10 Things To Do This Valentine’s Day in Edinburgh

Can you believe that valentine’s day is just one month away?  Well, I don’t want you to wake up the day before and realise that you haven’t made plans.  No excuses this time: here’s your warning.  But instead of panicking on how you’ll woo your partner or significant other with love and affection, why not browse through our recommendations for the top ten things to do on valentine’s day in Edinburgh?  There’s an assortment of things, some a bit old fashioned and others a bit trendy, so surely there will be something to spark some passion.  (But book now – restaurants fill up early!  You are lucky that this year V-day is on a Sunday but if you don’t book, plan on being disappointed.)

A Rooftop Valentine

On this Valentine’s Day options, you’ll reach for the stars while swooning over champagne and cocktails with your significant other.  You’ll start the evening off with champagne at Edinburgh’s premier champagne establishment, the Fourth Floor at Harvey Nichols.  The view especially over St Andrew Square at night is stunning.

You could stay here for a meal – their Valentine Aphrodisiac Menu looks dream, but our suggestion is to head down George Street and back upstairs for another rooftop view at Oloroso.  You can switch to sangria, or keep on with the champagne and enjoy Oloroso’s fantastic menu of delights.

A Hold-Hands-Underground Valentine

If cheesy romantic isn’t your thing, how about scaring your other half so you can hold hands and snuggle a bit closer? Join Mercat Tours in one of their many spooky tours, then work off your jitters with a cocktail and meal underneath the Royal Mile at cozy and lovely Montieths.  Truly wonderful.

A Royal Valentine

Have a Valentine’s day truly worthy of Royalty.  Start the evening off right with a tour of the Royal Yacht Britannia down in Leith Harbour.  If there’s time you can have a quick drink at the on-board restaurant (or in one of the restaurants in the mall).  Then head nearby in Leith for your Michelin-starred meal at The Kitchin.  Nope, that’s not a misspelling:  they’re so good they can spell it however they well please.

A Fresh Air Valentine

Even if there is a little bit of a chill in the air, why not put a spring in your other half’s step with a stroll along the Water of Leith?  It’s one of my favourites (you’re probably sick of hearing about it by now), and it’s just an hour or so stroll from Roseburn Terrace to Stockbridge.

End your evening in Stockbridge where you have plenty of pub and restaurant options.  If you want to end the evening on a truly exquisite note, try The Stockbridge Restaurant.  It’s classy and very “New Town” without being pretentious.  Perfect for Valentines.

An In-Style Valentine

With a sexy and fun strip like George Street, why go anywhere else for Valentine’s day?  You can start with cocktails in Bramble Bar (which is around the corner, so technically on Queen Street, but it’s a block, ok?), then have a nice meal and plenty of drink options in either The Living Room or Browns.  No doubt many of nightclubs in the area will also have specials and events on for the evening, though you might be in the mood just to head straight home!

A Classic Scottish Valentine

Why not go for a classic Scottish evening by attending the Scottish Malt Whisky Society‘s whisky and champagne tasting event on Queen Street?  These guys know what they’re doing when it comes to tastings, and the Georgian townhome is one of the city’s most romantic venues.

An Afternoon Valentine

If you already have a quiet and special evening planned, why not take advantage of a great afternoon out?  My suggestion is to first stop for a proper tea and scone round up at eteaket.  Then head over into the Old Town and do some browsing in the boutique shops on Victoria Street?  If you want a nightcap before heading home, skip the Grassmarket and head for Maxies Bistro.

A West End Valentine

Hang out in the West End for the day.  Start your afternoon with a stroll through Dean Gallery then head back into town for an evening in the West End Village on William Street.  It is almost like a hidden lane, surrounded by wonderful Georgian architecture and a quiet, cosy feel.  For a meal, you can’t go wrong at La Bruschetta.

An Ultra-Deluxe Luxury Valentine

Ok, let’s be honest here:  you aren’t going here for the best food in town, but it is without a doubt a destination dining experience in itself (just look at the photo).  Where are talking about?  The Witchery.  With a wine list like an encyclopaedia and innumerable facets of the various rooms to entertain you, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in a different world.  Ambience?  Oh yeah – they’ve got it.  You don’t need anything else – a night at the Witchery is a night to remember.

An Funny Valentines

Have some fun this Valentine’s.  Start with the early afternoon show at The Stand, then head over to Broughton Street for food, drink and entertainment.  A great place to sit and admire the garden terrace views while enjoying vodkas and filling Polish cuisine is Pani Solinka, a local favourite.

Note:  Single and hate Valentine’s Day?  Don’t worry.  We have an article for you coming up – stay tuned.

Photos by peterme, chirsti harrison, madsnapper, chatirygirl, hapticflapjack, ella’s dad, wordridden, garybirnie, photojenni, theedinburghblog.co.uk