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 Red Kite Café, Central Library and Scottish Poetry 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.
01Red Kite Café
café7-8 Cadzow PlaceWi‑FiWork 100
Red Kite Café is a spacious, bright café in the Abbeyhill neighborhood, well-loved by remote workers for its relaxed atmosphere, reliable WiFi, and great coffee. This is a consistent Triber favorite.
WiFi TribeMay 2026 02Central Library
library7-9 George IV BridgeWi‑FiWork 100
The Central Library on George IV Bridge is a beautiful, free, and publicly accessible building right in the heart of the Old Town.
WiFi TribeMay 2026 03Scottish Poetry Library
library5 Crichton's ClWork 100
the Scottish Poetry Library, another quiet oasis for reading and working, further down the Royal Mile.
Wild Writing (Rebecca Low)June 2025 04University of Edinburgh Main Library
library30 George SquareWork 100
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 for University of Edinburgh Main Library
05Balcony Cafe
café44 Chambers StreetWi‑FiWork 100
The cafe offers WiFi, tea, coffee and an array of snacks — plus yummy homemade soups.
The Wallet Moth (guest post by Kelly Dunning)August 2019 06New College Library
libraryNew College Courtyard, AbbeyhillWork 100
One of the largest theological libraries in the UK
New College is the home of the School of Divinity. It’s also home to a newly-refurbished library and Rainy Hall – a large dining hall with a cheap cafe
Students at SPS (University of Edinburgh blog)April 2024 07Starbucks Coffee
café47 Leith Street, Edinburgh★ 4Wi‑FiWork 100
08National Library of Scotland
libraryCowgate, AbbeyhillWi‑FiWork 100
The National Library of Scotland is one of Scotland's National Collections. It is one of the largest libraries in the United Kingdom.
Hours, amenities and photos for National Library of Scotland
09Muirhouse Library
library12A Macmillan SquareWi‑FiWork 100
Muirhouse is a housing estate in the north of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland.
10Leith Library
libraryLeith Library, 28-30 Ferry Rd.Wi‑FiWork 97
