Xpress.com List Of The Very Best Edinburgh Date Ideas

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Edinburgh Date Ideas

Edinburgh is arguably one of the most beautiful and stunning cities in all the UK. If not the entire UK, definitely all of Scotland! No matter where you go for date ideas in the city, you are always faced with the impressive culture and history of the city. Xpress is super fond of this culture and we always find ourselves visiting Edinburgh over and over again. We hope you enjoy this list of all of our favourite date spots.

Edinburgh Nightlife History

Edinburgh is an incredible old city! The city itself has been around since medieval times and you know there have been pubs and bars for nearly just as long. If there is one thing the people of Edinburgh love to do, it's go out and have a great time! There issue much amazing nightlife in the city, whether it be historic pubs that are hundreds of years old, trendy dance halls, or upscale bars. No matter what date ideas you have, Edinburgh has you covered.

Best Times And Days To Go Out In Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a city that likes to party and also likes to sleep! You won't find residents getting up very early on the weekends, for example, and for this reason many of the bars and restaurants open later in the day. This is so they can stay open super late–sometimes as late as 4AM! You haven't experienced Edinburgh properly until you've stayed out at bars until 4AM.

Edinburgh Date Ideas: Directory

Our directory has something for everyone. However, we couldn't list all of our favourite date ideas because that would be way too much to read! If you make it through this list and need even more Edinburgh date spots to visit, check out this list as well!

Edinburgh Bars

Edinburgh has some of the best bars in all of the UK. And believe us, we've tried nearly all of them! There are amazing bars in every part of the city so whether you like Old Town or New Town, you can always find an incredible bar in Edinburgh.

The Devil's Advocate

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

9 Advocate's Close, Edinburgh EH1 1ND, UK

Website

The Devil's Advocate

Any Notes

Cash and cards accepted

Brief Description

If you aren't familiar with Edinburgh date ideas, then you might not know what a close is. Closes are tiny narrow alleyways that line the streets of the city. Often you can find excellent restaurants and bars hidden down these delightful paths, like The Devil's Advocate. This bar and restaurant is one of the best bars you can find down a close and maybe one of the best bars in the city!There are known for their cocktails, craft beer, and whiskey selection. In fact, they have over 200 different kinds of whiskey available! Date spots area always better with whiskey, wouldn't you say? Also don't forget to sample their incredible, award-winning menu. We can't get enough of their salmon and crab cakes. Delicious!

Cumberland Bar

Type

Traditional Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

1-3 Cumberland Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6RT, UK

Website

Cumberland Bar

Any Notes

Accessible, all cards accepted, no parking

Brief Description

Located in Edinburgh's famous Old Town, it's easy to see why the Cumberland Bar always tops our date ideas lists. This bar is very traditional; when you walk inside you'll feel like you were transported back to historic Edinburgh! Don't worry, though, the beer and spirits selection is very modern. You can find many local and world-wide beers available on tap. There is also an outside patio area so if the weather is nice, definitely sit outside! We love Edinburgh date spots with patios. There's nothing quite like sitting outside on a nice evening with your date, sipping drinks and getting to know one another. And when you're done with the drinks menu, try some of their world-famous appetizers! The sweet potato fries are out of this world. The bartenders are great at recommending a drink to go along with each dish!

The Regent Bar

Type

Gay Bar

Space

Bar and lounge area

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

2 Monrose Terrace, Edinburgh, EH7 5DL, UK

Website

The Regent Bar

Any Notes

No debit; cash or credit only

Brief Description

The Regent Bar is not your typical gay bar, which is why we love it and why it's one of the best Edinburgh date ideas. Instead of a more flamboyant or outrageous nightclub vibe, this gay bar is styled like your traditional ale house. So if you're in the mood for a pint and want to spend time with your date in an inclusive, safe space, then The Regent Bar is the place for you! The bar atmosphere is very cozy and relaxed, with wood finishings and overstuffed leather couches for lounging on. You and your date will have a great time getting to know one another on one of those couches. Talk about intimate date spots, right? The Regent Bar has been voted the top gay bar in Edinburg numerous times so we urge you to go and see why it's so great for yourself.

