Dog-friendly Edinburgh: things to do in Edinburgh with a dog

Planning a day out with your four-legged friend, or house sitting in Edinburgh? Explore this guide to dog-friendly Edinburgh, where you’ll find a list of the dog-friendly restaurants Edinburgh has to offer, along with tourist attractions, pubs, cafes, activities and more.

So, whether you’re welcoming an Edinburgh pet sitter to care for your canine or you’re house sitting, explore this guide to make sure your pooch pal has something to do in Scotland’s capital.

Dog-friendly restaurants Edinburgh

Dog-friendly Edinburgh isn’t complete without a meal in the heart of the city with your four-legged friend. Explore our list of the best-reviewed dog-friendly restaurants Edinburgh has to offer below.

Badger & Co

With a ‘Wind in the Willows’ theme, modern Scottish plates and upmarket decor, this dog-friendly bar is the perfect spot to indulge in the middle of Edinburgh.

Location: 32 Castle St, Edinburgh EH2 3HT

Red Squirrel

Like many of the dog-friendly restaurants Edinburgh has to offer, Red Squirrel is a pub-come-eatery, and serves up local dishes and craft beers.

Location: 21 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2DJ

The Scran and Scallie

Is whisky your thing? Well like many of the dog-friendly restaurants Edinburgh boasts, this gastro-pub has a fair few to choose from.

Location: 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR

McLaren’s on the Corner

Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly place to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, a drink or dinner, McLaren’s on the Corner has got it all.

Location: 8 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DD

Down the Hatch

If you’ve had your fill of Scottish fare, head to Down the Hatch - a Canadian themed dog-friendly restaurant that even has a menu for your four-legged friends to choose from.

Location: 13 Antigua St, Edinburgh EH1 3NH

The Holyrood 9A

More of a gourmet burger kind of person? Explore the cosy digs of The Holyrood 9A and enjoy a real ale to go alongside.

Location: 9a Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AE

The Caley Sample Room

Settle down with your canine companion after a long day exploring the city in this rustic gastro-pub that serves up traditional Scottish fare.

Location: 42-58 Angle Park Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2JR

Salisbury Arms Edinburgh

Take a step back in time with your canine companion by your side in this Georgian inn, serving up Scottish modern plates and real ales.

Location: 58 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh EH16 5AD

The Esplanade Bar & Restaurant

For views of the firth, head to The Esplanade for hearty pub food and cocktails.

Location: 62-64 Bath St, Edinburgh EH15 1HF

Brewhemia

Enjoy these chic lounges with your furry friend right by your side, and choose from an eclectic European menu of schnitzel, pork belly and moules frites.

Location: 1A Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE

Dog-friendly pubs Edinburgh

You haven’t experienced dog-friendly Edinburgh if you haven’t been to at least one of the city’s traditional pubs. Many specialise in whisky, real ales and craft beers, and most also serve up hearty pub classics like pie and mash, and fish and chips. So, notepads at the ready! Explore our ultimate list of the dog-friendly pubs Edinburgh boasts below.

• Teuchters Landing. 1c Dock Pl, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LU
• Greyfriars Bobby's Bar. 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE
• The Auld Hoose. 23-25 St. Leonard's St, Edinburgh EH8 9QN
• The Dog House. The Dog House, 18-24 Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9HX
• The Fountain. 131 Dundee St, Edinburgh EH11 1AX
• The Wally Dug. 32 Northumberland St, Edinburgh EH3 6LS
• Royal Mile Tavern. 127 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG
• Sheep Heid Inn. 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh EH15 3QA
• The Guildford Arms. 1 W Register St, Edinburgh EH2 2AA
• The Last Drop. 74-78 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR
• The Piper's Rest. 3 Hunter Square, Edinburgh EH1 1QW
• The White Hart Inn.32 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU

Dog-friendly cafes Edinburgh

Like with any city, dog-friendly Edinburgh is best experienced with a pit-stop in a cosy corner cafe. So if you’d prefer somewhere to eat and drink in Edinburgh that doesn’t serve alcohol, make a note of our list of the dog-friendly cafes Edinburgh has to offer below.

Burr & Co.

Cosy up with your pooch pal at this well-reviewed dog-friendly cafe Edinburgh boasts, and take stock after a scenic walk around the city. 

Location: 20 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PB

The Old Spence Café

If you’re in the mood for breakfast food, many of the dog-friendly cafes Edinburgh has to offer also serve brunch. Check out The Old Spence Café for waffles, eggs, bacon and more.

