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Home / Dating Edinburgh

Dating Edinburgh: Big-city energy, local pace, and no need to cross the country

About 56,600 singles live in Edinburgh, among about 510,000 people, so the pool is healthy without feeling anonymous. The city has enough students, professionals, and visitors to keep things moving, but people still notice each other. That mix makes first dates easier than in a tiny town and less frantic than in London.
56,600singles in Edinburgh
What are you looking for in Edinburgh?

Beyond the usual Tinder, Bumble & Hinge, why don't you try:

adultfriendfinder-logo-resize-eng Adultfriendfinder ★★★★★ i8 AdultFriendFinder caters to an adult audience and has content to satisfy all of your sexual fantasies. For casual datingFor open relationships & swinging Try Adultfriendfinder for free Review ~30,900 members in Edinburgh 7,110 ♀ · 23,800 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████22%
25-34██████████25%
35-44██████████19%
45-54██████████15%
55-64██████████11%
65+██████████8%

Key facts

Casual datingHookupsSwingersErotic adventures
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 23%

AdultFriendFinder's strength is in its vast membership base all over the globe. If you are someone looking for casual fun, this site might work well for you. Check it out now.

OurTime Logo Ourtime ★★★★★ i8 If you're single and over 50, it might be your time to rekindle that dating spirit with Ourtime. For serious dating Try Ourtime for free Review ~30,800 members in Edinburgh 12,300 ♀ · 18,500 ♂

Age distribution

45-54██████████60%
55-64██████████20%
65+██████████20%

Key facts

Serious relationshipFind love
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 40%

Ourtime is an exceptionally great platform that you can use to socialise and find love if you are single and over 50. Its concentrated member base and fun features will surely help you find whatever it is you are looking for, whether it be a friend or a partn…

Secret Benefits Logo Secret Benefits ★★★★★ i8 Secret Benefits claims that they have millions of generous mature men and attractive women. Is this true? Let's find out! For serious datingFor casual datingFor fun & flirting Try Secret Benefits for free Review ~30,700 members in Edinburgh 7,680 ♀ · 23,000 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████11%
25-34██████████26%
35-44██████████22%
45-54██████████20%
55-64██████████16%
65+██████████5%

Key facts

Serious relationshipFlirtingCasual dating
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 25%

Secret Benefits gives both the Sugar Baby and the Sugar Daddy a simple and straightforward platform to find and arrange dates. Thus, if you are into sugar dating, and would like to experience this fast and no-fuss service, try the site today!

mytransgenderdate-logo MyTransgenderDate ★★★★★ i6 Can you find love on MyTransgenderDate? Know more about the website here! For serious dating Try MyTransgenderDate for free Review ~10,400 members in Edinburgh 3,850 ♀ · 6,550 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████22%
25-34██████████27%
35-44██████████18%
45-54██████████14%
55-64██████████11%
65+██████████8%

Key facts

Serious relationshipFind love
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 37%

MyTransgenderDate is a safe dating place for transgender women who are looking for meaningful connections with like-minded individuals. Although the site doesn't have many features, MyTransgenderDate still works well.

logo Ashley Madison ★★★★★ i8 Ashley Madison is a dating platform focused on discreet connections and privacy. For casual datingFor fun & flirting Try Ashley Madison for free Review ~30,600 members in Edinburgh 9,180 ♀ · 21,400 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████18%
25-34██████████30%
35-44██████████21%
45-54██████████15%
55-64██████████10%
65+██████████6%

Key facts

FlirtingAffairsHookups
Pricing: High
Share of women: 30%

Ashley Madison creates a dating environment for people exploring discreet connections on their own terms. If you want to meet like-minded individuals who value privacy and personal choice, this might be the platform for you. Join Ashley Madison today to exper…

WooPlus Logo WooPlus ★★★★★ i3 Socialise and date with plus-sized singles at WooPlus. For serious datingFor fun & flirtingAffordable Try WooPlus for free Review ~29,900 members in Edinburgh 12,000 ♀ · 17,900 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████27%
25-34██████████28%
35-44██████████17%
45-54██████████13%
55-64██████████9%
65+██████████6%

Key facts

FlirtingSerious relationshipFriendship
Pricing: Cheap
Share of women: 40%

WooPlus proves to be a viable place for plus-size women and men's romantic partners. Most users of the site are not afraid to show off their curves. It is highly recommended for plus-sized singles to experience using WooPlus.

logo SDC ★★★★★ i8 Is SDC the perfect swingers date club that can satisfy your most intense desires? Or is it just another money-profiteering dating platform? Check our review and find out everything you need to know about SDC! For casual datingFor open relationships & swinging Try SDC for free Review ~20,400 members in Edinburgh 6,730 ♀ · 13,700 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████16%
25-34██████████24%
35-44██████████19%
45-54██████████17%
55-64██████████14%
65+██████████10%

Key facts

SwingersErotic adventures
Pricing: High
Share of women: 33%

If you're a swinger looking for real fun and excitement, then SDC might be the home for you. It's more than that as it offers parties, events, travels, and other exhilarating features. This home for swingers actually values your privacy. Want to try out the l…

