Edinburgh has a long history with canine companions and it’s home to many dog friendly places. Here’s our guide on how to enjoy the dog friendly Edinburgh city centre with your pooch.
City Dog Walks
Edinburgh is well-known for being the bustling capital of Scotland. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a big green heart and plethora of scenic walks to enjoy with the dog.
Starting off with a walk to get tails wagging, Calton Hill. This walk offers breathtaking views across Edinburgh from the top, with plenty to explore along the way. It’s not near any main roads, so you can let your dog off the lead to burn off any pent up energy.
On top of the hill, you’ll find the famous, National Monument, making the perfect photo opportunity!. This monument is meant to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens, but it’s unfinished. It’s been left incomplete, for nearly 200 years.
Another favourite of locals and visitors alike is Hollyrood Park and Arthurs Seat. With 640 acres at Hollyrood Park, your pooch will have plenty of open space to explore. The 251-metre dormant volcano is an iconic landmark and the highest peak in Holyrood Park. There are so many routes to enjoy whether you’re after a 15-minute burst to the summit or hour-long hikes.
Inverleith Park is also easily accessible, situated next to the Royal Botanic Gardens. This picturesque park is a hidden oasis with plenty of green open spaces for your dog to run free. The Meadows is also a popular dog walking space, and if you visit in June you’ll run into a fun-filled dog show!
So many places to enjoy already, and we’re just getting started!
Dog Friendly Breakfast Finds
What better way to kick off the day than with the most important meal of the day! Just a 10-minute walk from Calton Hill, next to Waverley train station you’ll find all-around dog friendly favourite, Brewhemia. We recommend visiting this place during the weekend around 11 am for a Bluesy brunch. You’ll get to enjoy live music from local acoustic blues musicians. If you close your eyes, you’ll find yourself in New Orleans!
Another breakfast favourite of ours is Fortuna Coffee Bar. This tasty cafe will provide you with some mouth-watering breakfast and top-notch coffee.
If it’s a big greasy breakfast you’re after, The Painted Rooster will give you all you need and more! This place is renowned for its big breakfasts, offering various options including the traditional Scottish breakfast.
Woke up a little past breakfast, but still hankering for its tasty goodness? Urban Angel is a well-loved breakfast and brunch stop in Edinburgh. The café is as cool as it sounds, very chic. Dogs are welcome in the deli area – there is only a small number of tables in this area, so best to ring and book a table in advance.
Dog Friendly Shopping
After breakfast, perhaps you want to enjoy a spot of shopping after all Edinburgh has a few places who warmly welcome the pooch. Our favourites include high street stores John Lewis, Seasalt, White Stuff and Joules. There’s also plenty of independent stores opening their doors to our fluffy paws, including Cranachan & Crowdie, Curiouser & Curiouser, and Those Were The Days Vintage Fashion Boutique.
Dog Friendly Food Finds
Next up – Lunch! One thing is for certain, you’re never short of dog friendly foodie finds here, from casual cheap eats to blow-the-budget feasts!
Rabble is a hidden gem found in the heart of the city. Dogs are more than welcome here, with a designated ‘doggie station’ including water bowls and tasty treats. They also have a roofed garden perfect for those warmer months!
Another favourite amongst many local dog owners is Scran and Scallie, just a short walk away from Inverleith Park. Featuring Michelin star chef Tom Kitchin this affluent gastro-pub and restaurant welcome dogs of all shapes and sizes. Did we mention the food is award-winning?
If it’s pizza you’re after, then we have to mention our favourite Pizza Geeks. What we love here is their social initiative – for every pizza bought, one is donated to someone homeless or vulnerable in Edinburgh.
For a unique and mouth-watering menu of meat and bourbon, Carnivore is the place to be. Situated on Cowgate, this place is home to history when cattle were herded down the street on market day in Medevil Times.
Speaking of meat, if you’re into your chicken and retro gaming then you’ll love Wings. SNESs, Game Cubes and XBoxes galore grab some friends and enjoy some multiplayer action.
Vegan? Holy Cow has got your back with serving burgers, open sandwiches, soups, salads, smoothies, coffees and cakes. They love to welcome dogs, not just with the usual treats and water, but with comfy cushions for them to feel at home.
There’s plenty of foodie finds in Edinburgh, we recommend doing a search on our mainsite for the full list.
Something Sweet
Whether you’re looking for a snack or dessert, there’s one widely talked about dog friendly place you have to visit, Naked Bakery. This plant-based bakery is filled with heavenly Vegan treats. From doughnuts and cupcakes to pink waffles and fluffy macarons. You’ll be snapping Instagram photos for days.
Dog Friendly Things to Do
There’s plenty of dog friendly activities to do in Edinburgh. Camera Obscura is a great place to while away a few hours. Five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions. Dogs are even welcome into the Camera show.
If you want to learn more about this beautiful city, then Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours are great fun. Run by local tour guide Gareth and his French bulldog Monty. ‘Tours With Paws’ tour, showcases and highlights and hidden gems of the city, along with a fun and informative commentary.
Another place that has a high paw rating for us is Summerhall! This place is a multifaceted social hub, with many of its public spaces welcoming dogs and their owners. Inside Summerhall you’ll find a bar, cafe, gallery, performance spaces, a distillery and microbrewery, and a dog friendly escape room. This place is located near the Meadows making it perfect to visit after a walk.
Up for venturing a little further for a dog friendly Skittle Alley? The Sheep Heid Inn is worth it! This place is 600-years old, Scotland’s oldest pub! In fact, it’s a great spot to unwind after a walk from Arthur’s Seat to Duddingston!
Oh, and we almost forgot, you can’t forget to pay homage to the canine statue of the adorable little Greyfriars Bobby on George IV Bridge. This famous pooch spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner in Edinburgh. We like to think the reason Edinburgh is so dog friendly is to payback this little pooches loyalty all those years ago.
Dog Friendly Bars
While in Scotland, it’s only right you sample a few whiskies. Devil’s Advocate hidden away on Advocate’s close. They stock over 400 whiskeys and mouth-watering menu with something for everyone. Black Cat, on the other hand, has one of the largest whisky selections in the New Town. Don’t let the name fool you though, dogs are very welcome inside.
There’s a raft of new Swedish cocktail bars to enjoy throughout Edinburgh including Boda and Hemma. They offer a wide variety of quirky cocktails and a traditional, warm welcome for your dog. They also hold a diverse range of events including dog social nights!
More of a wine fan? Tuscany has some of the best wines in the world and Bacco Wine has brought them all to Edinburgh. Your pooch is more than welcome to join you while you indulge in some fine Italian wines, selection of cheese and antipasti.
Looking for something a little different, how about a butterbeer? Yes for all those Harry Potter fans, it’s real and you can grab one at retro gaming bar, The Mousetrap.
Other places include The Refinery, The Theatre Royal Bar, OX184, The Holyrood 9A, Bon Vivant and of course, BrewDog!
Share Your Favourite Places in Edinburgh
So that wraps up our little whistle-stop tour to dog friendly Edinburgh. Are there any dog friendly places you’ve visited in Edinburgh that we missed out on? Leave a reply below, tag us on Instagram Twitter or Facebook or recommend your favourites here.
For our full list of dog friendly places to visit in Edinburgh click here.
Looking for another dog friendly guide? How about Manchester, Cardiff or Liverpool? If you want to see a guide in a city near you, let us know in the comments below.