The Royal Oak

Type

Traditional Pub

Space

Bar and music space

Crowd

Mature Adults

Address

1 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, UK

Website

The Royal Oak

Any Notes

Two floors, no elevator

Brief Description

The Royal Oak is a historic bar, having been founded in Edinburgh hundreds of years ago. Historic pubs often make the best date ideas, wouldn't you agree? There's something magical about sitting in a space that is bursting with history. The Royal Oak is a special historic pub because it features folk music. That's right, folk music! Every night of the week there is live folk music. The bar space is small and casual, making the folk performances extra cosy and intimate. In fact, you might be sat right next to one of the musicians! There are okay Edinburgh date spots and then there are amazing Edinburgh date spots and The Royal Oak is definitely the latter. Be sure to come on a Saturday as they have a ton of drink specials on the go!

Bramble Bar & Lounge

Type

Cocktail Bar

Space

Bar and lounge space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

16A Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JE, UK

Website

Bramble Bar & Lounge

Any Notes

All cash and cards accepted

Brief Description

The Bramble Bar is the perfect date ideas escape if you are looking for something slightly more upscale and understated. The bar itself has a stark yet old fashioned ambiance, with plain brick walls and overstuffed leather furniture. Also don't miss out on a chance to have a drink at the bar, which is constructed from vintage pieces of wood. Bramble Bar is known for its unique cocktails and experimental drinks. This isn't a place where you can find a normal gin and tonic and we're okay with that! Date spots that push the boundaries are often the most unforgettable. We highly recommend the Beverly Jane (tequila based), the Mint 500 (gin based), and the Red Rum (rum based, of course!)

Edinburgh Nightlife and Clubs

Tired of bars? Why not take your date to one of Edinburgh's many fantastic dance clubs? They are rocking, pun intended! There are nightclubs for every music taste in Edinburgh—even folk music! Plan on being exhausted the next day after spending all night dancing in these top Edinburgh nightclubs.

Electric Circus

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

36 - 39 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DF

Website

Electric Circus

Any Notes

Open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Electric Circus is one of the best date ideas and nights out that you can have in Edinburgh. Located in the market area, this nightclub features themed nights, speciality cocktails, and the odd live gig. The dance floor is a bit small but don't let that deter you!There are plenty of places to get cozy, like the bar and lounge area. Electric Circus also offers karaoke rooms to rent so you and your date can book a private room and sing the night away. This is likely sounding like one of the more fun date spots in the city and you would be correct in thinking so! The music is great, the crowd is fun, and the drinks are affordable. If there is something more fun than that, we don't want to know!

The Hive Nightclub

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance area

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

15-17 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG, UK

Website

The Hive Nightclub

Any Notes

No paring available

Brief Description

The Hive Nightclub is a great option if you are looking for something more affordable. As far as Edinburgh date ideas go, this one is definitely on the cheap side! But that's okay; there's nothing wrong with saving money and your date will forgive you because The Hive is piles of fun. The club is made up of many rooms and has earned it the nickname "the labyrinth." You're always able to find a crowd and vibe that you like because of the multiple rooms, whether it's indie, pop, or r&b. The Hive isn't for the faint of heart; often it's jam-packed and the dancing can get a little rambunctious. But not all date spots should be safe and boring so give The Hive a try!

Lulu

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance space

Crowd

Young Adults

Address

125a George St, Edinburgh, EH2 4JN, UK

Website

Lulu

Any Notes

All major credit cards accepted

Brief Description

If you're looking for a more upscale nightclub to add to your date ideas list, look no further than Lulu! You'll want to get a little dressed up to head to the Lulu, but nothing too fancy, don't worry! It tends to get busy so try to get on a guest list. There are tons of special nights with featured music, like pop nights or house nights. As well, Lulu also offers a VIP area that you can book in advance. Talk about fancy date spots, right! The best part about Lulu, though, is the light up dance floor. When was the last time you danced on a light-up floor? Exactly! So put on your dancing shoes, grab a date, and head on over to Lulu.

