Without a doubt one of the most romantic cities in Scotland, Edinburgh is the place to go for a great date, whether you’ve new to the dating scene or have been lucky in love for years. The cobbled streets, dramatic landscape, and incredible culinary scene all make Edinburgh a dreamy setting to get hearts a fluttering.
Whether you’re happy with a few cocktails in a trendy bar, dying for a delicious feast at a fine-dining restaurant, keen to get the adrenaline pumping with something more adventurous, or desperate to sample some of the local culture, we’ve got Edinburgh date ideas to suit all. To help you choose between the endless fun date ideas in Edinburgh, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide. Read on to discover the best date night ideas in Edinburgh.
Be sure to check out our guide to the best pubs in Edinburgh and the best afternoon tea in Edinburgh, too.
The best Edinburgh date ideas
Enjoy the views from Arthur’s Seat
Looking for a nice daytime date idea in Edinburgh? Climb Edinburgh’s most famous former volcano, Arthur’s Seat, and take in the impressive views together when you reach the top. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunrise if you’re an early walker, or watch the sunset if you’re willing to stay up there until late. This is the perfect Edinburgh date idea for couples who love fitness or for those who don’t to bond over their hate for climbing hills.
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Get lost together in Camera Obscura
If the weather isn’t quite accommodating a hike up Arthur’s Seat, the magical Camera Obscura and World of Illusions makes a great indoor date idea in Edinburgh, perfect for rainier days. Maneuver around the maze of mirrors, see what your date will look like when they’re old, view the city from a whole new perspective and even have a fake marriage (if you’re really keen). This is a super fun date idea in Edinburgh where you can experience five floors of interactive illusions and magic; the perfect Edinburgh date night for fans of the unbelievable.
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Have a laugh at The Stand Comedy Club
For a guaranteed fun date idea in Edinburgh, head to The Stand Comedy Club, sure to get rid of any awkwardness for first dates. Regarded as the city’s year-round answer to The Fringe, this comedy club has performances every night and has become something of an institution in Edinburgh. Set in a small basement, it offers the perfect cosy, intimate setting for an Edinburgh date night. So, if you’re looking to have a laugh on your date night in Edinburgh, be sure to head to The Stand.
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Find your way out of an Escape Room
Suss out how well you work together by taking on an Escape Room for your Edinburgh date night. Something a little different and guaranteed to be a fun date idea in Edinburgh, reveal any red flags early by working as one to crack the code and get out. Will this date night in Edinburgh seal the deal or end it early? Why not find out?
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Whiskey tour
Kill two birds with one stone with a whiskey tour. This Edinburgh date idea allows you to spend some quality time with your date while sampling some of the local culture. If there’s one thing Edinburgh does right, it’s whiskey. Take a walk through the Old Town of the city with a local host and work your way through Scotland’s best whiskies. This is the perfect date idea in Edinburgh for couples who share a love for whiskey and a great way to start your Edinburgh date night.
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Explore Edinburgh’s Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for free or budget-friendly date ideas in Edinburgh, the city’s Royal Botanical Gardens are free to wander and cover over 70 acres! Beautiful all year round, this is a great Edinburgh date idea for both summer and winter. Take a picnic and find a secluded area to spend some time together in this stunning scenery. For just £7 each, you can even visit the glasshouses, where you can experience 10 different climates. Visiting the city at Christmas? This is one of the best places to see the Christmas lights, taking your Edinburgh date night to a whole new level.
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Indulge in a Chocolate Tour
Prefer chocolate to whiskey? Then we’ve got the best date idea in Edinburgh for you. After all, chocolate is the way to a man and a woman’s heart. So, give your dating game an upgrade by taking that special someone to Edinburgh’s Chocolatarium, where you can immerse yourself in the magic of chocolate. You’ll not only be able to sample some of Scotland’s best chocolate, but you’ll also learn about the history of chocolate, too. During this Edinburgh date idea, you’ll be able to try malt whiskey-infused chocolate, as well as haggis-inspired chocolate, and even get the chance to make your own. Dating a chocoholic? They’re sure to love this Edinburgh date idea!
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Stroll through Princes Street Gardens
If you’re looking for outdoor Edinburgh date ideas, perfect for summer or spring, Princes Street Gardens are a beautiful set of gardens that you can stroll through hand-in-hand with your date. The gardens were created by draining Edinburgh’s Nor Loch which was once used as a medieval defense for the city. As you wander through the different levels of Princes Street Gardens, you’ll be able to spot a number of Edinburgh’s greatest attractions, including The Scott Monument, built to commemorate Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most well-known novelists. Look up and you’ll also be able to spot Edinburgh Castle which sets the romantic mood for this date idea in Edinburgh.
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Visit picture-perfect Leith
If you have time to travel slightly outside of the city centre, visiting Leith, one of the lesser-known but prettiest neighbourhoods, is another fabulous, romantic Edinburgh date idea. Here, you’ll find a series of paths that connect cool areas along the canal. One of our favourite walks in is from Stockbridge, an upmarket, bustling neighbourhood with trendy cafes, to Dean Village, which is one of Edibnurgh’s most instagrammable areas, set deep in the gorge of the river Leith. If you and your one true love are into walking, this is a great date idea in Edinburgh that provides a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
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Go take a look at our guide to the best romantic restaurants in Edinburgh, as well!
Techno-Mads 
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