Are you based in Scotland and seeking a partner? In this article, we unpack the 5 reasons Edinburgh is a great place to find love and how you can meet your match here.
It’s easy to fall in love with Edinburgh. But can you fall in love in Edinburgh? The answer is a resounding yes. This forward thinking city is a prime place for singles to begin — and end — the search for a partner.
The city is filled with people from other places — around the UK and the world, with young and middle aged professionals encompassing much of the community as they relocate for work or stay on in the the city post-university. As such, it’s open and welcoming of those trying to intergrate, with many initiatives set up to cater for networking and mixing. And Edinburghers are very accepting of newcomers (because there have always been so many), so getting involved and socialising is a breeze. This applies whether you’re new to the city, or new to single life within it, as both scenarios require you to step outside of your comfort zone and get to know people you otherwise may not have.
Being one of the top tourist traps in Britain, it also attracts many visitors; not least during the Fringe when the population swells dramatically and more locals are out and about. So the pool of potential matches is always even larger than the total of Edinburgh’s permanent residents. Therefore even if you don’t plan to remain in Scotland long-term, Edinburgh offers international dating opportunities for those open to relocating.
This is an innovative, creative place that keeps up with trends, alongside its centuries-old traditions and attractions. And it caters ably to those of all budgets, offering the finest cuisine and fanciest bars, through to uber-casual street food haunts. There are countless gorgeous outdoor spaces — climb Arthur’s Seat or the Braid Hills, feed the swans at Holyrood Park, picnic with panoramic views at Inverleith Park, and stroll at sunset on Cramond or Portobello beaches. If you’re into quirky date ideas, keep an eye on events pages for inspiration, again some of these are offered completely free via funding initiatives. With all of these options, Edinburgh is the ideal choice for a first date, and for keeping your dating life as a couple fresh, for many years to come.
A castle, a palace, a dormant volcano, medieval cobbled lanes, beaches and a city centre meadow… It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque and romantic setting to fall in love than this UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Every corner of the centre is steeped in history and filled with love stories, past and present. Plenty of films have been set here and you don’t have to look far to see why this was the movie makers’ choice. If you’re hoping for those perfect Instragram shots illustrating your journey together, you’ve come to the right place.
More people mean increased opportunities. As of 2022, the city’s population sat at nearly 600,000, a 0.92% increase from 2021 and it’s growing year on year. With 4,730 people per square mile, you’re sure to find a suitable single among the throng if you look hard enough.
The place you find love is likely to be the geographical area in which you settle and this is a top choice. Scotland’s capital consistently ranks highly, often first, in surveys and studies of the best places to live in the UK. Edinburgh boasts good schools, abundant green spaces, excellent amenities, a fantastic public transport system and a burgeoning tech and startup sector. Plus the cost of living is significantly less than areas like London and southern England. Find a partner here and you can build an idyllic family life going forward.
Are you looking for long-term love in Edinburgh? Why not come along to one of our speed dating nights in the Scottish capital? It’s also worth spreading your net a little wider and attending a Glasgow Slow Dating event, as there’s a great deal of movement between these two commutable cities.
How do you meet people in Scotland?
Cities are your best starting point, the bigger the better; where the population is denser, you’ll find a more plentiful supply of suitable singles. Set your sights on opportunities in Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen, either with events designed specifically for singles, or with a regular activity that’ll enable you to connect and build relationships.
Is it hard to make friends in Edinburgh?
Making friends can feel daunting, but Edinburgh is a super place to do it. There are lots of groups you can join, networking events you can attend and activities to get involved in. Take a look at online listings to find out what’s happening near you, volunteer for a charity, or take up a hobby that’ll involve meeting others.
Is Edinburgh a romantic city?
You bet! It’s up there with Prague, Venice and New York, as one of the most romantic cities on earth. Wander the Water of Leith hand in hand, spend a few hours in a tiny bookshop perusing vintage titles, steal a kiss in a lantern-lit close and dine by candlelight in a Gothic 16th century restaurant.