Eharmony Logo eharmony ★★★★★ i4 If you're looking for long-term relationships that might eventually lead to marriage, then eharmony might be the site for you. For serious dating Try eharmony for free Review ~30,200 members in Edinburgh 16,000 ♀ · 14,200 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████19%
25-34██████████26%
35-44██████████21%
45-54██████████16%
55-64██████████12%
65+██████████6%

Key facts

Serious relationshipFind love
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 53%

eharmony is a matchmaking site for singles who are looking for serious commitments. It provides an in-depth knowledge of your match through the required personality and character tests. If you are looking for a long-term relationship and would want to settle …

match logo Match ★★★★★ i3 As one of the oldest dating sites available today, was Match.com able to adapt to the latest trends and needs of the present generation? For serious dating Try winner for free Review ~30,000 members in Edinburgh 12,000 ♀ · 18,000 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████15%
25-34██████████25%
35-44██████████20%
45-54██████████20%
55-64██████████13%
65+██████████7%

Key facts

Serious relationship
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 40%

With a track record of 20+ years, Match is indeed a perfect platform for singles seeking love and relationships. Since the website has a large user base and many special features, it ensures higher chances of finding the perfect match. 

C-Date Logo C-Date ★★★★★ i8 Sign up on C-Date to meet adventurous and open-minded singles who are up for casual dating. Enjoy dates of pure fun without pressure. For casual datingFor fun & flirting Try C-Date for free Review ~30,500 members in Edinburgh 12,200 ♀ · 18,300 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████20%
25-34██████████33%
35-44██████████22%
45-54██████████13%
55-64██████████8%
65+██████████4%

Key facts

Casual datingHookupsErotic adventuresFlirting
Pricing: High
Share of women: 40%

C-Date is for individuals who are seeking casual sexual encounters. As free members, male users can enjoy a limited function of the dating site. Paying a premium lets you mingle with like-minded members who are up for the same kind of adventure.

lpgo Illicit Encounters ★★★★★ i6 Matching married individuals together for over 15 years, Illicit Encounters is UK’s leading married-dating website. For casual dating Try Illicit Encounters for free Review ~30,400 members in Edinburgh 15,200 ♀ · 15,200 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████13%
25-34██████████27%
35-44██████████22%
45-54██████████17%
55-64██████████12%
65+██████████9%

Key facts

AffairsHookups
Pricing: Very high
Share of women: 50%

Overall, Illicit Encounters provides a safe and reliable dating service for married and attached people. If you are into this kind of game, then maybe Illicit Encounters is one of the sites that is probably worth your money.

TSDates Logo TSDates ★★★★★ i5 TSDates is an online dating platform mainly for transvestites (TV), transsexuals (TS), and transgenders (TG) looking for some exciting casual affairs and sexual entertainment. For casual dating Try TSDates for free Review ~230 members in Edinburgh 60 ♀ · 170 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████18%
25-34██████████22%
35-44██████████19%
45-54██████████16%
55-64██████████15%
65+██████████10%

Key facts

Erotic adventuresHookupsCasual dating
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 25%

TSDates is not just a dating platform where you can find casual dates or real relationships. It's not just a good place to find sources for adult sites or a home for those who want to take their sexual experiences to new heights. Try TSDates now to experience…

Victoria Milan Logo Victoria Milan ★★★★★ i7 Is Victoria Milan dating a match for your desire or a pit for your card? Let’s find out. For casual dating Try Victoria Milan for free Review ~17,800 members in Edinburgh 7,120 ♀ · 10,700 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████19%
25-34██████████30%
35-44██████████21%
45-54██████████14%
55-64██████████10%
65+██████████6%

Key facts

Casual datingAffairsHookups
Pricing: High
Share of women: 40%

If you are a married or an attached individual seeking to spice up his or her sexual game by engaging in an affair, then Victoria Milan might be the safest site to sign up to.

passion logo Passion.com ★★★★★ i3 Passion.com promises hot dates and steamy encounters for sensual singles all over the world with its interactive and fun features. For casual dating Try Passion.com for free Review ~30,100 members in Edinburgh 7,530 ♀ · 22,600 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████20%
25-34██████████24%
35-44██████████18%
45-54██████████15%
55-64██████████13%
65+██████████10%

Key facts

Casual datingHookups
Pricing: High
Share of women: 25%

Passion.com is an interesting adult site with the plethora of features it offers to its users to make sure that their Passion experience is unlike any other. Granted, there is limited usability for free accounts. However, to apply the glass half-empty or half…

Logo iDates ★★★★★ i5 Search for love connections, no matter how near or far at iDates! For casual datingFor fun & flirting Try iDates for free Review ~30,300 members in Edinburgh 8,180 ♀ · 22,100 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████20%
25-34██████████23%
35-44██████████17%
45-54██████████16%
55-64██████████13%
65+██████████11%

Key facts

Casual datingFlirtingHookups
Pricing: Average
Share of women: 27%

iDates was created to appeal to both men and women generally between ages 20 and 35 who are fond of meeting new people. You can flirt, and use the entertainment factors on the app with matching functions. iDates is best used for casual dating and hook-ups.

