Is Edinburgh Worth Visiting in March?
Yes, especially for couples who want romance, history, and a slower pace of travel.
March is considered shoulder season in Edinburgh, which means fewer crowds, better hotel availability, and a calmer atmosphere than the busy summer months. The city feels lived-in rather than tourist-packed, making it easy to wander the streets, stop into cafés or local restaurants, and explore historic sites at a relaxed pace.
For us, early March wasn’t busy. Attractions weren’t crowded, restaurants were easy to enjoy without long waits, and we loved the quiet mornings, cozy late nights, and even the first glimpses of cherry blossoms ahead of spring.
Instead of a fly-and-flop beach honeymoon and busy warm spring break destination, we wanted a destination that encouraged exploring, walking, and slowing down together. If that sounds like your travel style, March is an underrated, and incredibly romantic, time to visit Edinburgh.
Edinburgh makes an ideal honeymoon destination because it balances history, beauty, walkability, and comfort all in one place.
What makes it especially perfect for a honeymoon:
- The city is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore without stress
- Romantic historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and castle views are everywhere
- You can mix luxury hotels with cozy pub nights
- It’s ideal for couples who want connection and a calmer honeymoon without the beach
Rather than rushing from place to place, Edinburgh encouraged us to spend time exploring and being present. We took long walks, lingered over meals, and spent evenings talking over drinks — exactly what we wanted as newlyweds.
Where We Stayed on Our Edinburgh Honeymoon
One Night at 100 Princes Street
We started our honeymoon with one night at 100 Princes Street, and it was the perfect way to ease into Scotland. This boutique hotel sits directly across from Edinburgh Castle, and the views alone make it feel incredibly special, especially after a long travel day.
From the moment we walked in on the ground floor, the atmosphere felt more like entering a private residence than a traditional hotel. Everything was quiet, refined, and unhurried. We had landed in Edinburgh early that morning (around 8 a.m.), and despite arriving close to 9–10 a.m., the staff graciously allowed us to check in early — a small, unexpected kindness that made a huge difference after an overnight flight. They even provided us with a map and thoughtful recommendations for exploring Edinburgh.
Check-in takes place on the second floor, which serves as the hotel’s guest care and dining area. Rather than a standard front desk, it feels like an elegant sitting room. We were greeted with champagne upon arrival, and the staff immediately took care of our luggage, bringing everything up to our room while we settled in. When we later entered the room, we found a small chocolate cake and fresh apples waiting for us, which was a thoughtful welcome amenity that felt especially meaningful at the start of our honeymoon.
What makes 100 Princes Street unique is how intentional the entire experience feels. The design leans heavily into Scottish heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling, with tartan-lined walls, rich textures, curated artwork, and dark, moody tones throughout.
Dinner and In-House Whisky Tasting Experience
That same second-floor space became the heart of our stay. We enjoyed both dinner and breakfast there, lingering over meals in a setting that felt intimate and relaxed rather than formal. Later that evening, we returned for dinner at the hotel. After dinner, we were welcomed for the hotel’s in-house whisky tasting experience, which was held in a cozy, library-like room lined with bottles and warm lighting. It felt less like a lesson and more like a genuine introduction to Scotland’s whisky culture.
Despite its central location, the hotel felt remarkably quiet and secluded. Once inside, the city noise melted away, making it easy to relax, linger over a drink, and enjoy the castle views while taking in Edinburgh’s changing weather.
Our stay did include one unexpected moment…after returning to our room and starting a shower, water unexpectedly overflowed and flooded part of the carpet. It was one of those situations that felt mortifying in the moment, especially on our honeymoon, but the staff handled it with incredible care. They immediately helped us move rooms, transferred our luggage for us, and upgraded us as an apology. By the next morning, multiple staff members checked in, apologized again, and made sure everything was resolved.
What stood out most was how seamlessly and kindly everything was handled. Even with the hiccup, the level of service only reinforced how special this hotel is.
What made 100 Princes Street feel ideal for a honeymoon was the combination of an intimate, peaceful atmosphere that felt removed from the busy city, paired with direct, unobstructed views of Edinburgh Castle. The interiors balanced luxury with comfort, and the strong sense of Scottish heritage gave the stay meaning beyond just aesthetics. Even the whisky tasting felt like a genuine welcome to Scotland rather than a tourist experience.
If you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary trip, I highly recommend staying here for at least one night as a splurge. It’s the kind of hotel that sets the emotional tone for a trip, and it made the beginning of our honeymoon feel intentional from the very first moment.
The Balmoral Hotel for the Rest of Our Stay
For the remainder of our honeymoon, we stayed at The Balmoral, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic hotels. Located at the end of Princes Street, the hotel is directly above Waverley Station, making arrivals, departures, and day trips incredibly easy, while still feeling completely removed from the bustle once you’re inside.
What we loved most was how central it felt without ever being overwhelming. From the front doors, it was an easy walk to both Old Town and New Town, whether we were heading toward the Royal Mile, exploring historic streets, or simply wandering Princes Street. It made sightseeing feel easy, especially after long travel days.
