Looking for romantic things to do in Edinburgh?
We've updated our Romantic Edinburgh Guide for 2022, so you can continue to discover romantic things to do in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, romance is in the air (along with something else, but let’s not talk about that.)
If you live in Edinburgh and are looking for the perfect romantic experience, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve rounded up our favourite romantic and couples’ activities in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
There’s no better place to explore as a couple. Filled with quaint cobbled streets, impressive architecture and independent cafes, Edinburgh is a vibrant and fun city just waiting to be explored.
Whether your partner is an adventurous person, a couch potato or a food & wine connoisseur, we think you’ll find a romantic gift for Valentine’s Day – or any other time of the year! – perfect for them.
Check out our brand new favourites for 2022 below!
Couples' Sail in Edinburgh - £170
Take part in a romantic couples only evening sail from Edinburgh, taking in some incredible sights including Forth Bridge, Fife's coastline and local marine life.
This romantic Edinburgh sailing trip departs from Port Edgar Marina, where you will board the luxury yacht and be greeted by your friendly captain and crew for the journey ahead.
Step aboard and begin your romantic sail! You'll pass famous landmarks including Forth Bridge, Fife's beautiful coastline and more. Keep a lookout for local marine life such as porpoises and seals, and revel in the beauty of Scotland as you celebrate with your partner.
This Couples' Sail in Edinburgh makes a romantic experience gift for your partner.
Full Day Alnwick Castle And Scottish Borders Tour - £49
For a truly romantic day out this Valentine's Day, book yourself onto a full day guided trip with Edinburgh transportation included! The scenic journey starts across the Scottish Borders through charming towns and rolling hills, stopping at Melrose, home to the stunning ruins of Melrose Abbey.
Across the English border is Alnwick Castle, an impressive structure built in 1096 that's featured in over 40 films and TV shows! Explore to your heart's content before travelling up the coast through harbour towns and picturesque seaside villages, back to Edinburgh. The Full Day Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders Tour is perfect for your next Scottish vacation, or a fun experience gift for history buffs!
Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Scottish Highlands - £62
Your significant other will love this Loch Ness, Glen Coe and Scottish Highlands Tour - for a full day romantic trip to remember!
Starting in Edinburgh, the trip journeys towards the Highlands via the Forth Railway Bridge, the Tay River, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Ness, the Commando Memorial, Glen Coe, Rannoch Moor, and the city of Stirling, plus loads of scenic stops and quaint villages in between. There is no better way to experience the best of Scotland in one day, so whether you're visiting for the first time or looking for a unique gift for Edinburgh locals, this Scottish Highlands Day Trip is a sure winner!
Glenkinchie Distillery Tour With Scottish Lunch And Whisky Pairing - £75pp
If your partner fancies themselves a whisky expert, test their knowledge with this whisky pairing experience!
When it comes to famous distilleries in Scotland, Glenkinchie Distillery is up there with the best! It’s also one of the oldest, making it a fantastic place to visit for anyone interested in the history of whisky and the distilling processes of yesteryear.
A guided tour is the safest way to make the most of your time, joining a knowledgeable guide who will regale you with fascinating stories and entertaining factual information – plus you’ll be treated to a traditional Scottish three-course lunch with whisky pairings!
Scottish cuisine, history and culture is all on the menu during this tour, and Glenkinchie Distillery is the perfect place to enjoy it all.
Water of Leith - Free!
If you and your partner are nature-lovers, a visit the water of Leith is the ultimate addition to a romantic day out.
Use the walkway to take a romantic stroll and pass through sights like the Union Canal, Colinton Village and Dell, Saughton Winter Gardens, Stockbridge, the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art and more! You might also spot some well-known works of art such as The Colinton Tunnel and 6 Times by Anthony Gormley.
If you’re cyclists, you could also bring your bikes along and enjoy the same sights as you peddle along together!
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Free!
Nothing quite says romance like a stroll through a botanic garden, and the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh is completely free to enter. With 100,000 plants, 10 glasses and 70 acres to explore, you and your partner can while away a day quite easily strolling around the gardens, or lazing in the grass with a book.
Whether visiting in the warmth of summer for a leisurely, sun-dappled day or later in the year for a crisp, autumnal and maybe even snow-covered scene, Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh makes for a romantic and memorable day out.
The Lookout by Gardener's Cottage
A nice meal out is a fool-proof romantic date idea in any city, and Edinburgh is certainly no exception!
The Lookout by Gardener’s Cottage delivers stunning picturesque views alongside gourmet food to make your dining experience one to remember.
With all menus based around the freshest, seasonal ingredients, you know that you’ll be getting something new and different every time you visit. The perfect setting for a romantic evening out!
Chocolate Making - £65pp
Chocolate is a staple of Valentine’s Day, and if your partner has a sweet tooth, this is the perfect way for them to learn to make their own treats.
This chocolate making class will treat them to an in-depth lesson with just 9 other participants, so they’re guaranteed some individual attention to make their chocolate the best it can be! During this session, they’ll learn how to hand-temper chocolate before fitting it to a mould and selecting their filling.
By the end of their class, they’ll have a beautiful, well-presented box of chocolates to take home and enjoy!
Princes Street Gardens - Free!
Edinburgh a city of incredible views, and Princes Street Gardens might be the most picturesque of them all.
Take your partner on a romantic stroll through this historic area; along the way, you'll pass public monuments such as Ross Fountain and the David Livingstone statue, and take in the colourful wildlife comprising 30,000 plants. The perfect place to watch the sunset!
Kimpton Charlotte Square - Various
Why not make a night of it?
Treat your partner to a hotel stay in one of Edinburgh’s many boutique and historic hotels.
We love the Kimpton Charlotte Square; a wonderful mix of old and new, just like Edinburgh itself!
Couples' Massage – £40 - £65pp
It’s fair to say it’s been a tense year, so help your partner unwind with a romantic couples’ massage at Castle Thai Spa. Based in the heart of Edinburgh, this authentic Thai spa delivers luxurious, mood-boosting massages using tried and tested techniques.
You and your partner will enjoy a traditional Thai couples’ massage, choosing from either 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Your treatments will be administered by highly qualified and licensed massage therapists, guaranteed to leave you feeling on top of the world!
If your partner has been stressed out recently (and we’re willing to bet they have been) this is the perfect Edinburgh outing for them.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading our guide to romantic things to do in Edinburgh - now updated for 2022!
We hope you’ve found the perfect thing to keep you and your partner entertained, but if you’re still looking, browse our full selection of things to do in Edinburgh here.
From all of us here at Experience Gifts, happy Valentine’s Day!
