A Couple’s Guide To Things To Do In Edinburgh Scotland

 

Edinburgh is the Scottish Capital, and while a relatively small city it’s still packed with plenty of cool and fun things to do for couples. With great historical and architectural masterpieces for buildings, whose ages date back hundreds of years. The city is also well known as the birthplace of the famous novel and movie series; Harry Potter.

Edinburg is a city filled with ancient history, pleasant local eateries, and all the culture you can ever wish for from a city. My husband and I have been enjoying weekends in Edinburgh way before tying the knot and its one of our favourite cities to explore for a leisurely weekend getaway.

Below are some ideas for those looking for tips on cool and romantic things to do in Edinburgh for couples. Whether you are looking to stay for a weekend or a longer visit in Edinburgh that includes trips to the Highlands and beyond. 

 

Romantic Things To Do In Edinburgh For Couples

 

As far as romantic things to do in Edinburgh for couples go, there are plenty and one that is not to be missed is one I have blogged about before. That is of the cool and romantic restaurant that is the Secret Garden at the Witchery! Below are plenty more ideas to help you explore this beautiful city in addition to my guide on top 10 things to do in Edinburgh any other time. The items and places below are particularly great if you are looking to do a couples weekend in Edinburgh with a touch of romance.

 

 

1. VISIT THE QUEEN’S RESIDENCE AT HOLYROOD PALACE

Sitting at the end of Edinburg’s Royal Mile, near the Scottish parliament’s building is the residence of the Queen of Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace.

 

The palace is open to visitors all year round. Take your Queen on a royal visit to the magnificent palace, where you can keep in touch with notable Scottish historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots. Tour the throne room, the beautiful palace garden and the palace gallery. Your spouse will certainly be grateful for the historical royal visit, which will forever remain in your memory.

 

 

2. UNDERGROUND GHOST TOUR

There are plenty of tours in Edinburgh to choose from. From day trips in the Highlands, boozy tours to private ones too. You could also opt to spend some spooky and thrilling moment with your spouse by your side, to hold you tight as you walk in the darker side of Edinburg, into the caves and tunnels of the royal mile. Your guide will be there with you to guide you all the way through the old town’s dark lanes. While holding your lover closely in the dark passage ways, listen to your guide as he tells you haunting tales of how witches were executed in those alley ways, and how some ghost have been reportedly sighted in the dark walkway. From here, you will be taken to Edinburg’s subterranean caverns for more spooky haunted tales. 

 

 

3. SEE THE SUNSET AT CALTON HILL

The Calton Hill is a favorite tourist spot in all of Scotland not only for tourists alike but included in itineraries for chilled out activities in Edinburgh for couples. In fact, it’s a UNESCO heritage site, which explains why it has attracted numerous visitors over the years. While on the hill, you can see most of Edinburgh, the national monument, the city observatory and other remarkably site in the city. If you are lucky to be on the hill during sunset, the view is heavenly. The Calton hill is open to the public and its completely free.

 

 

4. ESCAPE TO A SECRET GARDEN – DUNBARS CLOSE GARDEN

Time to escape the busy street of Edinburgh into the secret Dunbars Close Garden located on the royal mile. The garden is a hidden gem as its escape the eye of most visitors who don’t know the beauty and tranquility that is in abundance at the garden. This 17^th century garden is set in such a way that from the outside, you can never believe that there is a surprisingly beautiful, tranquil and elegant shrub of flower under a tree canopy. The garden is hidden in nature, because to enter the garden, you have to take a long walk down its long, narrow cobbled close, before discovering the hidden gem inside. What can be more romantic than you and your spouse having the whole garden to yourselves?

 

 

5. STROLL ALONG THE WATER OF LEITH

The waterways has a walkway which stretches through the city from the Pentlands to Leith docks. The Leith River is now more of a green corridor attracting couples and lovers from around the world who stroll pass the long walkway. Stretch your tired legs by going for a walk or a jug in the early morning on the 12 miles pathway. Don’t be scared of the length, since you can join the pathway from different points along its length. Depending on which length of the walkway you are, you are bound to enjoy the fascinating architectural work and wild life that are present by the river bank.

 

6. PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOUR FOR TWO

Let your love life fly high into the blue sky in a privately hired helicopter tour just for you and your lover, as your fly above the Scottish capital. There are many helicopter companies offering couples a rare private access to the city through the air. The helicopter pilot sometimes doubles as your tour guide in the air as he explains to you in brief detail some major sightings down below you. The 1 hour Helo ride is not just fun-filled but also a thrilling romantic outing specially meant to be enjoyed by couples. 

