I’ve been in Edinburgh for about five days at this point. I was already quite familiar with the city because Sarah and I had visited it last year during our Europe backpacking trip in 2021.

I’ve done the whiskey tastings, pub crawls, comedy clubs, and many other things this great city has to offer, but what I hadn’t done was find some of the small and unique coffee shops that are sprinkled throughout most major cities. I knew that between Edinburgh’s Character in Old Town, and the hustle-bustle of New Town there had to be some really great spots for a coffee.

I have spent the last five days being VERY caffeinated and doing some extensive “Field research” trying to find some of these unique spots.

Here are the top three hidden gems that I have come across!

Number 1: Hideout Café in Old Town. (Fitting name for this post, huh?)

Tucked away near the castle just off the Royal Mile that runs through Old Town, you’ll find this small cafe. This place stays out of sight until your literally standing in front of the window! Walking inside you’re met with a beautiful interior, decorated with old radios, collections of cassette tapes, and plants spread throughout. The vibes are great! There are always people in and out. Most seem to be locals that work or live in the old town area. Because it’s so well hidden, many tourists walk right by here!

The baristas were fantastic as well! Always very welcoming and they make delicious drinks! The cafe also serves a few pastries, and toasties.
Check out their locations ***here***!

Number 2: Lowdown Cafe (New Town)

Lowdown is a specialty coffee basement in the heart of New Town, Edinburgh. You’ll walk right by this place if you don’t pay attention! They serve light lunches, pastries, and of course, real good coffee.

Walking down the steps and into this place, you are met with a very kind and attentive staff. They had by far the best service out of any of the coffee shops I visited! I always sat outside in the little seating area, but the inside was very modern and stylish decor. Not the kind of place I would sit for hours to read or to work, but definitely the right place for a quick coffee and a light lunch. Definitely a place I would take Sarah for a date!

Click here For more information on Lowdown Cafe

Number 3: Fortitude Coffee (New Town)

Fortitude probably had the best cup of coffee in town! With three locations, they are a very popular choice for coffee enthusiasts! Their focus is to find unique and interesting coffee that they roast themselves.

I only visited the York Place location. It’s very small and cozy. Just above The Stand Comedy Club. It felt packed with just six or seven people sitting/standing inside and the seating fills up very fast. If you get there early enough and get a seat, you will definitely enjoy the atmosphere.

The baristas here know their stuff! The cappuccino was absolutely amazing in my opinion! Also, I loved the pottery that they served their drinks in. This is the place to come if you want to sit, read a book, and just chill for a little while. With it being small, most people got their drinks to go, so it did stay pretty quiet.

They sell their roasted coffee in 250g or 1 kg bags.