Black Medicine

Sitting in Black Medicine is one of the best ways to watch Edinburgh life flow by. Situated across the street from one of the oldest law schools in the world, Black Med provides a perfect spot to watch the surging Festival crowds and snap-happy tourists while ensconced in the cafe’s eccentric but soothingly organic decor.

The ever-efficient staff serve a decent coffee too, and you can get a dangerously large Americano for £2. They also offer a range of excellent smoothies with imaginative names – often including the word ninja. Unfortunately, some of the cafe’s food is slightly more appealing in description than taste.

Located in the middle of a triangle of major comedy venues, Black Medicine is the perfect place to people watch before diving into the Festival crowds.