Inside, the hotel struck a perfect balance between grand and comfortable. The rooms were spacious and quiet, which was perfect after a full day of walking, and the service was attentive without feeling stiff or intimidating. There’s a sense of classic Scottish elegance throughout, but it never felt cold or uninviting.
Dinner at Number One
One of the highlights of our stay at The Balmoral was dinner at Number One, the hotel’s signature fine-dining restaurant. It was also the fanciest dining experience we’ve ever had. The level of service was immediately noticeable (at one point our waiter quietly scraped our toast crumbs from the table… something we’d never experienced before), which definitely made us feel a little self-conscious at first, but in a “wow-this-is-fancy” kind of way.
Despite how polished it was, the service itself was genuinely warm and kind, and the food was incredible. The menu focuses on seasonal, locally inspired dishes, and every course felt thoughtfully prepared and intentional. It’s an award-winning restaurant, and that level of care and detail is very clear from the moment you sit down.
While it’s more formal than what we’re used to, it ended up being a memorable, celebratory experience for our honeymoon. If you’re comfortable stepping slightly outside your comfort zone for a special night, it’s a beautiful way to enjoy an elevated meal without ever leaving the hotel!
What We Did on Our Edinburgh Honeymoon in March
With our hotel stays setting the tone, the rest of our honeymoon focused on exploration, history, and simply enjoying the city together.
Rather than packing our days with activities, we chose experiences that matched the relaxed pace we wanted for our honeymoon.
Exploring Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is impossible to miss — perched high above the city — and visiting it early in our trip gave us a sense of the city’s deep history right away. Walking the grounds, learning about Scotland’s past, and taking in panoramic views of Edinburgh below was unforgettable. We did a tour which included tickets.
Even in March, the experience felt comfortable and unhurried, which made it even more enjoyable.
Cozy Pub Nights and Whisky Tastings
Evenings in Edinburgh were slow, cozy, and exactly what we wanted after full days of walking. Rather than chasing nightlife, we spent some of our afternoons and nights tucked into warm pubs and historic bars, enjoying good drinks and even better conversation.
While we did our official whisky flights during a dedicated whisky tasting at 100 Princes Street,, our pub nights were more about atmosphere, lingering over drinks, soaking in the history, and winding down together.
Where We Went for Drinks
One of our favorite stops was Jinglin’ Geordie, a cozy whisky bar with a relaxed, intimate feel and an impressive selection. It was the kind of place where time slows down, making it easy to settle in and stay longer than planned.
We also loved visiting classic, historic pubs like The World’s End and The White Hart Inn, both rich with character and centuries of stories. Sitting inside spaces that have welcomed travelers for generations made even a simple drink feel meaningful.
Another favorite was Deacon Brodie’s Tavern, right along the Royal Mile. It was the perfect stop during our evening walks, lively but still cozy, with classic pub energy that felt unmistakably Edinburgh.
After visiting the famous dog statue, we also stopped into Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar, located right beside Greyfriars Kirkyard. Popping in after seeing Greyfriars Bobby felt like a natural continuation of the experience — warm, welcoming, and full of local character.
What We Drank
- Whisky flights during our whisky tasting experience
- Guinness and local beers on pub nights
- Crisp hard apple and fruit ciders for me
Edinburgh turned out to be a great city for cider lovers, and I loved having lighter, refreshing options after long days of exploring.
Why These Nights Were Some of Our Favorites
After days spent wandering Old Town, the Royal Mile, and quieter corners of the city, there was nothing better than slipping into a warm pub, sharing drinks, and reflecting on the day together.
These evenings didn’t require reservations, schedules, or planning, just a cozy seat, a good drink, and time together. In many ways, they became some of our most memorable honeymoon moments.
Free Things to Do in Edinburgh (That We Loved)
One of the things we appreciated most about Edinburgh is how much you can experience without spending anything at all. Especially on a honeymoon, when you want to explore at a relaxed pace, these free attractions added depth to our trip without feeling rushed or overly planned.
National Museum of Scotland
One of our favorite stops was the National Museum of Scotland, which is completely free to enter and easy to spend hours exploring. The museum covers everything from Scottish history and art to science and design, and it’s the kind of place where you can wander at your own pace and linger where something catches your interest.
A personal highlight for me was seeing artwork connected to the Grant family, including a portrait of James Grant, 7th Laird of Freuchie — a fun and meaningful moment, since I’m related to the Grant family on my dad’s side. It added an unexpected layer of connection to Scotland’s history and made the museum visit feel even more special.
Even if you’re not typically a “museum person,” this one feels accessible, well-curated, and worth a visit, especially on a cold or rainy day.
Wandering Old Town, the Royal Mile & Victoria Street
Some of the most memorable moments of our honeymoon came from simply walking. Edinburgh’s Old Town is incredibly atmospheric, with winding streets, stone buildings, and hidden corners that feel pulled straight from history.
We spent time strolling along the Royal Mile, ducking into closes, watching street performers, and stopping whenever something caught our eye. Nearby, Victoria Street stood out with its colorful storefronts and curved layout — it’s easy to see why it’s often linked to Harry Potter inspiration, even if you’re just there to wander and take photos.