 

7. VISIT EDINBURGH CASTLE

The Edinburgh castle is unrivalled as the most visited attraction in the city. The castle sit on top of a rock form from the lava of an extinct volcano, the name of the rock is “Castle Rock”. For couples to enjoy a private time viewing the castle, come early with your spouse to the place. At such time, the castle is not yet crowded, once its 9am, a long que of tourist gathers at the gate waiting to be let into the castle. You can book skip the queue tickets to avoid getting stuck in with the crowds.

 

The castle visitation is perfect for couples during the morning or in the afternoon when the crowd has dwindled. There are exhibitions of the historic fortification of the castle and other Scottish historical objects on display. You are advice to purchase the ticket to visit the castle in advance.

 

 

8. THE NATIONAL GALLERY of SCOTLAND

Explore the art and cultural side of Edinburgh by visiting the national art gallery located at the city center with your partner. Fix your gaze on the beautiful works of priceless artwork and paintings generously exhibited in the gallery.

 

9. MOVIE NIGHT AT THE DOMINION CINEMA

Movie night at the dominion is always an evening of class, romance and fun. Get a first class Ticket for you and your spouse, enjoy the leather reclining sofa first class romantic treatment, while you order for drinks and snacks. The movie experience is spectacular and well suited for couples who knows how to relax and have fun. While at the cinema, experience the excellent service of the staffs as they serve you your chilled wine and Pringles crisps with a bright smile of their face.

 

 

10. CLIMB THE SCOTT MONUMENT

The monument is an historical architectural master piece. While climbing up the 287 stairs/steps make sure you hold your lover in your arms to encourage her all the way up. The view from the top of the monument is exceptional and perfect. The monument is on prince’s street in Edinburgh. I won’t blame you if you choose not to climb up, the climbing can be tiring, but make sure you get a close look at the edifice.

 

11. COUPLES SPA DAY EXPERIENCE

As for as romantic things to do for couples in Edinburgh, nothing bits a little R&R sessions. Include yourselves in a soothing and passionate spa treatment, while you relax your mind as the Scottish masseuse give you and your spouse the body pampering it has not received in a long while. The truth is that virtually most hotels in the Scottish capital have a great spa within it. So if you’re are feeling to lazy to go out of your comfort zone, take a walk into the in-house spa at your hotel and get the couples spa treatment. Notable spas in Edinburg are; One Spa, PURE Spa, Lush, The Bannatye Health Club and Spa. To combine your stay with spa treatment book yourself into the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel & Spa or Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.

 

 

 

12. VISIT THE EDINBURGH FRINGE FESTIVAL

If you happen to plan your trip to Edinburgh in August, then I rejoice with you as you will be able to experience and participate in the annual fringe festival. It’s a fabulous event, every couple in Scotland during the period always like to attend.

 

The tickets for some of the shows during the festival get sold out weeks before the festival, not to worry, there are other shows going for free. There are plenty of street performances, circus, juggling, fire dance competition, magic and much more on display. Virtually all the bars, pubs, parks and restaurant will all become fringe venues during the festival, with much food and drinks to go round.

 

 

 

Where To Stay In Edinburgh For Couples

There are plenty of options for places to chill and unwind with your partner, whatever your budget. Below are some options for the best places to stay in Edinburgh for couples in between all the cool and fun things to do in Edinburgh for couples.

• Want to stay on the Royal Mile and be centrally located for tours, sights and shopping? Check out:
  • Fraser Suites Edinburgh Hotel, Radisson Collection Hotel,  Holiday Inn Express or Ibis Royal Mile.
• For cool couples hotels near the famous shopping area that is Princess Street, check out:
  • Hotel Indigo, Old Waverly Hotel, The Scotsman Hotel, or Mercure Hotel Princes Street.
• For pure luxury and for those that want to be spoiled! Luxurious interior, food, views and service! Check into:
  • The Balmoral Hotel,  Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, InterContinental Hotels – Edinburgh The George, Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian or The Bonham Hotel.

 

Want More Tips On Couples Travel? Also Read:

• Couples Guide To Thailand’s Phuket
• Things To Do In Singapore For Couples
• Essential Accessories To Pack When Visiting Europe
• How To Look Refreshed After Long Haul Flying
• Couples Things To Do In London
• Romantic Guide To Amsterdam
• The Perfect London And Paris Itinerary
• A Weekend In Edinburgh

 

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