Edinburgh is one of the most attractive cities in Scotland, but it is hectic. All the time. Sometimes you need to get away from the manic centre, and enjoy a bit of chill time by yourself, or with pals. Right? It’s what everyone deserves – especially you! Here are 6 chilled café spots in Edinburgh you never knew about, but definitely need in your life.
Everyone knows about Lovecrumbs, but not everyone knows they know about Lovecrumbs. Those photos you see all over Instagram of people slouched coolly in a rustic window-nook with their coffee? That’s Lovecrumbs! Those cute-as-a-button teacups, and delicious vegan and allergy-friendly cakes everyone talks about? That’s Lovecrumbs!
You’ll find this darling café en route to Edinburgh’s famous Grassmarket. It has the charm and buzz of the old town, but none of the crowds. Go with your friends, or sit alone, it’s always welcoming. And they don’t mind students sitting working for hours on end… so long as you buy snacks to keep you going!
The homemade food here is delicious, the smoothies are really fresh, the cakes are to die for, and every meal is huge. The armchairs here are unbelievably comfy, and they are huge too.
During the day they do breakfast and lunch, then drinks are offered in the evenings, with the odd live music night from 8pm. You’ll get the friendliest servers around, and a student discount on the already affordable menu. Piecebox’s relaxed, colourful atmosphere makes for a perfect study spot, or a fun space to meet with friends. Plus, it’s only a 10 minute walk from Edinburgh Napier’s Merchiston campus – so get marching!
Walk to the end of Union Canal, but ignore the bars, and look for a white and blue canal boat sat pleasantly on the water. Go chap on the window, because this, believe it or not, is a café! The boat is part of The Counter group, who serve their own blend of Mr Eion coffee and home baked treats, from a further three super chilled café spots in the city.
If the weather’s nice, white tables and chairs will be placed on the canal-side, so customers can relax with their snacks. Glistening waters, and chattering passers-by create a super peaceful setting to sit and work away.
Braw is a Scottish term for ‘great’, ‘good’, ‘pleasant’, ‘lovely’, ‘nice’… you get the idea. This small café is hidden between the walls of the Dean Village (which makes for a very pretty walk), and does what it says on the tin.
This charming café has a 5 Star rating on TripAdvisor, and is extremely affordable. Everything is homemade and locally sourced, and it is always buzzing. You can sit-in or takeaway anything on their modest menu – although we recommend sitting in when it’s warm out, because the place is a sun trap!
You’ll never have the same experience twice in this bar. Found in the super stylish Arches of Edinburgh, it could go unnoticed. But we don’t want that! The Pop Up Geeks change their theme, drinks menu, and uniform every 3 months. Following popular TV/Movie culture, they’ve revamped themselves as “The Upside Down” (Stranger Things), “Survive” (The Walking Dead), “There and Back Again” (Lord of the Rings), and many others.
This place may take many different forms, but one thing that’s constant is the amazing customer service – so interactive and fun! Pop down today to find out what’s taken over this month!
The gallery opened in 1960, but it is everything but old-fashioned. In fact, it is the height of being in-fashion right now. The Scottish National Gallery is right next door too, so if you didn’t have enough arty-farty in you; you do now!
The cafes here serve beautiful homemade salads, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches, and hot specials. The walls are white, lined with sleek modern paintings. There’s a seriously gorgeous outside spot, with hills surrounded by tiny ponds and sculptures. This is the epitome of zen, so if you need a bit of Me Time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, take a half hour bus out of town and immerse yourself in some true Scottish culture.
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