As a fan of the TV series, Outlander, wandering through Edinburgh felt extra special. The city’s layered history, stone streets, and dramatic skyline mirror the mood that makes the show so beloved, and it was easy to imagine centuries of stories unfolding in the very places we were walking through.
These walks required no itinerary, no tickets, and no reservations — just time together and comfortable shoes.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard was another free experience that left a lasting impression. The cemetery is rich with history and literary connections, and even without a tour, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone.
March’s misty weather made it feel especially haunting and beautiful — quiet, slightly eerie, and very “Edinburgh.” We later did a ghost tour, The World Famous Underground Ghost Tour, here, which added context and storytelling, but simply walking through on our own was memorable in its own way.
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery known for its literary connections and atmospheric beauty. Even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, the history and mood of this place make it a fascinating stop.
March’s chilly weather at night made it feel especially haunting and beautiful — quiet, slightly eerie, and very “Edinburgh.” We later did a ghost tour here, which added context and storytelling, but simply walking through on our own was memorable in its own way.
Calton Hill
Calton Hill is one of the best viewpoints in Edinburgh, and it’s surprisingly easy to access. From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the city, including the castle, Old Town, and beyond.
It’s especially beautiful in the early morning or near sunset, when the light softens and the city feels calm and romantic. Even if you don’t spend long here, it’s absolutely worth the short walk up.
More Landmarks We Saw Along the Way
Because Edinburgh is so compact, many of the city’s most iconic sights naturally fit into these wandering days. Without trying to “check boxes,” we found ourselves passing places we’d seen in photos for years.
From the Royal Mile, it’s an easy walk toward Princes Street Gardens, where you can pause below the castle and take in views from a completely different perspective. The gardens offered a quiet moment between Old Town and New Town — a place to slow down, sit for a bit, and simply take it all in.
Nearby, the Scott Monument rises dramatically over the city. Even without climbing it, seeing it up close adds to Edinburgh’s gothic, storybook feel and makes walks through the city feel cinematic.
At the opposite end of the Royal Mile, we also passed by the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence in Scotland. Even viewing it from the outside gives you a sense of how deeply royal history is woven into everyday life in Edinburgh.
Quiet Corners Beyond the Main Streets
One of our favorite things about Edinburgh is how quickly you can step away from the busier areas and find somewhere calm and charming.
A short walk led us to Circus Lane, a cobblestone street lined with historic homes and ivy-covered walls. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and feels worlds away from the crowds — the kind of place that’s perfect for honeymoon strolls and unhurried photos.
Nearby, Dean Village felt like discovering a hidden pocket of the city. Tucked along the Water of Leith, it’s quiet, charming, and ideal for slowing down and just enjoying being together.
From there, we continued along the river toward St Bernard’s Well, a small neoclassical monument that’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. It’s a subtle stop, but one that adds to the feeling of discovering Edinburgh beyond the obvious highlights.
Edinburgh Weather in March: What to Expect
March weather in Edinburgh is cool and unpredictable, but very manageable with the right mindset and clothing.
What we experienced:
- Cool temperatures (perfect for walking)
- Occasional rain and mist
- Cloudy skies mixed with beautiful light
Rather than taking away from the trip, the weather added to the romance. The misty mornings, dramatic skies, and cozy interiors made everything feel atmospheric and intimate. Layers and a good coat were all we needed.
Is March a Good Time to Honeymoon in Scotland?
March is an excellent time to honeymoon in Scotland if you value:
- Romance over festivals
- Cozy experiences over outdoor adventures
- Fewer crowds and quieter streets
If you’re dreaming of hiking-heavy itineraries, long summer days, or exploring other areas, another season may suit you better. But for a honeymoon focused on connection, history, and atmosphere, March is ideal.
What Made This Honeymoon Extra Special
There was no pressure to “do everything.” Instead, we focused on being present, enjoying where we were, and simply spending time together. That’s what made this honeymoon unforgettable.
Would We Recommend Edinburgh for a Honeymoon?
Without hesitation, yes!
Edinburgh is perfect for couples who want:
- A romantic but relaxed honeymoon
- A mix of luxury and authenticity
- Walkable exploration without stress
- A destination that feels timeless and intimate
And visiting in March made it even better.
Edinburgh Honeymoon FAQs
Is Edinburgh romantic for couples?
Yes. From its historic streets and castle views to cozy pubs and luxury hotels, Edinburgh is incredibly romantic.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh for a honeymoon?
Four to five days is ideal for a relaxed honeymoon pace.
Is March too cold to visit Scotland?
No, with layers or a good coat, the weather is comfortable for exploring and adds to the atmosphere.
Is Edinburgh expensive for a honeymoon?
It can be, but visiting in March helps with availability and value compared to peak summer months.
Final Thoughts
Edinburgh gave us exactly what we wanted from a honeymoon: romance, beauty, history, and time together without rushing. If you’re planning a honeymoon or anniversary trip and want something meaningful, atmospheric, and unforgettable, Edinburgh in March deserves a spot at the top of your list.
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