10+ Romantic Things to do in Edinburgh (Date Ideas)

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Edinburgh will steal your heart, it’s guaranteed. So, what better place to soak up some romance (and maybe fall in love) than exploring this magical fairytale city? From hilltop walking and mesmerising views to discovering historical treasures and enjoying a local pint while listening to folk music, there’s no shortage of date ideas in Scotland’s capital city! Read on for our top ideas of romantic things to do in Edinburgh with your date.

If you’ve seen the popular TV series One Day, you’ll know well that Edinburgh’s sweeping landscape and rich historical heritage make it one of the most romantic settings in which to enjoy the company of a loved one (or first date!)

One of the best things about going on a date in Edinburgh is that there are so many options beyond the traditional activity of going for a drink or a bite to eat. Another thing worth noting, dating can be expensive… but luckily in a city with many landscapes, a lot of options suggested here are completely free to do.

The list of romantic things to do in Edinburgh is endless, so here are a few of our top date suggestions which will hopefully lead you to fall in love with each other as easily as it is to fall in love with Edinburgh!

10 + most romantic things to do in Edinburgh

Walk up a hill

One of the things that makes Edinburgh so special is that you have a world of hiking on your doorstep! Take your date on a romantic stroll through the sweeping hills that surround the city, there are seven hills of Edinburgh to choose from, all unique and all offer breathtaking views from the summit.

Visit the botanic gardens

Immerse yourselves in a world of nature and wander around the verdant green expanse of luscious foliage, tropical plants and rare species of trees at The Royal Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh.

They are free to wander around, although there’s a small fee to visit the glasshouses, and it’s a great opportunity to show off your love for plants (everyone’s into house plants, it’s no secret).

Go for coffee and cake

You’re completely spoilt for choice when it comes to cosy cafés in Edinburgh. What better way to spend time getting to know each other (or simply just spending time with one another) than over a delicious coffee and cake. For the best café options, I suggest visiting the following neighbourhoods in Edinburgh, Leith, Stockbridge and Bruntsfield.

Explore a small museum

As the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is home to the country’s national museums and galleries, but there are plenty of small and unique museums that are absolutely worth checking out while on a date- especially if you share a specific common interest.

One of the most unique spots to visit (but certainly not for the faint-hearted) is Surgeon’s Hall Museum, which is a museum dedicated to all things anatomy and is one largest and most historic pathology collections in the UK… a chance to see how morbid your partner can be!

Other small and unique museums and galleries worth taking a date to include:

• Camera Obscura – ‘A world of illusion’, this tourist attraction on the Royal Mile was founded in 1835 and is five stories of fascinating illusions and insight into the magic of the camera, as well as one of the best rooftop views of the city.
• Museum of Edinburgh – Showcasing the history of Edinburgh through a collection of stories, photographs and objects. A place where locals can reminisce and tourists can learn.
• The Writer’s Museum – Found next to the Jolly Judge, this tiny museum displays an insight into the life and works of some of Scotland’s most beloved writers.
• Dovecot – This is one of two working tapestry weaving studios that still exist in Britain. 
• Fruitmarket – A contemporary exhibition space that hosts a range of international and local contemporary artists of all kinds of mediums.
• Stills – Dedicated to showing exhibitions on photography, this gallery space also has a dark room where you can purchase workshops and explore the process of developing photographic film.

Sample some whisky (or visit a distillery!)

If you like whisky, head to a local bar and enjoy a whisky flight! These are found in a lot of whisky bars across Edinburgh, where you usually get three whiskies from different regions to sample, which makes for the perfect amount to share and explore the taste of Scotland’s special golden liquid together.

Or, you could consider visiting a whisky distillery. In the heart of Edinburgh, there are two main whisky distilleries which are easy to reach, both of which are fairly new additions to the whisky scene, offering guided tours and tasting which make for a really fun way to spend an afternoon.

Holyrood Distillery – A tour around this distillery takes around 1 hour and you’ll be able to sample all sorts of spirits, from their gin to new make (un-aged whisky) and their aged whisky. Book a whisky tour for Holyrood Distillery here.

Port of Leith – This is Scotland’s tallest vertical distillery, which stands at nine stories high. There’s also a gorgeous 8th-floor bar with beautiful views overlooking the River Forth, which makes for a super romantic setting! Book a tour and tasting for Port of Leith here.

