Date spot in Edinburgh
National Museum of Scotland
Explore the free national museum, from Dolly the sheep to the Lewis chessmen, then head up to the rooftop terrace.
Why it's a good date: There's so much in here that you can come back and see something new each time. The rooftop terrace has a castle view, and it's the best rain plan in the city.
Photo: Elshad, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
More from our Edinburgh guide
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Inverleith Row and Arboretum Place, Inverleith
Address: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LRWander 70 acres of free gardens, from the rock garden and its pond to the Chinese hillside, with a view of the castle and skyline from the high ground.
Why it's a good date: Calm, green and never too busy, even at weekends. The glasshouses are closed for restoration, so save it for a dry day and walk on to Stockbridge afterwards.
Photo: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Dean Village and the Water of Leith
Dean Path, West End, to Stockbridge
Address: Dean Village, Bell's Brae, Edinburgh EH4 3BE- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Romantic
Follow the Water of Leith Walkway from Dean Village, a cluster of old mill buildings in a gorge, downstream to Stockbridge.
Why it's a good date: Ten minutes from Princes Street and it feels like a village. On a Sunday, time it to finish at Stockbridge Market for lunch from the stalls. Dogs are welcome on the walkway; keep them on a lead where it's busy.
Photo: Graeme Yuill, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Scottish National Gallery
The Mound, between the Old Town and Princes Street
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
See Scottish and European old masters in the free gallery on the Mound, including Raeburn's skating minister.
Why it's a good date: Small enough to see properly in an hour, which leaves time for a walk in Princes Street Gardens right outside. Each of you picks a favourite painting and makes the case for it.
Photo: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