Studio 24

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

24–26 Calton Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8DP, UK

Website

Studio 24

Any Notes

No parking, open 7 days a week

Brief Description

Studio 24 is an Edinburgh institution so it's always a the top of everyone's date ideas list. This is a no-fuss sort of dance club, with plain walls and simple furnishings. But you don't need a fancy atmosphere when the music is so good! No matter what you're into, whether it be ska or pop or house, you'll find a night at Studio 24 that caters just to you. There can be entrance fees but it's worth it because once you're inside you'll be having so much fun dancing the night away with your date that you won't want to go anywhere else! There are also incredible drink specials to take advantage of, making this one of the best Edinburgh date spots around.

Sneaky Pete's

Type

Nightclub

Space

Bar and dance space

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

73 Cowgate, Edinburgh, EH1 1JW, UK

Website

Sneaky Pete's

Any Notes

Cash only

Brief Description

You haven't lived until you've gone to Sneaky Pete's! And one visit to this iconic Edinburgh nightclub will put it at the top of your Edinburgh date ideas list for life. The club is small, with a capacity of 150, and generally it's always full as it has the reputation of being one of the best clubs in the city. So if you're planning on going with a date, make sure to get there early. Sneaky Pete's isn't much to look at as far as date spots go. In fact, it's a little dingy if we're being honest. But you won't even be looking at your surroundings because of the amazing music. This club has some of the best programming in the city, with regular specialty nights that host some of the world's best DJs. There are also really great drink specials so you don't have to worry about spending a lot of money.

Edinburgh Date Spots

If you're looking for date ideas that are a little quieter and perhaps slightly more historical than a pub, why not check out some of the incredible cultural attractions that Edinburgh has to offer. Whether you want to visit a castle, a museum, or be scared by ghosts, Edinburgh has it all!

Edinburgh Castle

Type

Castle

Space

Multi-purpose space and grounds

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Edinburgh EH12NG, UK

Website

Edinburgh Castle

Any Notes

Some parts are accessible; open 7 days a week

Brief Description

It's nearly impossible to go anywhere in Edinburgh without someone mentioning Edinburgh Castle. And the fact that you can see it from nearly anywhere in the city means that it's always on our minds as one of the best date ideas. Situated at the top of a giant hill, the castle grounds are spread out over multiple historic buildings and gardens. At the castle you can learn all about the history of Edinburgh and how the city and castle were built. You are free to tour the castle on your own, but guided tours are also available. There are also special events programmed at Edinburgh Castle year round, so make sure to check out their calendar before you go. Edinburgh Castle is one of the most special date spots in the city so don't miss out!

National Museum of Scotland

Type

Museum

Space

Multi-purpose space

Crowd

All Ages

Address

Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK

Website

National Museum of Scotland

Any Notes

Fully accessible, free entry

Brief Description

As far as museums go, the National Museum of Scotland might be one of the prettiest museums in all of the UK. For this reason it is always on our minds as one of the best date ideas in Edinburgh! The museum is made up of multiple rooms that are open in the middle and have balconies on the side. It creates a very sweeping and majestic visual that is hard to describe. You have to see it for yourself in person! Once you do, though, you'll agree that the National Museum of Scotland is one of the best date spots for couples looking for something unique and historical to do in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Ghost Tours

Type

Tour

Space

Multiple spaces, indoor and outdoor

Crowd

Young to Mature Adults

Address

Mercat House, 28 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR, UK

Website

Edinburgh Ghost Tours

Any Notes

Involves walking for long periods of time

Brief Description

Ghost tours are great date ideas but they aren't for the faint of heart, that is for sure! If you like being scared, however, and want to do something unique and completely unforgettable with your date, take them on a ghost tour of Edinburgh. The city has a rich history of ghosts, many of whom met their end in a mysterious or grisly way. There are many different kinds of tours available that vary in length, sites visited, and just how scary it is. It might not be the most traditionally romantic of date spots but, hey, if your date gets scared they might cuddle up to you for safety and that is pretty romantic if you ask us! You might not believe in ghosts now but you probably will after one of these tours.

More Edinburgh Date Spots Information

This list is just the start of all of the incredible date spots that can be found in Edinburgh. Even locals who have lived in the city for their whole lives still haven't managed to visit them all so don't worry if you are a tourist and aren't able to during a visit either! You and your date will just have to visit again. And after you visit Edinburgh again, be sure to visit Manchester, another UK city with a lot of great date ideas.