Explore Edinburgh As a Couple

Edinburgh is one of Great Britain’s must-see cities as any guidebook will tell you. Its history, charming village feel and stunning scenery will leave even the least keen travellers full of admiration. Take your lover on a well-deserved city break and discover the beauty of Edinburgh together with a whole host of suggestions from a local.

Areas Worth Exploring

What could be more enjoyable than a long walk out in the open with your partner? Edinburgh is home to many areas perfectly suited for exploring on foot. To escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens for some plant spotting and the freshest air in the city. Nearby Stockbridge is a great continuation of the walk, where paths lead along the famous Water of Leith passing through the quaint residential area of Dean Village and further on to the Gallery of Modern Art.
At the other end of the Water of Leith, you’ll find the Shore area, providing shelter for the Royal Yacht Britannia. The area is a hive of activity and is part of an on-going regeneration project. Trendy cafes, restaurants and pubs have sprung up and gather gourmet locals. It’s also one of the city’s creative quarters that many media agencies call home.

Must-see Visitor Attractions

Saunter over to the Holyrood area taking in the modern Scottish Parliament building before climbing Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat if you’re brave and fit enough. The views across the city from the top are unrivalled. Spend the rest of the trip less actively and visit some of the most spectacular museums in Scotland. The newly revamped National Museum of Scotland is an obvious choice, but nearby you’ll also find Dovecot Studios, a tapestry gallery, and the daunting Surgeon’s Hall with anatomical artefacts on show. From there, the famous Meadows are just a hop and a skip away. A students’ favourite, the park is a perfect place to take a relaxing stroll in, steaming cup of tea or coffee in hand. The cute Grassmarket and Victoria Street are close by with lots of lovely cafes and gift shops. From there on Edinburgh Castle is just a short climb away.

Shopping Opportunities

Most high street and higher end retailers are based in the Princes Street and George Street area. For quirkier gift shops and charity shops, stroll down nearby Leith Walk or head over to Stockbridge once more. Some of the best boutiques are on the very central Thistle Street just 2 minutes from George Street. Bruntsfield and Marchmont are leafy residential areas close to the city with lots of unique shops too.

The Food Scene and Nightlife

Edinburgh has excellent restaurants scattered throughout the city. The Shore in Leith is known for its Michelin mile so for high end treats, head that way. Many mainstream eateries are based along the Royal Mile and George Street but there are hidden treasures among them like Angels With Bagpipes and Café Andaluz. Cheap and cheerful haunts aren’t hard to come by either. Head towards Nicolson Street or Tollcross for well-priced authentic oriental foods.
For bars and clubbing, your best bets are George Street and Cowgate though these get very busy over weekends and can attract rowdy crowds and students. For more independent and romantic settings, try pubs down on the Shore or on centrally located Broughton Street. Clubs like The One Below are tailored to a more grown up crowd. For a very Scottish experience, try the Ghillie Dhu that regularly hosts ceilidh nights.

Accommodation

Choose somewhere central for your stay in Edinburgh. With so much to see and do in the city, you don’t want to end up spending a lot of time travelling to and from your hotel. The Queen Street area is a good choice as its close to all amenities yet is quiet enough to ensure a good night’s sleep. You’ll be pleased to hear there is an array of excellent Edinburgh boutique hotels to choose from, many of which offer special weekend packages for couples.