Edinburgh Scoop: Locals Share the Best Activities for Young Adults

If you’re typically caught between wanting to conquer the world and needing a nap, chances are, you’re in your 20s.

Whether you’re an art aficionado, a music lover, a foodie, or simply in search of thrilling experiences, our local’s guide explores the top things to do in Edinburgh for young adults.

So, grab your friends, vibe check your OOTD, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure.

Have a ball at Ballie Ballerson

Known For: Ball Pits, Cocktails, Private Karaoke, DJs

Website: https://edinburgh.ballieballerson.com/

Address: 14 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QN, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Wed-Thurs: 6 PM–12 AM
Friday: 6 PM–1 AM
Saturday: 12:30 PM–1 AM
Sunday: 6 PM–12 AM

Contact Details: https://edinburgh.ballieballerson.com/ball-pit-tickets/#buy-tickets

Dress Code: Flat Shoes, Mid-Block Heels, Trainers, Smart Casual, Trendy Cycle Shorts, Bar/Club Appropriate Attire

Price:

Sun-Thurs – £4.50 per person
Fri – £7 per person
Sat – £10 per person

Ticket Inclusions:

– Entry to Ballie Ballerson

Sun – Thurs – all night access to the ball pits

Fri – Sat – 2 hour access to the ball pits

– Full pizza and cocktail menu available to order

First come first serve seating

Ball pits are like magical portals where time stops and responsibilities vanish amidst a sea of colourful balls. And Ballie Ballerson, a ball pit cocktail bar, offers a unique and quirky take on this experience.

Here, you can dive into the ball pit, sip on nostalgic drinks inspired by treats like Dip Dabs, and groove to the DJ’s beats.

Whether you’re up for a singalong in the private karaoke room or just looking to have a good time, Ballie Ballerson is the perfect spot to let loose.

Pro tip:

When booking VIP seated brunch tickets for the drinking members of your group, simply provide them with the booking reference number.

They’ll offer a £10 discount for the non-drinking guest and provide a separate payment link for their reservation.

Get inked at Watermelon Tattoo

Known For: Bespoke Watercolour Tattoos, Trans Friendly Salon

Website: https://watermelon.tattoo/

Address: 19 Easter Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5PJ, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 10 AM–6 PM

Contact Details: +44 131 652 1988

Tattoos are the perfect conversation starters for young adults, who love to explain the deep meaning behind their random collection of symbols and doodles. So, get inked with your friends at Watermelon Tattoo, a family-run studio on Easter Road.

This is the creative venture of partners Noemi Sorrentino and Sandie Tweedie. With over eight years of experience, Noemi specialises in unique watercolour style while Sandie brings 12 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

This shop is closed on Sundays, so for those only available on this day, here is our list of the best tattoo parlours in Edinburgh.

Pro tip:

Before getting a tattoo, make sure to drink plenty of water, avoid drinking alcohol, get plenty of sleep, and bring a valid photo ID.

Have a boozy brunch at Rabble

Known For: Boozy Brunches, Bar Bites, Party Packages, Group Set Menus

Website: https://www.rabbleedinburgh.co.uk/

Contact Details: +44 131 622 7800

Address: 55A Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1LH, United Kingdom

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 7:30 AM–1 AM

Boozy brunches provide young adults with the perfect excuse to day-drink and simultaneously validate their love for breakfast foods. A great place to do this is Rabble, where the festivities kick off with a refreshing cocktail of your choice upon arrival.

I just love sitting back and relishing a delectable spread of continental breakfast items for the table, followed by a mouthwatering breakfast dish of my choosing.

My go-to is their Chandon Garden Spritz brunch package, priced at £42 per person. This includes your choice of cocktail on arrival, an array of freshly baked croissants, cured meats, cheese, toast, and preserves, and of course, a Chandon Garden Spritz.

Pro tip:

For the ultimate budget-friendly, bubbly experience, opt for the Prosecco package at only £38 per person.

For this, you get to choose from one of their 8 cocktails when you arrive. Then, you’ll be given an assortment of just-baked croissants, artisanal cured meats, flavorful cheeses, toasted bread, and delectable preserves, and a prosecco!

Devour a deep-fried Mars bar at Clamshell

Known For: Battered Mars Bars, Fish and Chips, Pakoras

Website: https://www.clamshelltakeaway.co.uk/

Contact Details: +44 1302 590305

Address: 148 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS, United Kingdom

Operating Hours:

Mon-Thurs, Sunday: 12 PM–1 AM
Fri-Sat: 12 PM–3 AM

Forget about health fads and superfoods: deep-fried Mars bars are the secret to eternal happiness. Well, maybe not eternal, but at least until you finish devouring one.

For over 30 years, Clamshell has been the destination for customers seeking culinary adventures. Step over to the dark side and treat yourself to this Scottish delicacy!

Pro tip:

While the food at this establishment is undeniably delicious, be prepared for the possibility of a longer-than-expected wait.

