City guide · Scotland
First date ideas in Edinburgh: where to meet and how to get home
By The Fling Compass editorial team · Last checked
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Edinburgh has two very different centres. The Old Town is all steep closes and stone stairs; the New Town is a neat grid of Georgian streets running alongside Princes Street. For a first drink with someone you've just met, the New Town is easier: it's flat, well lit and hard to get lost in.
The tram runs from the airport through the West End and along Princes Street to Leith and Newhaven, which puts the West End within easy reach too. And the Old Town has some of the best small pubs in Scotland, if you don't mind a bit of a climb.
In August, during the festivals, the centre is packed. Meet early or pick somewhere a street or two off the main drag.
Where to go in Edinburgh
New Town
George Street and Rose Street, the pedestrian lane of pubs between Princes Street and George Street. Central, busy and easy.
Old Town
Victoria Street, the Grassmarket and Forrest Road, near the university. Plenty of people around at night, but the closes and steps can be dark.
West End
Around William Street and Haymarket. Quieter, with a tram stop and Haymarket station close by.
St Andrew Square
The east end of the New Town, by the tram stop and a short walk from Waverley.
Places for a first drink
Busy enough to feel relaxed, quiet enough to talk, and easy to leave. Check opening times on their own sites before you go.
- 01
The Abbotsford
pub · Rose Street
A beautifully kept Edwardian pub with an island bar in Spanish mahogany. Classic, comfortable and a minute from Princes Street.
- 02
The Bow Bar
whisky pub · Victoria Street
A small, traditional bar on Victoria Street, known for its whisky. Cosy rather than roomy, so it's at its best on a weeknight.
- 03
The Dome
bar and restaurant · George Street
At 14 George Street, in a building that has been a physicians' hall and a bank. Grand without being stuffy, and good if you want somewhere a bit special.
- 04
The Voodoo Rooms
bar and music venue · West Register Street
A gothic-styled bar, restaurant and music venue just behind St Andrew Square, close to the tram stop and Waverley.
- 05
Sandy Bell's
folk pub · Forrest Road
A small pub on Forrest Road known for its folk music sessions. Friendly and informal, and the music fills any awkward gaps.
- 06
Teuchters
bar · West End
A relaxed West End bar with food on William Street, a short walk from Haymarket station and the tram.
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Getting home
Trams run from Edinburgh Airport through Haymarket, the West End, Princes Street and St Andrew Square to Leith and Newhaven. Edinburgh Trams publishes first and last tram times on its site. When we checked, the last tram from Newhaven left just before midnight and the last from the airport before 11pm, so look at the times on the day.
Trains leave from Waverley and Haymarket. Check your last departure on National Rail before you go out, and if you're relying on a bus, look up the last one on your route too.
Licensed taxis can be hailed in the street or hired at a rank, and you'll recognise them by the illuminated roof sign and yellow council plates front and rear. Private hire cars must be booked in advance; they carry 'Pre booked hire only' stickers on the front doors and council plates, and they can't use taxi ranks.
Staying safe in Edinburgh
- The Old Town's closes are handy shortcuts by day and dark by night. Walk back along the main streets instead.
- Before you get into a private hire car, look for the 'Pre booked hire only' door stickers and the council plates.
- During the festivals, choose somewhere you can actually get a seat. Standing in a crush is no way to get to know someone.
- Arrange to meet inside a venue, not 'on Princes Street'. It's long, crowded and covers a lot of ground.
The full list is in our first-date safety checklist.
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First dates in Edinburgh: questions
What time is the last tram in Edinburgh?
It varies, so check the Edinburgh Trams site on the day. When we checked, the last tram from Newhaven left just before midnight and the last from the airport before 11pm.
Can I hail a taxi in Edinburgh?
Yes, if it's a licensed taxi with an illuminated roof sign and yellow council plates. Private hire cars can't be hailed and must be booked in advance.
Old Town or New Town for a first drink?
The New Town if you want flat, well-lit streets near the tram. The Old Town if you like character and don't mind steps. Rose Street sits neatly in between.