10 romantic destinations to explore in Edinburgh

Fall in love with the Scottish capital, just in time for Valentine’s Day

February has arrived and love is in the air. Valentine’s Day marks the date we should celebrate those closest to us with great food, great company and unashamed romance — and there’s nowhere better to do this than Edinburgh.

The Scottish capital is famous for its boundless history, culture, architecture, entertainment and excitement. People flock from all over the world to experience all that Edinburgh has to offer, and, not surprisingly, the city comes alive with a whole host of loved-up experiences to enjoy around Valentine’s Day.

To make sure you don’t miss out on the best ways to impress that special someone this year, we have put together ten of the most romantic places you should head for this Valentine’s Day.

Royal Observatory

Is there anything more romantic than staring at the stars together? Every Friday night until April, the Royal Observatory is hosting a winter astronomy evening, which allows you to learn a little more about the sky above whilst enjoying seeing the world from a new perspective. This is a unique way for you and your partner to experience an evening together under the stars, and is sure to help you create a Valentine’s Day you’ll always remember.

The Witchery

There’s no better way to spend Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh than to enjoy some fine Scottish dining. The Witchery offers unbeatable Scottish dining experiences in a truly romantic setting. Hidden away in the shadows of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, there’s a unique feel to an evening spent here and one can’t help feel a sense of something special. Why not also work your visit around a trip to the castle itself, which offers fantastic views of the city centre and a deep well of history to immerse yourselves in.

The Witchery boasts both an ancient dining room and a candle-lit secret garden, and you can add even more luxury to your Valentine’s Day by staying in one of its sumptuous suites complete with a morning breakfast hamper.

The Balmoral

The Balmoral is one of Edinburgh’s most prestigious hotels, making it the perfect base for a long weekend in Edinburgh to take in the sights and sounds. The hospitality you’ll find at the Balmoral is widely commended, and the five-star facilities ensure that you have an unforgettable time.

One handy little extra tip we found on Tripadvisor: book directly and the hotel currently offers a complimentary cocktail on arrival!

A stay at the Balmoral includes the chance to unwind in their exclusive spa, enjoy afternoon tea in the stunning Palm Court and take in the breath-taking view of Edinburgh from its enviable city centre location. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you can even stay in the Rowling Suite, where J.K. Rowling penned the final words to her world-shaking fantasy series.

The Dominion Cinema

Edinburgh offers the perfect date night with a showing at the Dominion cinema. The combination of comfort and beautiful art deco surroundings make for a unique cinema trip at any time of year but this is certainly a must for movie buffs on Valentine’s Day.

You can amp up the romance with a film showing in the First Class screen, complete with table service before the film. Then enjoy the film itself in one of the luxurious reclining sofas.

Harvey Nichols Restaurant

If your perfect Valentine’s Day involves a little retail therapy, the Forth Floor Restaurant on the top floor of Harvey Nichols is the perfect place to take a break and unwind. The Forth Floor Restaurant is an attractive, bright bar and brasserie, offering some of the city’s best food and drink as well as a great atmosphere.

But the real reason to visit the Forth Floor Restaurant is the view. With windows and balconies stretching from floor to ceiling, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful views across the entire city and out to the Firth of Forth. This is the perfect spot for watching the world go by together.

Grain Store

The Grain Store is another fantastic place to dine in Edinburgh this Valentine’s Day and can only be described as a hidden gem. Tucked away in the heart of the Old Town, overlooking the quaint shopfronts of Victoria Street, the Grain Store is undoubtedly one of the most romantic spots in the city.

Here you can enjoy an intimate dining experience of delicious, lovingly-prepared food in a candle-lit alcove. You also get a great view of the Old Town below.

The Water of Leith

Sometimes, it’s good to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quiet time together, and yet again there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than the Scottish capital. The Water of Leith is Edinburgh’s very own riverside walkway, lined with trees and stretching from the city all the way to the port of Leith where it flows into the sea via the Firth of Forth.

When taking a romantic stroll along the Water, you’ll enjoy the picturesque sites of Roseburn and Dean Village, and you can even take a detour towards the National Gallery of Modern Art or relax and unwind in one of Canonmill’s many cafés.

Coco Chocolate

A visit to Coco Chocolate will definitely make this year the sweetest Valentine’s Day you’ve ever had. Enjoy a deliciously sensory experience with a chocolate tasting evening courtesy of the team at Coco Chocolate, including history lessons on the sweet stuff and the chance to see how it’s produced. Then treat your taste buds by trying a variety of cocoa nibs alongside some delicious wine and chocolate combinations. By the end of the night you’ll be a chocolate expert!

Union Canal

For a unique Valentine’s Day together, take a gentle cruise along Edinburgh’s Union Canal. This is a great way to spend time together whilst seeing Edinburgh from a new perspective, all the while enjoying a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

When you’re aboard the Lochrin Belle, you can also enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment including afternoon tea and even gin tasting. The Belle itself is a beautiful, light space which is fully accessible to anyone wanting to gain a unique view of the Scottish capital. It’s also a great opportunity to take some fantastic photos, and you may even see a few swans floating alongside you.

Edinburgh Dungeon

When you try to decide on a romantic activity to indulge in this Valentine’s Day, chances are the Edinburgh Dungeon won’t be the first thing that springs to mind — but hear us out. There’s nothing like a good scare to bring a couple closer together. And the Dungeon is an attraction that will surely have you both jumping into each other’s arms. You’ll be forced to hold each other close as you make your way through a retelling of Edinburgh’s darkest and deadliest historical moments.

Even better, the Edinburgh Dungeon offers one of the best photo opportunities of all time, giving you a Valentine’s Day memento that will be unlike anyone else’s. How many of your friends will be uploading photos of them beheading each other or clutching each other for dear life in a graveyard?

If you are looking for a new home in Edinburgh that’s within easy reach of everything the capital has to offer, why not explore the stunning homes at Craighouse. Find out more here