Have a picnic in Princes St Gardens

Pick up some local delights (I suggest collecting picnic foods from the artisanal shops in Stockbridge) and head to Princes Street Gardens for a picnic! One of the most beautiful green expanses in the heart of the city, Edinburgh’s New Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and this will soon become apparent when you wander through the gardens.

Looming over sitting atop a volcanic plug is Edinburgh Castle, and within the gardens, there’s a tranquil fountain, several benches and long stretches of grass tumbling down the hillside, which make for the perfect spot to sit and marvel at the magical scenery that surrounds you.

Stroll along the Water of Leith

One of the best ways to enjoy one another’s company is by strolling along, sharing and listening to each other’s stories while soaking up the natural beauty of your surroundings on a relaxing walk.

If the weather is good (fingers crossed) then one of the best walks in Edinburgh you can take is via the Water of Leith, which is the main river that flows through the heart of the city.

There are pedestrian and cycle paths which follow the water almost all the way, along you can stop off at different parts of the city and enjoy the different neighbourhoods of Edinburgh.

You’ll also come across several bronze cast statues of Anthony Gormley situated along the river, these are sure to be a talking point if it’s a first date!

Discover Dean Village

Discover the quaint and romantic little pocket of Dean Village which is tucked away and not too far removed from the normal hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city life. This hidden little gem is situated along the Water of Leith and has a history that traces back to the 12th century, for its original purpose as a milling settlement.

Sip on wine at a cosy bar

Wine is the way to the heart…no? Sip on some fine wine and enjoy the various cosy and classy wine bars of Edinburgh!

In recent years there has been a surge of places that have started doing wine and small plates, which is the perfect opportunity to grab a snack while enjoying some of the more interesting wines they have to offer. Here are a few of my personal favourite spots:

• Spry – An all-time favourite, the ambience of this intimate wine bar is unmatched! One of the best things about here is that they have a rotation of interesting wines and you can get a really good quality wine without breaking the bank. They also serve delicious small plates.
• Montrose – Neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, downstairs they have a casual and cosy setting where you can enjoy small plates or oysters and sample some of the wines on their extensive list.
• Margot – A café that turns into a wine bar at the end of the week, they serve delicious fresh small plates and a rotation of various wines of different styles.
• Port of Leith Distillery – Although not technically a wine bar, it had to be included for the view! There’s nothing better than enjoying a drink while staring out onto the ocean…and in Scotland that’s best done inside. Situated on the 8th floor the distillery bar also does small plates if you get hungry.
• Good Brothers Wine Cellars – In a bar underground, this charming spot boasts a slogan of ‘where good wines and good times’ and although a little more on the costly side, they serve delicious wines of all shades.

Watch a sunset from Calton Hill

Enjoy the warming shades of orange, yellow and red as the sun melts into the horizon. Calton Hill is a popular spot as it’s a 5-minute walk to the summit and you’re not too far from local bars and restaurants to head to straight after. The hill offers 360 panoramic views too, so you can choose to sit at whichever side your preferred view is.

Also, aside from boasting the most iconic and beautiful views overlooking Edinburgh’s skyline and onto Arthur’s Seat, found atop some of Edinburgh’s most important historical monuments!

Enjoy a fine dining experience

If you want to indulge in the finer things together, why not experience a tasting menu at a fine dining restaurant. Edinburgh’s food scene is famously known as having something for everyone, and that includes those who are the ultimate foodies and love the dining experience.

There are new and intimate fine-dining restaurants popping up all the time in Edinburgh, all with more exciting ways to cook and present food than the last!

See live music at a pub

Truly experience Edinburgh together and head to a local pub to enjoy a local Scottish beer or whisky (or a half-and-half, which is a half pint of beer with a dram of whisky) and see some live traditional folk music!

There are so many pubs across the city that show live music throughout the week, welcoming visitors to enjoy and embrace the jovial atmosphere, and it makes for a super cosy and interactive date.

Leave Edinburgh!

There’s so much to see and do in the enchanting capital city, that it’s hard to imagine yourself spending time anywhere else. However, there are so many day trips from Edinburgh worth taking which just might be ideal for your date plans.

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