Why ‘eclectic’ Leith Walk is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK

If you’ve seen Trainspotting, you’d probably want to stay clear of Edinburgh’s Leith. But a lot has changed for the waterfront neighbourhood since its economic decline in the 1980s. It’s not much of a secret that Leith is one of the best places in Edinburgh these days. In summer, it made the shortlist for UK Town of Culture 2028. Now, one of Leith’s main neighbourhoods has just been ranked as one of the coolest in the UK.

Leith Walk, the 1.2-mile stretch of road connecting Leith with Edinburgh’s New Town, is cool for many reasons. Primarily, it’s a place that ticks all the cultural boxes: indie shops, a good place for a pint, and most importantly: food.

Leith is considered a proper foodie destination, with Michelin starred restaurants, Scottish pub grub and bakeries. On Leith Walk, pick up a flat white and a loaf of slow fermented sourdough from Twelve Triangles, head to Mirin for Asian fusion small plates and Vittoria for classic Italian fare.

On the culture side of things, you’ve got Out of the Blue Drill Hall for markets, exhibitions and tastes of the community’s creative scene. When nighttime calls, La Beat Soul Club is the spot for a sweaty dancefloor and vinyl DJ sets or there's Queer Ceilidh for a taste of traditional dance. Vintage lovers should head to 5th Season for ’70s-leaning Western vibes and Pascal & Co for folkloric charm and carefully restored garments.

Time Out’s resident experts across the UK have handpicked the coolest neighbourhoods in the country right now. Those engaged in the Glasgow vs Edinburgh rivalry - the sad news is Govanhill in Glasgow topped the list. But the good news is Leith Walk was ranked fifth coolest neighbourhood in the UK – ahead of places in Sheffield, Newcastle and Bristol. 

Contributor Chiara Wilkinson said Leith Walk was ‘the most eclectic street in Edinburgh’. She added: ‘This 1.2-mile-long stretch, connecting the east end of the City Centre to the maritime port district, is dotted with everything from buzzy clubs with queues out the door to independent bakeries, niche book shops, elevated dining options and multicultural supermarkets, with new additions popping up to the neighbourhood seemingly every day.

‘Friendly locals mix with scenester students and well-seasoned tourists, giving a diverse and lively community flavour to an area where there’s always more to discover.’

Here are the UK's 11 coolest neighbourhoods of 2026.

Plus: Explore the World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods for 2026 here. 

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