Looking to expand your social circle in Edinburgh? Meet friendly, like-minded people for relaxed socials, walks, activities and shared interests.
Established in 2005, Drinking Partners is one of the UK’s longest-running platforms for meeting new people and making friends.
Drinking Partners is built for socialising, not drinking or dating. Share a short intro, browse people nearby in Edinburgh and start conversations that fit around your life.
Create a free profile, browse nearby people and say hello when someone sounds like your kind of person.
Meet people for coffee, walks, cinema, lunch, gigs or relaxed everyday plans around Edinburgh.
Chat privately first, keep things relaxed, and only arrange a meet-up or group-style plan when you feel ready.
This page is designed to help people make friends in Edinburgh by connecting with others locally who share similar interests. From the medieval streets of the Old Town and the Royal Mile to the Georgian New Town, the West End and Leith, it is easy to find people nearby who are also looking to make new friends. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee near the City Centre, meeting around George Street, heading up Arthur’s Seat for a walk, or exploring by Edinburgh Castle, everyday plans make it easy to connect naturally.
Making friends as an adult can feel awkward — especially when everyday routines in Edinburgh are already set. Drinking Partners keeps things simple, relaxed and pressure-free, without the need for large groups or organised events.
Take things at your own pace and connect in a way that feels comfortable for you.
Whether you have just moved to Edinburgh, work from home, or simply want to widen your social circle, Drinking Partners helps you find people nearby and start relaxed local conversations.
Follow these steps to connect over shared interests, message freely and plan meet-ups that feel comfortable, public and pressure-free.
It only takes a few minutes to get started:
To get the most out of Drinking Partners and begin to meet new people in Edinburgh, follow these simple steps:
Share a short intro about yourself, where you are based in or around Edinburgh, and the kinds of relaxed plans you enjoy — coffee, walks, cinema, fitness, lunch or weekend catch-ups.
Add a recent photo to help people recognise you. Profiles with clear photos feel more trustworthy, get more replies and appear higher in local results.
Use GPS search or filter by nearby areas to find people close to you. Save your favourite profiles and searches so it is easy to return to promising local matches.
Messaging is free, so say hello to people with similar interests. Mention a simple local plan you would enjoy and swap a few messages before arranging anything in person.
Set alerts for new people near you, message reads and profile views. Pause notifications or hide your profile whenever you need a break.
When you are ready, suggest a simple public meet-up such as coffee, a daytime walk, a casual lunch, cinema trip or another relaxed plan somewhere you both feel comfortable.
A quick call or video chat first can help break the ice and make meeting up feel natural. You’re always in control — choose who you talk to, take things at your own pace, and only meet when you’re comfortable.
Local and practical guides to help you meet people and make new friends without the pressure.
These are people in and around Edinburgh who are looking to make new friends. Join free to say hello, browse more members and start chatting at your own pace.
59 years old
Edinburgh, Midlothian
“Straight hard working gal/lady who likes to go…”
54 years old
Edinburgh, Midlothian
“Open minded, sociable and looking to meet new…”
There’s no single way to make friends — people connect in all sorts of everyday ways.
Pick an idea and start a conversation that suits you.
Swap messages first, then meet for a relaxed coffee around the City Centre, Stockbridge or Leith. Keeping it simple is often the easiest way to turn a chat into a real friendship.
Explore →Many people in Edinburgh like meeting for walks and low-pressure outdoor catch-ups. From Arthur’s Seat to the Water of Leith path, it’s an easy way to talk and see if you get on.
Explore →Connect with locals who want a gym buddy, a class partner or someone to try something new with — from beginner-friendly sessions to regular routines.
Explore →Edinburgh is built for easy plans — museums, exhibitions, festival season and evenings exploring Old Town or George Street. Message first, then plan something you both enjoy.
Explore →Answers to common questions about making friends and meeting people in Edinburgh.
Yes — Edinburgh can feel a little more reserved at first, but many people are actively looking to make new friends, especially after moving for work, study, or a change of pace. Starting with shared interests makes conversations feel more natural.
Everyday plans work well in Edinburgh: coffee catch-ups, local walks, beginner-friendly classes, and cultural activities. Messaging first can make the first in-person meet feel much more comfortable.
Absolutely. Drinking Partners is designed for making friends and meeting people to socialise, not dating. You can connect with locals based on interests and chat at your own pace.
That is very common. Mention what you enjoy, browse local members, and start a few light conversations. Suggest a low-pressure plan like a coffee, a short walk, or meeting somewhere central so it feels comfortable.
Working from home can make it harder to meet people naturally in Edinburgh, especially if your week is built around the same few routines. Start with a short message, look for people near Old Town, New Town, City Centre and West End, and suggest an easy plan that fits your day, such as a lunchtime coffee, after-work walk or weekend catch-up.
Good first plans in Edinburgh are usually simple, public and easy to keep short: coffee near Old Town, New Town, City Centre and West End, a gentle walk, a casual lunch, cinema trip or a local event. The aim is to make the first meeting feel comfortable rather than formal.
Want more tips? Read How to make friends as an adult.
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