to create new habits. Your hosts are your guide and a variety of characters who pop up to bring the story to life.
Exit through the gift shop - obvs.
Born 1820 still going strong. On this evidence the brand is in very good health!
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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JOHNNIE WALKER PRINCES STREET (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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