Location: 40-42 Queen Charlotte St, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6AT

The Treehouse Cafe

Like a cafe to feel like home from home? Head to The Treehouse Cafe for homestyle pancakes and lunch classics.

Location: 44 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LJ

The Beach House

If you’ve been for a walk at the beach, this cafe is dog-friendly and serves up well-reviewed coffee, cake and specialty breads.

Location: 57 Bath St, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 1HE

Café Florentin

Reviewed for their welcoming staff and dog friendliness, you can’t go wrong with Café Florentin just outside of the city centre.

Location: 8 Polwarth Cres, Edinburgh EH11 1HW

Calton View Cafe

Whether you’re after a full breakfast, matcha latte or fresh orange juice to wake you up in the morning, Carlton View Cafe is a go-to dog-friendly place in the heart of Edinburgh.

Location: 9 Jeffrey St, Edinburgh EH1 1DR

The Pantry

If you prioritise eating local produce, or simply want to sample local Scottish fare, head to The Pantry for breakfast with your pooch pal.

Location: 1 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6ST

The Edinburgh Larder 

Take your coffee seriously? Head to the Edinburgh Larder for artisan coffee with your furry friends in tow.

Location: 15 Blackfriars St, Edinburgh EH1 1NB

Word Of Mouth Leith

Feeling the need for something hearty, and need a dog-friendly place to eat in Edinburgh? Head to Word of Mouth on Albert Street for breakfast or lunch with your canine companion.

Location: 3A Albert St, Edinburgh EH7 5HL

Dog-friendly things to do in Edinburgh

Looking for dog-friendly things to do in Edinburgh that’s not just eating and drinking? Explore below for Edinburgh’s dog-friendly tourist attractions to help you plan the perfect day out in the city. 

Visit St. Giles Cathedral

Did you know that St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh is dog-friendly? Yup, you can experience the church’s 900-year history with your pooch pal by your side. Just be sure to only bring your furry friend along if they’re able to keep quiet - it is a practising place of worship, after all.

Location: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

Visit the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Yet another surprising dog-friendly attraction in Edinburgh - the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. This optical illusions museum welcomes dogs with open arms, so marvel at the spot’s impressive displays with your canine pal by your side.

Location: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND

Visit Summerhall

Edinburgh is a city known for the arts, so a trip to Summerhall with your pooch by your side certainly shouldn’t go amiss. Summerhall is an impressive building, once part of the University of Edinburgh, and is now an eclectic venue for art exhibitions and performances.

Location: 1, Summerhall, Newington, Edinburgh EH9 1PL

Take a boat trip

Soak up the views of the Firth of Forth and the bridge from the water, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife. There are a range of boat operators around the city, so double check that the attractions they plan to stop at are dog-friendly. Either way, dogs are generally allowed on the boats, but remember to check with pet parents first if you’re house sitting in Edinburgh.

Dog-friendly walks Edinburgh

Edinburgh is teeming with dog-friendly parks - even in the heart of the city. Make note of those below to plan your dog-friendly day out, and to make sure your pooch has a good walk between visiting the city’s dog-friendly cafes and restaurants.

Walk the Leith Walkway

If you’ve got a furry friend who loves nothing more than a trot alongside the river, walk the Leith Walkway that runs throughout the city. Find the nearest starting point from where you’re staying, and follow the path alongside the river to pass by St Mark’s Park, Union Canal and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Location: Leith Walkway, Edinburgh

Princes Street Gardens

Of all the dog-friendly places Edinburgh boasts, Princes Street Gardens have to be one of the most iconic places for a walk. Slap bang in the middle of the city, the gardens separate the New and Old Town of Edinburgh - a popular place for locals, dog walkers and tourists alike to hang out.

Location: Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2HG

Holyrood Park

Want a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, but don’t want to miss out on Edinburgh’s most iconic spots? Let your pooch run off some energy in the dramatic hills of Holyrood Park that’s steeped in Scottish history.

Location: Queen's Dr, Edinburgh EH8 8HG

Hike to Arthur’s Seat

If you’ve got a particularly athletic pooch at home, hike to the highest point near Edinburgh - Arthur’s Seat that sits in Holyrood Park. Soak up the views of the city from the top and enjoy Edinburgh’s local wildlife with your four-legged friend by your side.

Location: Edinburgh EH15 3PY

The Meadows

If you’re after dog-friendly places in Edinburgh city centre - or close to - head to this public park that’s just south of the city’s busiest parts. Play fetch in the open areas, and be sure to keep your furry friend away from the tennis courts and sports pitches.

