Vinyl Adventures in Edinburgh: A Guide to the City’s Best Record Shops
Edinburgh might be best known for its castles, cobbled closes, and whisky bars, but beneath the historic spires lies a thriving vinyl scene that every music lover should explore. Whether you’re a crate-digger in search of obscure pressings or just looking for a nostalgic soundtrack to your trip, the Scottish capital has some brilliant record shops tucked away in unexpected corners. Here are some of the best spots to add to your travel itinerary.
Underground Solu’shn
📍 Cockburn Street
Just a short stroll from Waverley Station, Underground Solu’shn is a cornerstone of Edinburgh’s music community. It specializes in electronic, house, techno, and hip-hop, but you’ll also find a curated selection of funk, soul, and jazz. DJs often pop in for gear, as the shop also sells equipment, making it a hub of local nightlife culture.
Travel Tip: Pop in on a Friday afternoon—staff are usually spinning new releases and happy to share recommendations for the weekend’s best club nights.
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Vinyl Villains
📍 Elm Row, Leith Walk
A true institution, Vinyl Villains has been around since the early 1980s and is still going strong. It’s the place to lose yourself for hours among towering racks of rock, punk, indie, and folk records, with plenty of second-hand gems waiting to be discovered.
Travel Tip: The shop sits at the top of Leith Walk, so after a dig, you can wander down into Leith for a craft beer by the Water of Leith.
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Thorne Records
📍 Bruntsfield Place
For those seeking a beautifully curated selection, Thorne Records in Bruntsfield is a little haven. The shop leans towards alternative, indie, and folk, with a focus on new releases and high-quality pressings. The minimalist interior and thoughtful displays make it feel more like an art gallery for vinyl.
Travel Tip: Pair your visit with coffee at one of Bruntsfield’s many artisan cafés—it’s one of the most relaxed neighborhoods in Edinburgh.
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Assai Records
📍 Grindlay Street
Assai is both a shop and a venue. Known for its excellent range of new vinyl across genres, it also hosts in-store gigs and album launch events, making it a lively spot to connect with Edinburgh’s contemporary music scene. You’ll find a mix of signed editions, merch, and even cassette tapes for the retro enthusiast.
Travel Tip: Check their schedule before you visit—you might be lucky enough to catch a live acoustic set while you shop.
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Unknown Pleasures
📍 Canongate, Royal Mile
A hidden gem near the Royal Mile, Unknown Pleasures is a cozy shop that feels like a secret club for music obsessives. With an eclectic selection that swings from rare post-punk to reggae, it rewards slow browsing.
Travel Tip: Because of its location, this is a perfect mid-day stop while exploring Old Town’s historic closes and cafés.
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Final Spin 🎶
Edinburgh’s record shops are as diverse as the city itself—some buzzing with energy, others quietly tucked away, waiting for discovery. Whether you’re after a first press of a punk classic, a fresh indie release, or just the thrill of flipping through crates, these shops turn a city break into a musical adventure.
So next time you’re in Scotland’s capital, set aside an afternoon for crate-digging. Who knows? You might just leave with a piece of Edinburgh’s soul pressed into vinyl.