Edinburgh neighbourhoods: Tollcross
By Emma, from USA, studying MSc Social Anthropology
Hello! My name is Emma and I am a Masters’ student studying Social Anthropology and moved here from the USA. I love to head to Tollcross for all the fun shops, cafés and bakeries there. Tollcross has lots of local shops that are truly unique to Edinburgh.
Babka
Babka is the reason I first went to Tollcross; I was missing the challahs I used to be able to find in California and wanted a little piece of home. It is a bit harder to find challah in Edinburgh, but what they lack in quantity they make up for in quality! Bonus if you get there in the morning while the challah is warm.
Also delicious at Babka is their £5 soup and bagel deal for lunch. On Brougham Place, I find it easiest to walk there from campus.
Beatnik
Although they sell coffees at Babka, I tend to head just across the street to Beatnik to get a coffee there – their laptop-free environment really helps me get a break from coursework. And they play fun music! Although they don’t have a student discount there, they do have a stamp card so you can get a free coffee after going there eight times.
The Meadows
Although The Meadows aren’t technically a part of Tollcross, they are right on the corner and are about a five-minute walk from Babka and Beatnik. This means it is super easy to get there and enjoy some time outside after picking up a coffee or a bagel. It’s also is a free way to spend some time.
The Meadows are especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full swing, or autumn when all the leaves are changing colour.
You can also take advantage of the local grocers such as Realfoods on Brougham Street, which has a student discount, or Lupe Pinto’s deli on Leven Street, and have a picnic in the Meadows.
The Union Canal
If you fancy a more active way to spend your time outside instead of the Meadows, another option would be to walk or bike along the Union Canal. Lochrin Basin (the end of the canal) is right next to Tollcross, so great local walk option. On the canal you’ll spot lots of wildlife, including swans and ducks that call Edinburgh home.
If you make it far enough, the Canal also connects to the Water of Leith walkway, which is a nice little escape from city life. On the Water of Lieth not only will you see ducks and swans, but also the many different beautiful plants that Scotland has to offer.
The Filmhouse
Another great stop in Tollcross is the Filmhouse cinema, on Lothian Road. They are a local cinema that specialises in ‘cultural cinema’, which means they don’t have all the blockbuster hits from major chain studios, but instead focus on award-winning movies, as well as limited releases including a variety of international films.
If you go to the Filmhouse, you can also grab a drink, coffee, or meal there in their large café space! Remember to bring your student ID, since they have a student ticket.
View The Filmhouse accessibility info
Bennet’s Bar
This bar is a place I stumbled upon with a friend when we were on a walk to enjoy Tollcross and thought it looked cool. Although they have standard bar options, my friend and I enjoyed their house sodas. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it’s worth a stop there for them. It is great to sit in there for a catch up with friends! This is another place that offers a student discount with a student ID.
Ceilidh
This is less a specific place, and more of an event; however, two of the three Ceilidhs I have attended in Edinburgh have been at Lauriston Hall, which is in Tollcross. They were ticketed events that were hosted by student societies, but I want to include them in this post to show that it is nice to keep an eye out for events as well. Since they were student events, I found them quite affordable only £8-£12 per ticket. Attending these Ceilidhs have also been a great way for me to learn about and experience Scottish culture as an international student!
Overall, Tollcross is a great place to explore during time here as a student. Don’t be afraid to just pop into a spot, you never know what you might find! You might just find a new favourite hang-out, or snack.
Thinking of living here?
If all of this has made you curious about living in Tollcross, the University’s Riego Street accommodation for undergraduates is a great option – situated in Tollcross and near Edinburgh College of Art.
View University accommodation information
