15 Purfect Dog-Friendly Edinburgh Activities

Searching for dog-friendly Edinburgh activities? Whether you are a local looking for fresh dog walking routes, a new pup parent wondering what pubs allow pets so you can have a well deserved pint or a visitor planning a trip to Scotland’s capital with your best fur pal, this handy guide has pugging good solutions. 

That will be the last of the dog puns, I pawmise. 

Updated September 2026

You may also like our guide to hotels.

Venue / Activity	Type	Area	Postcode	Dog Policy
Princes Street Gardens	Park	Old Town	EH2 2HG	Welcome on lead
Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat	Walk	Holyrood	EH8 8HG	Welcome, keep on lead near cliffs
The Meadows	Park	Southside	EH9 1PX	Welcome, off-lead accepted
Water of Leith Walkway	Walk	Stockbridge–Leith	EH3 5BB	Welcome on lead
Portobello Beach	Beach	Portobello	EH15 1NA	Welcome year-round
Cramond Beach	Beach	Cramond	EH4 6NH	Welcome, watch tidal causeway
World’s End	Pub	Old Town	EH1 1NG	Welcome in bar
The Holyrood 9A	Pub	Holyrood	EH8 8AE	Welcome
Stockbridge Tap	Pub	Stockbridge	EH3 5AB	Welcome
Teuchters Landing	Pub	Leith	EH6 6QX	Welcome inside & terrace
Cold Town House	Pub	Grassmarket	EH1 1JU	On Brewhouse floor & rooftop
Moonwake Beer Co	Taproom	Leith	EH6 6QX	Welcome in taproom & garden
Café MILK	Café	Newhaven	EH6 4JT	Welcome
Cowan & Sons	Café	Stockbridge	EH4 1HX	Welcome, water bowls
Zebra Coffee Company	Café	Old Town	EH1 2LN	Welcome
Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar	Pub	Old Town	EH1 2NE	Welcome in bar
The Bow Bar	Pub	Old Town	EH1 2EG	Welcome

Things to do in Edinburgh

Parks & Gardens 

Regardless of what area you are in, you will find plenty of green spaces and most of them allow dogs.

Princes Street Garden

In the City Centre is the most famous nature spot, Princes Street Gardens.

This is where you will find the iconic Scott Monument, the elegant Ross Fountain and Edinburgh Christmas Market in winter.

Dogs are allowed to enter the garden which sits in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle but they must be on a lead. 

Just as well as this is a popular lunch spot for workers in the city! 

As you wander through the gardens, look out for Bum the Dog.

West Regent Gardens 

A secret location with stunning views over Edinburgh Old Town, the Scottish Parliament and Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park is West Regent Gardens.

Well behaved dogs run free here and there are a couple of benches for you to sit and appreciate the cityscape.

The unique Stones of Scotland monument, a ring of stones from around the country, can be found in West Regent Gardens.

Check out our guide to hidden Edinburgh for other unusual things to keep an eye out for around the city.

Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat 

A large, flat grassy space, Holyrood Park welcomes well behaved visitors for walks and picnics. 

Next to the green area is the Scottish Parliament which has landscaped ponds, a hit with kids and hot dogs on sunny days.

There is also a free drinking water fountain just outside of the Scottish Parliament. 

Arthur’s Seat, one of Edinburgh’s most popular walks, is accessible from Holyrood Park and takes around an hour to hike up. 

Be cautious of the rocky terrain at the top, it can get slippy. 

Parking is available in the park but it gets busy with Arthur’s Seat hikers so arrive early.

Check out our guide to parking in Edinburgh for more tips.

Close to Holyrood Park is Holyrood 9A, a bar that sells burgers.

The Meadows 

On the Southside is the busy Meadows which is a series of gardens separated by walkways and cycle lanes.

Expect to see everything here from couples on first dates, parents with prams, students studying, ping pong games, tennis matches, rugby training. 

The Meadows is an absolute dream in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, creating a pink cloud-like candy floss heaven. 

There are roads separating The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links so watch out near the roadside. 

Edinburgh’s most celebrated dog and the Everything Edinburgh mascot, Greyfriars Bobby’s statue is not far from The Meadows.

His nose is a little worn so in order to save the furiginal statue, we ask that you avoid rubbing it.

Leith Links 

Leith is a hip neighbourhood full of trendy bars, cafes and food markets.

It is also home to Leith Links which is a big, open park with a kid’s play area and football pitches.

