Commercial feature - The Scots are famed for their socialising, and nowhere is it more obvious than in the bars and clubs of the capital city.

When you think of Edinburgh, you might think of the castle, the military tattoo, the Fringe Festival – and you’d be right; all those things are Edinburgh. But its a city, like the rest of Scotland, also well known for its drinking culture.

Whether you want a traditional Scotch whisky in a traditional pub or a rainbow of cocktails in a posh urban bar, Edinburgh offers the most varied and colourful of pub and bar crawls.

Most of the hen weekends in Edinburgh start at one of the many themed pubs – which include a Frankenstein pub, and a number of American-style bars, decorated with car registration plates and other US memorabilia. These bars serve food in large portions, which is perfect for lining your stomach before a drinking session.

The city has a mixture of small and large nightclubs, including City Nightclub superclub, with a 1500 capacity – perfect if your hen is looking to pull on her last night of freedom – and Lava/Ignite, which has Ibiza-style foam parties, and stripper bookings are allowed!

If it’s sophistication youre looking for, you can’t go wrong with Bramble Bar or Dome – think flattering lighting and an authentic feel. Both bars have cocktail lists to die for, as well as a good selection of beers and wines, for those who prefer their alcohol to be less inebriating.

The city has a great selection of hotels and guest houses, so there’s something to suit every pocket. From five-star hotels overlooking the castle and gardens, to dorm rooms in hostels costing no more than a round of drinks per head.

Unless you want to have to spend an arm and a leg on even the most basic of hotels or B&Bs, don’t plan your hen do when the military tattoo or Fringe Festival are on – so that wipes out all of August. But whatever the weather, and whatever the time of year, you’ll have a good time in Edinburgh.

If you’re planning on wearing fancy dress, its best to avoid the traditional pubs that line the streets in Edinburgh’s old town. Walk down a few of these streets, and you’ll be handed flyers for nearby party venues – and the leaflet might get you money off entry or a free drink.

A hen weekend in Edinburgh doesn’t have to be drink-fuelled, but if you plan on getting drunk, you won’t need much help!

If you manage to wake up early enough to fit something other than drinking into your hen weekend, there’s the castle to visit, bus tours to take and a wide range of shops to spend your money on – from haute couture to tourist tat.

If you’re in Scotland, and you want to head for the city that’s best for hen weekends, Edinburgh is your destination.