Edinburgh

The best places to study in Edinburgh

The 10 libraries and study cafés in Edinburgh best suited to a long session with a laptop or a textbook, led by Starbucks Coffee, National Library of Scotland and Leith Library.

Ranked by work score: Wi‑Fi, power, seating, hours, what reviews say about laptops and noise, and who recommends working there. One branch per chain.

  1. 01Starbucks Coffee

    café47 Leith Street, Edinburgh★ 4Wi‑FiWork 100

    Hours, amenities and photos

  2. 02National Library of Scotland

    libraryCowgate, AbbeyhillWi‑FiWork 100

    Hours, amenities and photos

  3. 03Leith Library

    libraryLeith Library, 28-30 Ferry Rd.Wi‑FiWork 97

    Hours, amenities and photos

  4. 04Scottish Poetry Library

    library5 Crichton's ClWork 94

    the Scottish Poetry Library, another quiet oasis for reading and working, further down the Royal Mile.
    Wild Writing (Rebecca Low)June 2025

    Hours, amenities and photos

  5. 05University of Edinburgh Main Library

    library30 George SquareWork 94

    One of the main benefits of this library is that it is located right in the centre of the George Square campus and open 24/7. ... Its size also makes it a safe bet for studying because you are always sure to find a spot (although beware of exam season…).
    Students at SPS (University of Edinburgh blog)June 2023

    Hours, amenities and photos

  6. 06McDonald Road Library

    library2-8 McDonald RdWi‑FiWork 92

    Hours, amenities and photos

  7. 07Costa Coffee

    caféPrinces Mall, Unit P1/P2, Edinburgh★ 4.1Wi‑FiWork 89

    Hours, amenities and photos

  8. 08Stockbridge Library

    library11 Hamilton PlWork 82

    Hours, amenities and photos

  9. 10Drumbrae Library Hub

    library81 Drum Brae DrWork 82

    Hours, amenities and photos