Just watch out for flying golf balls when walking as it is still used by people practising their swing

Starbank Garden in Newhaven 

Starbank is a lovely well-kept garden with views over the Firth of Forth and The Kingdom of Fife.

The gates on Starbank Road lead you up a hilly green space with benches then to the back there is a flat garden with seasonal flowers, fairy trails and a tardis-shaped free book store!

The Friends of Starbank Garden do a stellar job keeping this garden looking so inviting.

I have seen dogs off the lead here but families picnic in the back garden so I wouldn’t recommend it if your dog is partial to a sandwich as mine is! 

Inverleith Park

Inverleith is located near the upmarket Stockbridge area and provides cool views of the Castle.

However, there is a pond so if your pup likes a dip, best to keep them on the lead. 

Why not pick up some take out lunch at one of the Stocky B cafes and eat it at Inverleith Park?

You can read more about Edinburgh’s green locations in our gardens and parks guides. 

Beaches 

We’ve written extensively about beaches in this guide so here is a quick overview.

Portobello Beach

The most popular beach is located in Portobello, the small seaside town with a big focus on community spirit. 

Porty has a long stretch of golden sand beach and a vintage boardwalk dotted with cafes and food trucks. 

It is common for runners, families with prams, toddlers on trikes, kids on bikes, and walkers to share the path alongside the beach. 

As soon as temps hit high teens, the city floods to this beach so leave the car at home, as finding a space is a nightmare. 

Remember to pack a shade if visiting on hot spring or summer days. 

Note: April and May sometimes get better weather than June, July and August and we’ve had summer days slipping into September of late. 

Cramond Beach 

Cramond is a great day out because not only is there a beach, there is also a woodlands area which runs alongside Cramond Falls.

There are two options for parking.

Either use the beach car park at the Newhaven side of the beach or park at Miller & Carter (Queensferry Road) to begin the walk from Cramond Village. 

Happy to go further afield?

Check out our guide to local beaches for Fife and East Lothian sandy shores too.

Walking Routes 

In addition to the parks, gardens and beaches, the city has more walking routes up hills and beside the water. 

Water of Leith Walkway 

The Water of Leith Walkway is a 12-mile walk connecting many of the New Town areas whilst running alongside the Water of Leith river.

It takes you through neighbourhoods, parks, gardens and over bridges. 

While it’s unlikely you’d complete the route in a day, it’s a great walk for forcing you to explore other areas of the city that you might not bother visiting by car or public transport. 

The Walkway starts or ends in Leith and hits Bonnington, Stockbridge, Dean Village, Murrayfield, Saughton Park, Redhall, Spylaw, Currie and Baberton.

It also goes through the cool Colington Tunnel which has a huge mural. 

Be prepared to see a man in the water, that’s 6 Times by Anthony Gormley!

Expect to walk with runners, cyclists and the very occasional horse. 

Blackford Hill and The Hermitage of Braid

One of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills and part of the 7 Hills Challenge, Blackford Hill is an easy ascent with the summit providing views of Arthur’s Seat and the City Centre.

You get two for one with this walk as just behind Blackford Hill is The Hermitage of Braid which is a well trodden route used by families, walkers and school field trips. 

Jupiter Artland 

Jupiter Artland is a mind-bending art park just outside the city.

As you enter, you receive a park map with a key identifying the art installations strategically placed around the woodlands. 

You can dine at the pink cafe, I recommend the soup and the cakes, or the outdoor food truck.

If you’d like to take your pup, apply for the Jupiter Artland Dog Membership which supports the park and gives an entry ticket.

Other Walking Routes

We’ve not tried the following but they come recommended by local owners from the egg Facebook group. 

• Cammo Estate
• Dreghorn Woods
• Spylaw and Colinton Tunnel
• Harlaw and Threipmuir Reservoirs
• Roslin Glen Country Park

Do you recommend any of the above or have new ideas? Tell us in the comments below.

Other Things to do

Unleashed Dog Park

Just outside in the East Lothian region is Unleashed (Spilmersford View, Pencaitlan, EH34 5DR), a private park for active pups.

The field is sectioned off and surrounded by high fences so you don’t have to worry about your escape artists.

The enclosed area is filled with challenges such as tunnels and sensory activities like a wee pool. 

Pack a ball and launcher, there’s lots of space to play fetch.

Customers just drive into their designated pen where unleashed dogs are safe and free to play as soon as they get out of the car.

You can book with a friend so you can have a chat while the dogs tire themselves out. 

The owners ask that you bring poo bags and pick up any mess for the next customers.

Water is provided. 