Location: Melville Dr, Edinburgh EH9 1ND

London Road Gardens

Enjoy this strip of open land with your canine companion, situated on the lower northern slope of Carlton Hill. Lined with trees, it’s the perfect place to play fetch with a well-trained furry friend.

Location: London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5DX

Dunbar’s Close Garden

Need a short break from the busy streets of Edinburgh? Slope off for some calm at Dunbar’s Close Garden, complete with shrubbery and sheltered parterres.

Location: 137 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BW

Climb Carlton Hill

Edinburgh is a city never short of stunning views, dog-friendly walks and incredible history. Head to the eastern end of Princes Street, and climb Carlton Hill with your furry friend to soak up some of Edinburgh’s most important monuments.

Location: Edinburgh EH7 5BN

Walk the Royal Mile

There is no such thing as a boring walk in Edinburgh - only dog-friendly and history-steeped. Walk the Royal Mile which consists of adjoined streets in the main part of the city’s Old Town. Start at the Palace of Holyrood, and follow the hill up to Edinburgh Castle.

Location: Edinburgh EH1 1QS

Dog-friendly beaches in Edinburgh

Dog-friendly Edinburgh is never short of things to do with a four-legged friend. As well as tourist attractions, city gardens, national monuments and dog-friendly restaurants, there are also a few nearby beaches that welcome our pooch pals. Make a note of the dog-friendly beaches Edinburgh offers below.

• Wardie Bay. 92 Lower Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1ER
• Portobello Beach. 1 Promenade, Edinburgh EH15 2DX
• Cramond Beach. Cramond, Edinburgh EH4 6NU
• Fisherrow - West Beach. Musselburgh EH21 6DH

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Edinburgh from dog owners and pet sitters

Still on the lookout for things to do in Edinburgh? Well we’ve explored our community forum, and it turns out it’s a treasure trove of local Edinburgh recommendations. Take a look below to hear what locals and people who’ve visited Edinburgh recently recommend adding to your itinerary. 

• “For art lovers, the Scottish National Gallery is a must. Oh, and don’t forget to hike up Arthur’s Seat for an amazing view!” - @Candyapple24
• “Visit the Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh on Princes St.” - @PetsSit
• “I never tire of seeing Edinburgh Castle, walking around the outside perimeter and through the grounds of the old church around the side. This old church has so many interesting graves and headstones.” - @ziggy
• “The free walking tours in Edinburgh — the one of the old city and one of the modern city are fab. You are expected to tip the tour guides.” - @mars

For more local recommendations, head over to this thread on things to do in Edinburgh.

Tips for pet parents 

Planning a day out in dog-friendly Edinburgh is simple - there are so many things to do with dogs in the city. To keep your pup’s tail wagging in Edinburgh, follow our tips for pet parents below.

• Get to know your local spots. If you live in Edinburgh, you’re bound to be surrounded by lots of dog-friendly places. So, get to know your local haunts so that planning a dog-friendly day out is simple.
• Plan ahead. If you plan on exploring somewhere new with your furry pal, be sure to check ahead of time that the restaurant, pub or tourist attraction is dog-friendly.
• Follow local rules. Ensure you’re clued up on the City of Edinburgh Council’s rules around dogs in public spaces.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. Planning a day out in your home city is easy, but what about when you go away? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider connecting with a trusted Edinburgh pet sitter ahead of your next trip. Click below to find out how.

Tips for pet sitters

Want to explore Scotland’s iconic capital, with a furry friend by your side? Sounds like house sitting in Edinburgh will be right up your street. To get your adventure started, follow our tips below.

• Make the most of Edinburgh’s gardens. Scotland’s capital is teeming with incredible gardens and parks, so make the most out of walkies and see the city’s sights away from the hustle and bustle.
• Explore dog-friendly pubs. Edinburgh is packed with cosy pubs and eateries that welcome dogs with open arms, so be sure to tick off a few while you’re house sitting. 
• Follow the dog’s routine. Stick to your pet pal’s schedule, and follow pet parent instructions on where you’re allowed to take them.
• Check local rules. If you’re new to Edinburgh, you’re unlikely to be familiar with local rules around dog walking and fouling - check local websites to make sure you’re abiding by council rules.
• Experience Edinburgh through house sitting. So, want to take care of a wee furry friend in exchange for a place to stay? Click below to find out how to secure a house sit in Edinburgh.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly Manchester: things to do in Manchester with a dog
• Dog-friendly Liverpool: things to do in Liverpool with a dog
• Dog-friendly Bath: things to do in Bath with a dog