Inside Edinburgh's Chihuahua Caf

In dire need of a strong dose of furry, unconditional love? Join the delightful pack at Edinburgh Chihuahua Café, the latest addition to the wave of animal cafés taking the world – and now Scotland – by storm.

Despite having opened its doors just last month, Edinburgh Chihuahua Café has already become the toast of the town. Staffed by dog lovers and eight bundles of canine joy, guests can enjoy a scrumptious array of refreshments, as well as the adorable company of the free-roaming Chihuahuas in the café. Inspired by café owner Tanya Salitura’s strong bond with her pet Chihuahua, Ama, the café encourages its guests to engage with the pups, pointing to studies that suggest that the mere act of petting a dog has been shown to relieve stress and improve mental well-being.

Such animal cafes have recently experienced a strong surge in popularity in the West, though they’ve been a hit in Asia since 1998, when the very first cat café opened in Taipei, Taiwan. As the housing market in dense urban centres continues to balloon the world over, fewer young people in cities are able to buy homes outright. Many must settle for rented apartments, which are usually reluctant to allow pets on the premises, and thus are deprived of animal companionship. Animal cafes have therefore become a means of fulfilling that void, allowing people access to a pet without the commitment. Since its inception, the animal café concept has expanded to include a mind-bogglingly wide menagerie of creatures, such as hedgehogs, penguins, rabbits, goats, snakes (!?) – and now, Chihuahuas.

So next time you’re in Edinburgh, why not turn off the high street and stop by for a cake and a cuddle with the most adorable pups in town? After all, who can say no to these little faces?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.