Meet Ups

There is every kind of breed of dog in Edinburgh which means there’s plenty of opportunity to meet up with fellow dog owners and let your dog join the pack.

Some meet ups will be breed specific, others will be open to all types.

Websites such as Eventbrite and Meetup and also Facebook search are the best ways to find local communities. 

Sightseeing

Many of Edinburgh’s top attractions are dog-friendly in their outdoor areas, even when interiors are off-limits to pets.

The Royal Mile & Old Town

Walking the Royal Mile is one of the most popular things to do. The wide pavement stretches from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, passing St Giles’ Cathedral, the Heart of Midlothian mosaic, and countless closes and courtyards. Dogs are welcome throughout the exterior areas. Stop at Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years. The kirkyard itself is dog-friendly.

Victoria Street & The Grassmarket

The colourful curved facade of Victoria Street makes for brilliant photos with your pup. The street leads down to the Grassmarket, a wide-open square with castle views above. Both areas have numerous pubs with outdoor seating. Cold Town House (4 Grassmarket, EH1 1JU) has a rooftop terrace with direct castle views.

Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

While not permitted inside the Castle (assistance dogs only), they are welcome on the Castle Esplanade – the large open plaza in front of the fortress. The views from the esplanade over the city and towards Fife are outstanding. The esplanade is free to access; castle tickets start at £23.50 online for adults.

Palace of Holyroodhouse Gardens

The grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, at the foot of the Royal Mile, include gardens and the adjacent Holyrood Park. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas. The palace itself admits assistance dogs only, but the exterior gardens and the ruins of Holyrood Abbey can be viewed from outside.

Meet Edinburgh’s Dog-Friendly Pubs

There’s plenty of opportunity to experience pubs in Edinburgh which is great news if you want to have a pint but have your pupper with you.

It’s really common to see welcome signs outside of venues and if the pub has an outdoor seating area, there’s a high chance your dog can join you.

Here’s a selection of bars in Edinburgh, most of which also serve food.

It’s always recommended to book a table to avoid disappointment. 

• World’s End, 2-8 High Street
• Salt Horse, 57-61 Blackfriars Street also features in our craft beer guide
• The Holyrood 9A, 9A Holyrood Road 
• Hey Palu, 49 Bread Street 
• The Dog House, 18-24 Clerk Street 
• Brewhemia, 1A Market Street 
• Rose Street bars with outdoor seating such as the Rose Street Brewery
• Teuchters, 26 William Street, see our guide to West End pubs fo more
• Heads & Tails (1a Rutland St), which features in our gin guide
• Rabble, 55A Frederick Street 
• Woodland Creatures, 260-262 Leith Walk, see our guide to Leith pubs for more
• St. Vincent Bar, 11 St Vincent St (Stockbridge)

Have we missed your fave pub? Tell us in the comments below. 

More pubs worth seeking out:

• Stockbridge Tap (Stockbridge, EH3 5AB) – Warm atmosphere, local and independent beers on cask plus Scottish spirits.
• Teuchters Landing (1c Dock Place, Leith, EH6 6QX) – Cosy waterside pub with a floating terrace on the Water of Leith. Dogs welcome inside and out.
• Cold Town House (4 Grassmarket, EH1 1JU) – Lively atmosphere with castle views. Welcome on the Brewhouse floor and rooftop terrace.
• Moonwake Beer Co (6a Tower Street, Leith, EH6 6QX) – Award-winning taproom and beer garden, both. Card only.
• The Bow Bar (80 West Bow, EH1 2EG) – Traditional cask ale bar near Victoria Street. Hundreds of single malts.
• Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar (Candlemaker Row, EH1 2NE) – Named after the famous Skye terrier.
• The Last Word Saloon (44 St Stephen Street, Stockbridge, EH3 5AZ) – Cocktail bar with regular live music.
• Amber Rose (City Centre, EH2 4AN) – Central pub where dogs get snacks and pats from staff.
• Tolbooth Tavern (High Street, Old Town) – Traditional pub ambience near the Royal Mile.
• Copper Blossom (Basement, 107 George Street, EH2 2JX) – Stylish cocktail bar with extensive drink menu.

Restaurants & Cafes 

When it comes to food, finding restaurants is a little trickier.

Same vibe as pubs, if there’s an outdoor area, there’s a better chance you are allowed to dine.

If there’s a dress code and/or a challenge to get booked into a restaurant, you can pretty much assume it is not suitable for furry friends. 

Here’s a selection of restaurants and cafes. 