Go on a beer-tasting tour

Known For: Narrated Tastings of Local Brews

Website: Edinburgh: Old Town Walking Tour and Beer Tasting

Contact Details: +44 2039 620237

Address: 50/4 Montpelier Park, EH10 4NH, Edinburgh, MidLothian, United Kingdom

Go on a refreshing beer tasting walking tour where you can showcase your impressive ability to walk and drink simultaneously, without spilling a drop. It’s a skill that will wow your friends and create unforgettable (or maybe blurry) stories to share.

This unique 2-hour experience takes you on a captivating exploration of the city’s rich brewing history. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discover new flavours that will leave you and your mates thirsting for more!

Pro tip:

If you’re lucky enough to appear younger than you look (or if you simply have a baby face), it’s always a good idea to bring your ID with you.

Some venues may ask for proof of age, so having your identification handy will save you any potential hassle. So, don’t forget to slip your ID into your pocket or bag before heading out!

Have a blast at Boom Battle Bar

Known For: Axe Throwing, Crazier Golf, Augmented Reality Darts, Shuffleboard

Website: https://boombattlebar.com/uk/edinburgh/

Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AU, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 332 1212

Operating Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM–11 PM
Friday: 12 PM–12 AM
Saturday: 11 AM–12 AM
Sunday: 11 AM–11 PM

Boom Battle Bar is a paradise for big kids, offering a thrilling selection of games like axe-throwing, crazy golf, and shuffleboard.

You’ll certainly get your adrenaline rush when you battle it out with a mate or a date while enjoying killer DJ sets. And don’t forget to satisfy your rumbling tums with delicious wings and loaded fries, perfectly paired with refreshing cocktails.

Pro tip:

If you’re a student, you’re in luck! You can score a fantastic 15% discount on full-priced games from Monday to Thursday.

Speed date at Ditch or Date?

Known For: Speed Dating

Website: https://www.ditchordate.com/speed-dating-edinburgh.php

Address: 125b George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 7796 695015

Operating Hours: Line is available to call from 8:30am to 9:00pm, 7 days a week

Speed dating is like a crash course in socialising for young adults. It’s a hilarious rollercoaster ride of small talk, cheesy pick-up lines, and the occasional awkward silence – but hey, at least you’ll have some great stories to share with your friends!

Don’t feel nervous about attending alone – bring a friend who is also searching for a date. You can even experience the fast-food version of romance by chatting and flirting with up to twenty individuals in one evening.

Pro tip:

Keep the conversation light and fun by avoiding controversial topics such as politics or religion, unless you both share a passionate interest in them. Remember, it’s not a job interview, so don’t just rattle off a list of your assets and achievements.

Savour whisky and cheese at Whiski Rooms

Website: https://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/

Address: 4-7 N Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LP, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 225 7224

Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM–1 AM

At Whiski Rooms, we can attempt to sound well-versed about whiskey notes and cheese pairings while secretly just trying to remember which one is the whiskey and which one is the cheese.

All cheeses are sourced from an independent local cheesemonger, ensuring the highest quality. And with over 300 whiskies to choose from, including options from around the world, Whiski Rooms is a whiskey lover’s paradise.

And the best part? It starts at only £40 per person! If you prefer a more casual setting, check out our list of the best sports bars in Edinburgh here.

Pro tip:

Before booking, visit their website at https://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/the-latest/events/ to stay updated on the latest events and take advantage of budget-friendly promotions. Plan ahead and save some pennies!

Test your wits at Escape Hunt

Known For: Indoor Escape Rooms, City Hunt Games

Website: https://escapehunt.com/uk/edinburgh/

Address: Units 3 & 4, Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AU, United Kingdom

Contact details: +44 131 225 5522

Operating hours: Mon-Sun: 10 AM–10 PM

Can you and your friends work together without killing each other over who gets to hold the flashlight? Escape Hunt Edinburgh boasts four themed rooms to choose from, where you and your team will race against the clock to find clues and solve puzzles.

You can choose from these four stories: the Mysteries of Atlantis, Alice in Puzzleland, Blackbeard’s Treasure, or The Fourth Samurai. Prices start at £22 per person for groups of 5-6 players.

Pro tip:

For optimal gameplay, aim to form teams of 2-6 players. Should your group exceed 6 participants, consider dividing into two teams and ignite a thrilling head-to-head showdown!

Have fun at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Known For: Over 100 Interactive, Hands-On Illusions

Website: https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/

Address: 549 Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 131 226 3709

Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 9 AM–10 PM

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is where young adults can finally experience what it’s like to question their own sanity in a fun and lighthearted way.

Here, expect to step into a world of optical illusions, interactive exhibits, and mind-boggling visual tricks that will challenge your perception of reality.

From the mind-bending Mirror Maze to the mind-boggling Vortex Tunnel, this immersive attraction will keep you on your toes.

Pro tip:

Don’t be afraid to ask the friendly staff for guidance or explanations. They are there to enhance your experience and can provide insights and interesting facts about the illusions and exhibits.

Also, there are hidden surprises and details that may require a closer look. Don’t rush through the exhibits and miss out on the magic.