7 Best Coffee Shops in Edinburgh: A Caffeine Lover's Guide [+ Map]

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Edinburgh is known for being one of the most beautiful cities in the world - and one of my own personal favorites. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this city, with its rich history, moody charm, and…amazing coffee scene.

Yes, Edinburgh (and Scotland as a whole) has an incredible artisan coffee scene! There are an endless assortment of cafes to fit every vibe and palate. Edinburgh is also an extremely walkable city, so between your sightseeing stops, you can pop into a cafe at nearly any turn.

Now, between 4+ different trips to Edinburgh in the last handful of years, I’ve consumed a lot of coffee. Maybe more than I care to admit! But luckily, that means a growing list of the very best coffee shops that I now get to share with you.

Ready for your next caffeine fix? Let’s dive in! Here are 7 of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh, Scotland…

The Milkman

📍7 Cockburn street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP

📍52 Cockburn street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PB

This charming and Instagram-famous coffee shop actually has two locations right in the heart of Old Town Edinburgh, both of which are on the same street. Does that mean you should visit both? Absolutely, I’d say yes. Each location offers a warm, inviting atmosphere to escape from the hustle bustle of the city streets. Complete with large picture windows to people-watch or enjoy the lovely architecture of Cockburn Street as you sip your beverage of choice and enjoy a small pastry. This was the first coffee shop I ever went to in Edinburgh, and it remains a frequently visited favorite on every trip.

Union Brew Lab

📍6-8 S College St, Edinburgh EH8 9AA

Located just steps from the National Museum of Scotland, this is an ideal spot to stop at as you explore Old Town. Come for the single-origin specialty coffee, but don’t forget to check out their food menu. Brew Lab offers a brunch/lunch selection, in addition to their fantastic and innovative espresso beverages. I’ve spent a considerable amount of time here, because it’s the perfect atmosphere, with plenty of seating, for posting up and working for an hour or two (with a coffee or two!)

Fortitude Coffee

📍3c York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3EB

Stop in on your way to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, or after exploring Calton Hill. There is so much goodness packed into this small space! Although seating is very limited, you won’t want to pass over the opportunity for a to-go coffee - their espresso drinks are truly some of the best I’ve had. Feeling peckish? Fortitude also has a locally-sourced selection of pastries, baked goods and sandwiches. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat, the large paned window offers a gorgeous, well-lit setting for enjoying your specialty coffee drinks and snacks.

Cairngorm Coffee Roasters

📍1 Melville Pl, Edinburgh EH3 7PR

📍41A Frederick St, Edinburgh EH2 1EP

Cairngorm Coffee has two separate locations in New Town, and they are very different! Head over to the Melville Pl. location on your way to Dean Village. The space is open, bright and located on a corner with an entire wall of windows - ideal for enjoying the sights of the city while relaxing with your coffee or lunch. Or, check out the Frederick St. location as you explore the central part of New Town. This shop is located at basement level, accessed by exterior stone steps. The space itself is small yet cozy. Come here for the specialty coffee experience! Their full lunch menu is only available at the Melville Pl. location.

Mayvn Cafe

📍127 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN

This gorgeous cafe is located inside Eden Locke in New Town, which is where we stayed for two nights on my most recent trip to Edinburgh. (Highly recommend!!) The entire cafe and hotel is an aesthetic dream - adorned with modern fixtures, pastel & neutral tones, plants and pampas grass. This is a place you’ll definitely want to spend some time in. Grab a beverage, a book or your laptop, and get inspired by the design-focused atmosphere.

Lowdown Coffee

📍40 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LE

“Modern coffee basement” might stir up a few questions in your mind, but their description is spot-on. This modem, minimalistic coffee shop serves up fantastic coffee drinks from their basement level locale in New Town. Accessed from the street, you’ll pop down a short set of exterior stairs to reach Lowdown. Hence the name, right? The modern vibe also extends to the shop’s layout, which is an entirely open concept - as in no counter separating the customers and the baristas. Don’t forget to grab a bite during your visit, as they offer a menu of sandwiches, salads, soups, baked treats and more.

Artisan Roast

📍Stockbridge location: 100A Raeburn Pl, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH4 1HH

Exploring the Stockbridge neighborhood? Artisan Roast should be next on your to-visit list. After wandering down picture-perfect Circus Lane, swing around the block for a caffeine fix and quick spot of breakfast or lunch - homemade soups, sandwiches, pastries and cakes are on the menu. There are also a few tables set up outside, which are a personal favorite when the weather is nice! Watch passersby as you sip an espresso beverage, tea or hot chocolate, before heading off to your next destination.

Bonus: Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.

📍Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Edinburgh EH6 6AL

Since I haven’t personally visited this coffee shop, it’s being added to this post as a bonus! Coming highly recommended from locals and other travelers, Williams & Johnson Coffee is on my own list of must-visits on a future trip to Edinburgh. Hop over to Leith and grab a cuppa, before walking along the waterfront, or simply relaxing at their plentiful outdoor seating.

TO RECAP:

The Milkman
Union Brew Lab
Fortitude Coffee
Cairngorm Coffee Roasters
Mayvn Cafe
Lowdown Coffee
Artisan Roast Coffee
Bonus: Williams & Johnson Coffee Co.

Now that you’re well-caffeinated for the day, it’s time to get out there and experience all that Edinburgh has to offer! This city is pure magic around every corner. I’ll be posting a few more Edinburgh travel guides in the coming month, which will be linked here for you shortly.

Happy travels!