Spending Valentine’s in Edinburgh

Romantic things to do in Edinburgh this Valentine’s

Edinburgh is a truly beautiful city, famous for its amazing architecture and picturesque views. So it’s no wonder it is such a popular destination for couples at this time of year. Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it, and if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Edinburgh, help is at hand.

Book a Valentine’s hotel break

Picture this…a comfortable and spacious double room with Prosecco on ice waiting for you on arrival. The beautiful city of Edinburgh, yours to explore. And, a hearty Scottish breakfast the next morning in our breakfast room. Book a 2-night Valentine’s Escape at Parliament House Hotel from just £104.50 per room per night! Full details and T&Cs.

Bottle of Prosecco and 2 glasses in a hotel room

Walk to the top of Calton Hill

Our hotel is just at the bottom of Calton Hill – the ideal place for a romantic walk. It’s a relatively easy hill to climb, with a pathway right to the top. When you get there, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city. There are lots of fascinating landmarks to explore up there too, including the National Monument, Nelson Monument and Old City Observatory.

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill in winter

Have a night at the theatre

Head to Edinburgh Playhouse just around the corner from our hotel. There are plenty of great shows coming to the Playhouse this February, and on Valentine’s Night itself you are invited to get on down and enjoy a country night in Nashville! There are many other theatres in Edinburgh offering wonderfule performances throughout February. These include Mary Poppins at the Festival Theatre, and The Merchant of Venice at the Lyceum.

Theatre curtains opening

Go to chocolate heaven

Don’t just give a box of chocolates this Valentine’s, give a chocolate experience! The Chocolatarium on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile offers a range of tours, masterclasses and experiences, perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. See and smell how chocolate is made, create your own dream chocolate bar and sample different flavours and varieties in the tasting room.

If that’s not enough, Edinburgh city centre also has not one but two Hotel Chocolat stores. There’s one on Frederick Street, just a few minutes down the road from us. The other is just as close, situated in the beautiful St James Quarter. Chocolate is always on hand in Edinburgh!

Chocolate pieces

Take a spooky ghost tour

Hold on to your partner tightly, as you explore the darker side of Edinburgh. You can take an overground or underground tour of the city, hearing tales of the past in an atmospheric setting with Mercat Tours. Venture through sinister streets, cobbled closes and haunted vaults. The Ghosts and Ghouls Tour finishes with a warming drink in a candlelit cellar.

There’s also the Edinburgh Dungeon, an underground journey through the darker parts of the city’s history. Keep close to each other for safety here!

Candles dripping with wax in a dark room

Gaze at the night sky

Stargazing is one of the top romantic things to do in Edinburgh, on a clear night. The Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre puts on public astronomy evenings over the winter months. Learn how to find your way around the constellations with the naked eye. Then, get a closer look using state-of-the-art technology. This is a very popular experience, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. The Observatory is on Blackford Hill and can be reached by car or taxi, or a bus and then a 15 to 20-minute walk. Please see the website for directions.

Stars in the night sky above Edinburgh city

Sunrise on Arthur’s Seat

For those with an adventurous spirit, taking a walk together up Arthur’s Seat in time for sunrise can be a moment to remember forever. Arthur’s Seat is the huge extinct volcano in the middle of the city. You’ll need warm clothing and a torch, as well as setting off in the wee small hours but it’s usually worth it. Sunrise in Edinburgh in February is around 8am and even if you don’t make it all the way to the top, watching the light flood the city in the morning is a wonderful way to experience Scotland together. Then get yourself back to the hotel for a warm breakfast in our MP’s Bistro!

The city of love

With all these romantic things to do in Edinburgh for couples, book a Valentine’s Escape at Parliament House Hotel. You’ll certainly earn some brownie points with the other half! Call us on 0131 478 4000 or book online today.