Logo Fling ★★★★★ i3 Find flings and casual dates, whatever your orientation and preference might be, at Fling. For casual dating Try Fling for free Review ~9,990 members in Edinburgh 3,000 ♀ · 6,990 ♂

Age distribution

18-24██████████23%
25-34██████████30%
35-44██████████20%
45-54██████████14%
55-64██████████9%
65+██████████4%

Key facts

Hookups
Pricing: High
Share of women: 30%

The site is so confident that it'll find a hookup or fling for you that it even guarantees a hook up in 3 months, or else you'll get 3 more months for free. If this dating site interests you, sign up for free today!

About 56,600 singles live in Edinburgh, among about 510,000 people. That gives you enough choice to be picky, but not so much noise that every message gets lost.

Edinburgh dates well because the city has a clear rhythm. People meet for a coffee on George Street, a drink in the Old Town, or a walk through Princes Street Gardens when the weather plays along. If you live here, you know that a date does not need to be a production.

The other thing that helps is the size of the city itself. You can keep it local without feeling trapped, and you can still pull in nearby places like Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, or even Glasgow if you want more options. For a city this far north, that matters.

Best dating sites for Edinburgh

If you want casual chat and quick meetups, Adultfriendfinder is one of the more direct options, and try AdultFriendFinder for short-term fun if that is your thing.

For discreet short-term dating, Ashley Madison and Victoria Milan both fit the Edinburgh crowd better than a relationship-first site. Try Ashley Madison if privacy matters most, or Try Victoria Milan if you want a similar setup with a different mix of members.

If you are over 50, Ourtime is the obvious pick. See Ourtime if you want a slower pace and people who are actually looking to date properly.

For people into more open-minded casual dating, C-Date and SDC are worth a look. Try C-Date and See SDC both make sense if you want something less conventional.

If your situation is more affair-focused, Illicit Encounters is the one to read up on. Read the Illicit Encounters review before you decide anything.

Why dating feels different here

Edinburgh is social, but it is not shouty. People usually prefer a decent first conversation to some overdone plan, and the city gives you enough straightforward places to keep things simple. That suits both people looking for something serious and people who want to see where a date goes without making a song and dance about it.

There is also enough movement from students and young professionals to stop the pool from feeling stale. At the same time, it is still a place where reputations travel a bit, especially if you keep dating within the same circles. So yes, being normal helps.

Nearby dating pages

Top 8 First-Date Ideas in Edinburgh

  1. Princes Street Gardens: Easy to keep it low pressure, and you can leave after one lap if the chemistry is off.
  2. The Royal Mile: Busy enough to avoid awkward silences, with plenty of places to stop for a drink or snack.
  3. Calton Hill: Short walk, good view, and no one has to sit through a long dinner if the vibe is wrong.
  4. George Street: Strong choice for a coffee or cocktail date when you want something simple and central.
  5. Stockbridge: Relaxed neighbourhood feel, good for wandering, and it gives you a bit more space than the centre.
  6. Dean Village: Quiet and pretty without feeling staged, which helps if you want a calmer first meet.
  7. Portobello Beach: Best when you want fresh air and an easy conversation instead of staring at each other across a table.
  8. Arthur's Seat: A proper walk gives you something to do, and the view does some of the work for you.
Singles in Edinburgh: view of the city
Singles in Edinburgh: view of the city
Which dating site fits you in Edinburgh? Take the quiz →

FAQ

How many singles are there in Edinburgh?
About 56,600 singles live in Edinburgh, so the market is big enough to offer choice without becoming impersonal.
Where do people in Edinburgh usually go for a first date?
Simple places work best: coffee on George Street, a drink in the Old Town, or a walk through Princes Street Gardens if the weather behaves.
Which dating site is best for older singles in Edinburgh?
Ourtime is the clearest pick if you are over 50 and want people who are actually looking for a proper date.
Is Edinburgh good for casual dating?
Yes, especially if you use sites like Adultfriendfinder, C-Date, or Victoria Milan and keep your expectations realistic.
Founder of DatingScout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"
Chris founded DatingScout 17 years ago, and today he is one of the leading Online Dating Experts. He is the author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies" and the author of the Internet's largest online dating study analyzing 20 Million Profile Pictures with artificial intelligence. Chris Pleines holds a master degree in media science and appeared in numerous television interviews and publications to give expert advice as well as tips about online dating.

How we calculate these numbers

To estimate roughly how many singles you will find on each portal, we run an elaborate calculation that combines several assumptions. Values from statistics, population figures, the portal's own member numbers and different mathematical distribution methods all feed into this calculation. Please note: our calculated numbers can deviate from the actual regional member counts; that cannot be ruled out. We have optimized the calculation as far as possible so that it produces useful reference values. Deviations can still happen, and we ask for your understanding.