Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples

THE 10 BEST Couples' Activities & Things to Do in Edinburgh

Best Things to Do in Edinburgh for Couples

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42 places sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.


Showing results 1-30 of 42

What travellers are saying

  • Corinna R
    Essex, UK14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience. Very informative and nostalgic. Was a privilege to be allowed to see so much of the yacht and have some insight into the private lives of the royals.
    We had a sandwich and a glass of fizz to round off the visit, both of which were top class
    Written 15 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Carey B
    Sheffield, UK31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful castle. Please ask the guides about extra information. They are so knowledgeable and might even give you extra insights into palace life.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nitasha
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our tour guide Zelda was amazing! I went into the tour last minute and it was so worth it. Learned a lot of cool history! 100% worth it!
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • coffeeandbooks
    23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a cool place. The world of illusions and tricks. Everything from the room that makes you look tiny , to the mirror room. It is really worth the trip here
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • alibatty🦇
    Dundee, UK5 031 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well, this really must be on every visitor’s itinerary, as it’s the historic heart of the city, with many of the medieval buildings preserved for posterity. It’s crammed full of character , with lots of nooks and crannies to explore in the many tall narrow closes , and warren of wynds of “Auld Reekie”. Here you’ll find a plentiful variety of shops, restaurants, pubs and cafes leading steeply up cobbled paths to the Royal Mile, and Edinburgh Castle . We were a bit dismayed at the unsightly graffiti , and litter lying about - but that’s the downfall of any big city. Despite it being only March there were lots of tourists on the go , so got a bit crowded in passing places. ( Must be murderous at the height of the season. )
    Written 7 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pakabay
    Adelaide, Australia2 141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes, there are tartan, whisky and assorted souvenir shops side by side for much of the Royal Mile but they go nowhere near telling the story of this historic thoroughfare.

    The so-called Royal Mile which in face is just over a mile long, connects Edinburgh Castle at one end and the Royal Palace of Hollyrood at the other.

    Passing through the middle of historic Edinburgh, there are countless magnificent buildings along its entire length. And the further you head away from the castle, the less tacky souvenir shops there are.

    The Edinburgh Old Town is particularly hilly in places, but the Mile is an easy walk from on end to the other. Generally, it heads downhill from the castle towards the palace.

    Well worth exploring the mile itself, but also the lanes & alleys that lead off it for its entire length.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • shackleston
    Redcar, UK814 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a visit even if you don't buy a ticket. Impressive gates and towers. Not far from city centre. You can also see the Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat.
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kaiya R
    37 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of little things to see and read about up here, a few different monuments and also provides pretty views over the rooftops of Edinburgh!
    Written 13 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • pakabay
    Adelaide, Australia2 141 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mid-March is not the best time to be visiting a Scottish garden, but despite that, our visit to these Botanical Gardens was well worthwhile.

    We tend to visit gardens wherever we are in the world and these Edinburgh gardens, just north of the New Town were extensive, very well maintained and contained a surprisingly wide selection of well established trees & plants. Of particular note are the significant Chinese gardens.

    Like most of Edinburgh, the gardens have significant elevation changes which just adds to the visual depth of large area.

    Like most major botanical garden admission is free and you could easily spend half a day here - even longer in late spring & summer.

    And it’s on the blue route of the hop-on hop-off bus, with a stop right at the gates
    Written 14 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • roy grey
    Cheltenham, UK241 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Another one of those places to visit especially as you are in the City, very impressive and plenty of activity & shops nearby on the Royal Mile
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Darren R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful New Town house. Its the guides that make it extra special though, really enhanced the visit with their knowledge and enthusiasm.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chan G
    Reading, UK257 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Cute Harry Potter looking village! Not too far to walk to from the city centre and it's very quaint and looks stunning. It does get very busy so I'd recommend going early in the day.
    Written 30 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Magdalene E
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a lovely afternoon with the Alpacas. Walk not to strenuous and the weather was perfect..Great to hear the history of the Alpaca and such gentle animals 😀
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly1957
    Crowborough, UK104 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great boat trip with Forth Tours. Enjoyable, informative commentary on board, great crew and drinks/snacks for sale.
    Amazing views of the bridges and coastline.
    The island is a magical place and the staff on the island are just wonderful.
    Castle and island are well worth a visit.
    We thought we might keep this a secret but we had the whole island to ourselves for the last hour!!
    Captain took us to see the seals on the way back to Queensferry.
    Great views of the razorbillls and gulls.
    Written 20 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Rantin rover
    Biggar, UK8 673 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Substantial historic ruined medieval castle in the suburbs of Edinburgh and within distant view of it’s more famous attraction in the city centre. Both are maintained by Historic Scotland and are subject to entrance fees. I’ve got Historic Scotland membership which covers our grandchildren so only had to pay £7.50 for my wife to join us on this particular exploration which was aimed largely at keeping the kids occupied for a while!

    Unlike the famous Edinburgh Castle this site doesn’t attract large numbers of visitors at any one time and there are only parking places for a dozen or so vehicles. However it’s likely to be on a bus route if you’re based in town. No café facilities on site either although the small ticket office/shop does sell a limited number of “treats”.

    There are sometimes quizzes at Historic Scotland sites aimed at focusing younger visitors minds on the search for information however on this occasion it wasn’t the case. There were some games set up in a vaulted section which kept us entertained for a while - skittles and a version of darts (of the sticky variety rather than the sharp type). The main attraction of course was to explore the hidden nooks and crannies which children and adults often enjoy on such sites. A little imagination is required to transport yourself back through the years but some interpretation boards help set the scene. I’d recommend taking a torch if you want to look up the chimneys or venture into the vaulted stores - lighting is provided most places but a torch helps where it is not.

    I had visited solo previously and had obtained the guidebook so I had a rough idea of the layout to try and see all the areas of interest. The fact that Mary Queen of Scots had stayed at the castle at some stage was lost on our young visitors who didn’t have a clue who she was!

    An element of caution is required to supervise small children as there are plenty of uneven surfaces, large drops from battlements and steep spiral stairways - thankfully our 4 and 10 year old grandkids managed fine. The most hazardous part of the trip for their grandparents was the post trip visit to McDonalds at Cameron Toll where we were re-introduced to a dining experience of a different variety.

    Craigmillar is well worth a visit with children or if you enjoy exploring castle ruins for an understanding of our history.
    Written 5 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.