Date spot in Edinburgh
Scottish National Gallery
See Scottish and European old masters in the free gallery on the Mound, including Raeburn's skating minister.
The Mound, between the Old Town and Princes Street
Address: The Mound, Edinburgh EH2 2EL- Culture
- Rain-proof ☔
- Free
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)
More from our Edinburgh guide
The Shore, Leith
The Shore, Leith
Address: Fishers in Leith, 1 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6QW- Restaurant
- Mid-price
- Foodie
- Romantic
Have dinner on Leith's old harbour front, where seafood restaurants and pubs line the quay along the Water of Leith.
Why it's a good date: It has a different feel from the city centre: slower, by the water and easy to linger in. Book ahead at weekends, and walk the riverside afterwards while it's still light.
Photo: Alan Murray-Rust, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
Portobello Beach
Portobello Promenade, east Edinburgh
Address: Portobello Promenade, Edinburgh EH15 1HH- Outdoors
- Free
- Dog friendly
- Best in Spring, Summer
Take the bus to Edinburgh's seaside and walk the promenade along two miles of sand.
Why it's a good date: A day at the beach without leaving the city. Walk the prom one way and the sand the other, and warm up with chips or an ice cream from one of the cafés along the front. Dogs are welcome on the sand all year; from April to July, when birds are nesting, keep them close or on a short lead.
Photo: Graeme Yuill, CC BY-SA 2.0 (resized)
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Castlehill, at the top of the Royal Mile
Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND- Activity
- Rain-proof ☔
- Mid-price
Watch the live camera obscura show of the streets below, then work your way down five floors of mirror mazes and optical tricks.
Why it's a good date: Daft, hands-on fun that makes you both laugh, and it's dry. The rooftop terrace has one of the best views of the Old Town, so aim for a clear day if you can.
Photo: Interestingfax, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
