Grab a front row seat for Six Nations Rugby in Edinburgh

February in Edinburgh means one thing: rugby season is in full swing. The city hums with anticipation as the Six Nations Championship takes centre stage, with scarves on, pints poured and the national anthems echoing from pubs across the capital.

Whether you’re here to cheer on the Scotland Rugby Team, or you’d rather enjoy Edinburgh at a slightly calmer pace while the matches are on, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the city.

Front-row seats (without the stadium crowds)

You don’t need a ticket to Murrayfield Stadium to soak up the atmosphere. Some of Edinburgh’s best rugby viewing is done from the comfort of a good bar — and one of the most relaxed places to watch is right here at The Bruntsfield Hotel.

The Bruntsfield’s own bar offers a welcoming, unfussy setting to catch all the action. Expect comfortable seating, excellent sightlines to the screens, and a crowd that knows its rugby without being overwhelming. It’s ideal if you want a proper match-day buzz, followed by the shortest possible journey back to your room once the final whistle blows.

Staying local also means you can enjoy a pre-match drink, watch the game, and then settle in for a post-match nightcap — no taxis, no queues, no fighting for a bar stool.

Local pubs with proper match-day atmosphere

If you fancy venturing out, Bruntsfield and nearby neighbourhoods have plenty of solid rugby pubs within easy walking distance. These tend to attract a friendly mix of locals, regulars and visiting fans, which keeps the atmosphere lively but welcoming.

You’ll find:

• Big screens and decent sound (essential for referee decisions)
• A good selection of Scottish beers and whiskies
• A knowledgeable crowd who’ll happily explain the finer points of a scrum

Arrive early on Scotland match days — February fixtures are popular, even when the weather is brisk.

Not a rugby fan? This is your moment

One of the lesser-known joys of Six Nations weekends is that large parts of the city become noticeably quieter during match time. If rugby isn’t your thing, February is an excellent opportunity to explore Edinburgh at its most relaxed.

While the matches are on, you’ll often find:

• Easier access to major attractions like Edinburgh Castle
• Quieter galleries and museums
• Walk-in availability at restaurants that are usually booked solid

A winter walk through Bruntsfield Links or the Meadows, followed by a late lunch, is a particularly good way to spend an afternoon while the crowds are otherwise occupied.

Post-match Edinburgh: calmer, cosier, better

Once the games finish, the city settles into a sociable evening rhythm. February evenings lend themselves to:

• Fireside drinks
• Unrushed dinners
• A final dram before heading back to the hotel

If you’ve watched the match in the Bruntsfield bar, you’re already perfectly placed to wind down without venturing far — a small luxury that makes a big difference on a winter city break.

Why February rugby weekends work so well

Six Nations weekends bring energy to Edinburgh without tipping it into festival-level chaos. For visitors, it’s a sweet spot:

• Big sporting atmosphere
• Shorter queues than summer months
• Cosy pubs and welcoming neighbourhood bars
• A chance to see the city at its most local

Whether you’re here for the rugby or quietly dodging it, February is a brilliant time to experience Edinburgh — and watching a match from the comfort of The Bruntsfield’s own bar might just be the best seat in the house.

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