Will you be spending Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh? With picturesque views, cobbled streets and plenty of cosy spots to cuddle up in, we can’t think of a much better place to spend the most romantic day of the year.
There are countless drink and dining options to enjoy, cultural attractions to discover and outdoor adventures to be had. But in a city with so much to offer, where do you start? We got you…
First, be sure to enter our Instagram competition to win a romantic 2-night stay for 2 during February. Sleep in one of our stylish private rooms, enjoy craft beer tasting in The Lost Close underground tasting room and receive a complimentary coffee & pastry in our cafe upon arrival.
So, that’s your accommodation sorted – now check out our suggestions below to plan what you’ll do on your visit:
It’s the go-to first date choice for a reason – good food and good company are always a winning combination! Luckily, Edinburgh has more than its fair share of romantic restaurants for you and your boo to choose from. Here are some of our favourites:
– Do you want to have the ultimate Lady and the Tramp spaghetti experience? Then Locanda de Gusti might just be your place. Described as a “little corner of Naples” right here in Edinburgh, this family-run bistro serves up delicious, authentic Neapolitan dishes that are sure to woo your senses (and your date). It might be slightly more on the expensive side, but if you can’t splash out a little on Valentine’s Day then when can you, right? We promise you won’t regret it.
– If you prefer a more casual vibe but don’t want to sacrifice quality, then why not try Under The Stairs? It’s the perfect place for some romance – in fact, this intimate venue was voted ‘Best Place for a First Date’ in The Skinny. The menu is made for sharing with seasonal ingredients sourced from some of Edinburgh’s leading local suppliers. Do you or your date consider yourselves cocktail connoisseurs? If so, don’t leave without sampling their creative drinks menu!
If you prefer your dates with a side of culture, then Edinburgh is the place to be. Our city is home to a tonne of unique museums and galleries, many of which are in walking distance of each other – ideal if you want to tick off a few spots during your date. Here are a couple of the most romantic:
– Head to the fabulous (and free!) Scottish National Gallery. You can find it right in the heart of the city and it’s home to one of the best collections of fine art in the world. It’s open daily until 5 pm and is a great starting point before heading for some drinks in the city later on.
– Whether you’ve never seen it before or seen it a thousand times, you’ll struggle to find a better place to stroll around on Valentine’s Day than Edinburgh Castle. Steeped in history and with stunning views of the cityscape, if you’re wrapped up warm it can’t get much more romantic than this. And hey, if you’re still there from the 15th – 17th February, pay a visit to meet the musician of King James V who will be telling tales about the music and the instruments which the king expects in his court (although I don’t think it will be the kind of music you will hear here at The CoURT…).
If you’re not adverse to windy weather (it is the start of the year and you are in Scotland, so…) then let your date know to wrap up warm before heading out to explore Edinburgh. It’s easy to get back into nature here. Why not try these stunning spots…
– The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is really impressive at any time of year but on a particularly cold day in February, it feels great to step into one of the garden’s indoor spaces and soak in all the botanical beauty. Grab a hot drink at the café and get to know one another before taking a stroll around the grounds.
– Can we even talk about the outdoors in Edinburgh without mentioning Calton Hill? Offering some of the best panoramic views of the city skyline, it’s definitely worth the walk and hey, Valentines Day means you can just have a slow romantic wander, right? It’s also within easy reach of the city centre meaning you can head back after and warm up with a coffee, hot chocolate (here are our recommendations for those) or something stronger.
Whether you’re up for a laugh or just love the movies, you’ve got plenty of choice in Edinburgh when it comes to shows.
– We are home to the iconic, century-old boutique cinema called The Cameo – movie fans definitely don’t want to miss out on a trip here. Screening both indie and mainstream films, there’s something for everyone and with its old-fashioned glamour, you’ll feel transported back to another era for an evening your date won’t forget in a hurry.
– How does a night filled with belly laughs, splitting sides and good food sound? Pretty good, right? Then you absolutely need to head to the famous Stand Comedy Club. With shows running almost every day, you have lots of nights to choose from even if you can’t make the 14th. Just bear in mind that it’s a busy place – no matter the night – so get there early to nab a seat together. Remember, they do say a couple that laughs together, stays together…
Still haven’t booked somewhere to stay for Valentines Day in Edinburgh? We’ve got options to cater to all budgets, including our stylish private rooms that are perfect for couples… Book here for the best (and seriously affordable) rates.
Photo sources: One, Two, Four.