• Mimi’s Bakehouse, 250 Canongate
• Nobles at Leith, outdoor seating, perfect for brunch, 44A Constitution Street 
• Montpeliers, 159 – 161 Bruntsfield Place 
• Pubs with outdoor seating at the Grassmarket, Rose Street, Stockbridge or Leith

Most of the bars in the section above also serve food.

Other options include buying take out and eating it at one of the gardens or parks or ordering a delivery to your accommodation.

More cafes across the city:

• Café MILK (21 Hawthornvale, Newhaven, EH6 4JT) – Lovely cafe in the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop. Also has branches in West End and Inverleith Park.
• Thomas J Walls Coffee (Forrest Road, EH1 2QN) – Charming coffee shop near Greyfriars Kirkyard. Good coffee and food.
• Piece Box Café (2 Polwarth Crescent, EH11 1HW) – Neighbourhood spot famous for brunches. Staff reward good dogs with sausages.
• Zebra Coffee Company (16 Bank Street, EH1 2LN) – At the top of The Mound, just off the Royal Mile. Breakfast and lunch options. All breeds welcome.
• Blue Bear Cafe (9 Brandon Terrace, EH3 5EA) – Allows all for brunch. Rules: no dogs on chairs/tables, on-lead only.
• Patisserie Florentin (5 North West Circus Place, Stockbridge, EH3 6ST) – Serving Stockbridge for 25+ years. Pastries, cakes, sandwiches and coffee.

Stay in a Hotel

We already have this detailed guide to hotels in Edinburgh – here are a couple of options to consider. 

• Motel One Edinburgh – Royal
• The Balmoral Hotel – read our review
• Malmaison Edinburgh City

Public Transport

Edinburgh is surprisingly easy to navigate on public transport. All major operators allow travel free of charge.

• Lothian Buses: Travel free at the driver’s discretion. Keep on a lead or in a carrier.
• Edinburgh Trams: Allowed on board, provided they are kept on a lead or in an appropriate carrier and do not occupy seats. Travel is free.
• ScotRail trains: Travel free on all ScotRail services. Up to two per passenger are allowed.
• Edinburgh Bus Tours & Bright Bus Tours: Both sightseeing bus companies are pet-friendly and encourage travellers to bring along.

Taxis vary by company – always call ahead. Uber allows dogs at the driver’s discretion; select “Uber Pet” if available.

Things to Know 

Your dog might find city life overwhelming.

Constant noise, traffic lights, tight gates, people wanting to pat them; The City Centre can be especially challenging for out of town pups.

Off-lead walking is surprisingly accepted.

Locals are known for being a little more reserved compared to Scots in Glasgow but if your dog is well behaved aka responsive to call commands, you’ll be met with lots of smiles and head nods while off lead dog walking in parks.

However, there are areas in the city that you must keep your dog on a lead,such as Princes Street Gardens.

While out for a stroll, you’ll find water bowls outside of some shops such as the St James Quarter, cafes and pubs for your hot dog to slurp.

Alternatively, pack a collapsible water bowl and fill up a bottle before leaving your accommodation to avoid getting caught out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed in the Castle?

Dogs are not permitted inside the Castle (assistance dogs only). However, they are welcome on the Castle Esplanade – the large open plaza in front of the fortress – which offers excellent views over the city. The esplanade is free to access.

Can dogs travel on buses and trams?

Yes. Lothian Buses welcome free of charge at the driver’s discretion. Edinburgh Trams also allow on board for free, provided they are on a lead or in a carrier and not on seats. ScotRail trains carry free as well.

What are the best pubs in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has dozens of pubs. Top picks include The World’s End (High Street), Teuchters Landing (Leith), Cold Town House (Grassmarket), Stockbridge Tap, The Bow Bar (West Bow), Moonwake Beer Co (Leith), and Greyfriars Bobby’s Bar (Candlemaker Row). Most pubs in the Old Town, Leith, and Stockbridge areas welcome in the bar.

Is Portobello Beach open all year?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Portobello Beach year-round. From 1 October to 30 April, dogs can roam freely anywhere on the beach. During summer months (1 May to 30 September), dogs should be kept on a lead in designated areas, though the beach remains largely dog-friendly.

Where are the best cafes in Stockbridge?

Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s most dog-friendly neighbourhoods. Top cafes include Cowan & Sons (33 Raeburn Place, EH4 1HX) – an independent cafe since 1997 with water bowls; Patisserie Florentin (5 North West Circus Place, EH3 6ST) for pastries; and Artisan Roast (100A Raeburn Place, EH4 1HH) for specialty coffee.