As the end of October grows nearer and a cold Edinburgh winter looms on the horizon, cuffing season is just around the corner. Whether you’re finally meeting up with that guy from Hinge or you’ve mustered up the courage to ask out your cute coursemate, now is the time to get dating. If you’re not sure how to woo your special someone, no need to worry– I’ve done the work for you. Here is a comprehensive list of bars, pubs, cafés, and romantic spots to take your dates this semester:
Pubs/Bars:
Brass Monkey
A tried and true classic, Brass Monkey is the perfect place to bring a first date. Grab a pint at the bar, play a board game, or cozy up in the sofa/cinema room.
Bennet’s Bar
Bennet’s Bar is one of the oldest pubs in Edinburgh, and it’s also a great date spot. Its old-timey feel and cheap student pints are sure to make your date swoon.
The Ventoux
Just down the street from Bennet’s Bar is one of Edinburgh’s best kept secrets. If you’re looking for an unpretentious bar with an intimate atmosphere, Ventoux is your place.
Panda & Sons
Want to really impress your date? Bring them to this speakeasy in New Town. Posing as a barber shop, Panda & Sons was voted as one of the top 50 cocktail bars in the UK.
Cafés:
Kilimanjaro
If you’re looking for a sober date activity, why not try a cozy coffee shop? Take your partner to this Newington staple and get to know each other over £5 pound lattes.
Upland Roast/Meadows Walk
For a quintessential Edinburgh experience, grab a cup of coffee from the Uplands Roast cart and head for a walk around The Meadows. Nothing says romance like a caffeinated walk in nature.
Cult Coffee
Another Newington date spot, Cult Coffee Roasters has a rustic atmosphere and genuinely good coffee. If your date is a bit of a coffee snob, this is the place to take them.
Modern Standard
If you want to escape the student bubble, take your date to Modern Standard Coffee in Bruntsfield. You can have a nice walk around the Bruntsfield Links and more importantly reduce the chances of running into anyone you know.
Romantic spots:
Edinburgh Christmas markets
You’ll have to wait until November to enjoy this popular date spot. With endlessly flowing hot cider, holiday-themed love songs, and romantically-lit pathways, the Edinburgh Christmas markets are definitely worth the wait.
Portobello beach
This Edinburgh date spot is definitely weather dependent, but a great place to take a significant other nonetheless. Whether you want to grab a pizza from Civerinos or warm each other up by a bonfire, you can’t go wrong with a beach date.
Arthur’s Seat
Last but not least is Edinburgh’s famous Arthur’s Seat. Head on a romantic walk up the hill and fall in love while taking in the beautiful views of the city…
And that wraps up the best date spots in Edinburgh. Happy dating!
Photo by René Ranisch on Unsplash
