About Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, known for its beautiful landscape and its vibrant culture. It is one of the most popular cities in Europe and a major tourist destination for all types of travellers. It has a wonderful blend of modern and old-world charm, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings like Edinburgh Castle that have stood since mediaeval times. The city’s top attractions include the Royal Mile, a winding stretch of cobbled streets where tourists can explore shops, restaurants, and pubs; Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcano offering spectacular views of the cityscape; and Calton Hill, which has some amazing monuments.
When it comes to party venues in Edinburgh, there are plenty of options available. From luxury hotels to exclusive bars and clubs to outdoor terraces with breathtaking views of the city skyline—whatever type of party you're looking to host, you'll be sure to find something suitable in Edinburgh. Not only does the city offer great venues for parties, but it also boasts excellent transportation links, too, so guests can easily get around. Hosting a party in Edinburgh also offers something unique—from traditional Scottish cuisine to live music performances and ceilidh dancing—allowing you to make your event truly memorable for your guests!
Party Options in Edinburgh
- Party Rentals
Edinburgh houses a variety of party rental companies that offer a wide range of services to help with organising the perfect event. From furniture and audio-visual equipment rentals to fun games, tents and dining ware, these companies have everything you need to entertain your guests.
- Balloons
Balloons are an essential part of any celebration and Edinburgh has plenty of shops that specialise in balloon decorations. Whether you’re looking for simple balloons or intricate custom designs, these stores can provide beautiful arrangements for your party venue.
- Bakery
A party isn’t complete without cake or cupcakes! Luckily, Edinburgh is home to many bakeries that provide delightful sweet treats for any occasion. From custom-made cakes decorated with imaginative designs to classic cupcakes with sprinkles, these bakeries can provide unique desserts that will make your guests smile.
Party Vendors in Edinburgh
- Cuckoo's Bakery
Cuckoo’s Bakery is an Edinburgh-based cake and cupcake delivery service that offers a range of beautiful baked goods for all occasions. From traditional birthday cakes and cupcakes to customised creations, they have something for everyone. With a commitment to using only the finest local ingredients, their cakes are notoriously delicious and delightfully eye-catching. Cuckoo's Bakery also offers vegan and gluten-free options so everyone can enjoy their sweet treats without worry. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, having a tea party or just need cheering up, Cuckoo’s Bakery can make your special day even sweeter with their fantastic selection of cakes.
- DreamTime Events
DreamTime Events specialise in making events truly special and memorable. From giant inflatable snow globes and bouncy castles to soft play areas, candy carts, and inflatable race tracks, they have everything needed to make any event become something extraordinary. Not only do they provide the equipment for the event, but they also offer a variety of services such as staffing professional photo booths with an operator, setting up themed sleepover teepee tents, or providing fog machines, neon LED furniture, popcorn machines, and even Halloween props to give an event that extra something special.
- Artistic Balloon Decor
Artistic Balloon Decor specialises in creating stunning, bespoke balloon decorations for any occasion. Their team of balloon artists are highly trained and specialise in creating custom designs to meet your exact specifications. Whether you need a unique archway or a large room filled with balloons, they can help to make your event truly special. From table centres to helium balloons, confetti balloons, numbers and more, they have the decorating solution for your corporate event or wedding day. With their creative flair and attention to detail, Artistic Balloon Decor can elevate any celebration with an unforgettable atmosphere that guests will love.
Pros and Cons of Party Venues in Edinburgh
Organising parties in Edinburgh can be a great way to celebrate any occasion. It is a beautiful city with plenty of activities to do and lots of unique venues to host events. However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to organising parties in Edinburgh which should be taken into consideration before planning.
Advantages
- With its ancient streets, cobbled lanes, and famous landmarks like the castle, Edinburgh provides an unforgettable backdrop for any event or party.
- There’s an abundance of bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants and galleries—perfect for those looking for an after-party venue!
- There is no shortage of exceptional catering services available in Edinburgh, guaranteeing delicious food for your guests.
- Picking up supplies is made easy due to the numerous shops across the city that offer all sorts of party items.
Disadvantages
- Accommodation can be pricey within the city centre so attendees may need to look further out or make use of public transport links.
- Private parks are expensive to rent while many public parks come with restrictions on what type of activity you can do, making them unsuitable for partying purposes.
- Outdoor music is regulated until 11 pm on weekdays and midnight on weekends. This could pose an issue if you want your party to go late into the night.
- There’s no knowing what Scotland's weather will bring on the day—it could end up raining during your outdoor event!
Tips on How to Organise Parties in Edinburgh
Organising a party in Edinburgh can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With the vibrant city of Edinburgh full of culture and history, there is plenty to consider as you plan your event. To help make it easier, here are a few useful tips on how to organise parties in this wonderful city:
- Research your venue: You’ll want to find a unique spot that fits with the style of your event. Look into local pubs, clubs, or even some of the city’s many historic buildings for a truly memorable evening.
- Know your budget: It's important to plan ahead and know exactly what type of party you can afford within your budget. Make sure to factor in costs such as catering, drinks, decorations, and entertainment if you're planning on having any.
- Reach out to local suppliers: Whether it's hiring a DJ or sourcing decorations from local businesses, getting support from the community ensures that all aspects of your party are top-notch quality.
- Network with other professionals: Making connections with other professionals in the events industry will prove invaluable when it comes to advice and contacts who can help create an unforgettable experience for your guests.
- Apply for necessary permits: Depending on where you’re hosting the event and what type of activities are being planned, some form of permit can be required—so make sure you research this beforehand.
Famous Locations in Edinburgh
- Lauriston Castle
Lauriston Castle is steeped in history and a marvel to behold. Its 13th-century origins as a fortress belonging to the Napier family make it one of the oldest buildings in Scotland. The 16th-century manor house has been extensively altered over the centuries, with its most recent owners being the Reid family, who bequeathed their home to the nation in 1926. Inside, visitors can explore an impressive collection of Edwardian objects, which includes furniture, paintings, books and ceramics from Mr and Mrs William Robert Reid's private collection. Outside the grounds are lush greenery and stunning views of the Firth estuary. There is also a beautiful walled garden that contains a variety of exotic plants and trees. Lauriston Castle is a truly unique place that offers an insight into Scotland’s history and culture—it is worth visiting!
- William Wallace and Robert the Bruce Statues
William Wallace and Robert the Bruce statues, cast in bronze, were gifted to Edinburgh Castle by two of Scotland’s most famous clans. The statues, which were unveiled at the castle gate in 1929, stand out as a tribute to Scottish heroism and national liberty. Wallace, standing tall at 8 feet and holding his sword aloft, symbolises the fight for freedom during Scotland’s war with English rule. Meanwhile, Robert the Bruce is positioned at Wallace's side with an open Bible clutched against his chest—a representation of his faithfulness to both God and country. Both sculptures are intricately detailed and adorned with various symbols from their respective military campaigns. The figures have stood watch over Edinburgh Castle since their inauguration, preserving the memory of two heroes who fought courageously for independence throughout their lives.
- Magdalen Chapel
Magdalen Chapel, located in a city of mixed architecture, is a hidden gem tucked away in plain sight. Built during the 16th century and boasting the only stained glass windows that survived the tumultuous Scottish Reformation intact, the chapel has become a symbol of preservation and history. Despite being swept up in the Protestant Reformation, Magdalen Chapel's true beauty still shines through with its four central stained glass shields representing both Scotland's Royal Arms and Mary of Guise's arms. As a relic from a bygone time, this chapel serves as an ode to Scotland's past glories and a reminder of its enduring spirit.