Best Coffee Shops and Cafes in Livingston

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"Dynamic Earth is a state of the art family attraction near Edinburgh in Scotland. It takes visitors through our history from the Big Bang theory up to the modern-day. It's a chance to experience the primaeval forces of nature as they shaped..."

"We didn’t know much about Scottish cuisine, except for Haggis and whisky we couldn’t actually think of anything specific. Imagine our surprise when we discovered the plethora of vegetarian and vegan dining options Edinburgh has to offer!. It must be one of the most vegetarian/vegan friendly cities we’ve come across during our travels so far."

"Hula do an aaaamazing range of juices which as a juice bar you would probably expect. Although not totally vegan, still worth a shoutout on this list though as they did have some delicious and healthy vegan food on offer!. Think smoothie bowls, avocado and toast and sandwiches."

"A mixture of fresh onsite baking and locally sourced produce makes Loudons Cafe a great place to stop for breakfast. Comfy couches and a bright airy interior combine with outdoor seating for those rare sunny Edinburgh days. The menu caters for health conscious diners and hung over patrons seeking a fried treat."

"Loudons is a stylish, spacious café in Fountainbridge that's ideal for getting some work done, or just relaxing on one of the comfy couches. They offer home-made breakfasts and cake, with gluten-free and dairy-free choices too. Their cooked breakfasts also come with a choice of brown and gluten-free bread."

"Loudons is an Edinburgh staple, serving all-day breakfast at its restaurants in New Waverley and Fountainbridge. From a full breakfast with haggis and all the trimmings, to vegan pancakes, there's something for everyone."

"Urban Angel has been an established breakfast and brunch stop in Edinburgh for almost 15 years. The café is as cool as it sounds, reminiscent of an understated-yet-chic Copenhagen coffee shop. With breakfast available all day, there's no need to rush - our prayers have been answered."

"Again, this restaurant knows how to capture an audience with their website photos. The menu looks amazing and it doesn’t appear to be very expensive. The breakfast and brunch menu is served all day and gluten-free options are available upon request."

"A wholesome deli that puts the emphasis on Fairtrade, organic and locally sourced produce, Urban Angel is also a delightfully informal cafe-bistro that serves all-day brunch (porridge with honey, French toast,..."

"Café Portrait has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s best art venue cafés, and, with its striking gothic windows, consistently good food and creative buzz, it’s easy to see why. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but the likes of Moroccan spiced salmon on a bed of chickpea and spinach, or goat’s cheese roulade won’t disappoint."

"Located inside the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Cafe Portrait keeps culture vultures engaged with dramatic gothic windows and archways. Painted and photographed portraits adorn the walls, as if to suggest that you're sipping in good company. There's a standard mix of coffees, steeping teas, and hot chocolates."

"Disclaimer: My meal at Loudons New Waverley was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Loudons runs two cafes in Edinburgh – the original on Fountainbridge, and a new spacious location at New Waverley, a development project with living space, hotels, shops and restaurants just off the Royal Mile."

"Taking its name from the colloquial Scottish word for a lunch box, Piecebox is the best weekend lunch spot in Polwarth, a quiet corner of Edinburgh away from the hubbub of the city centre. While it’s a firm local favourite for a leisurely weekend brunch, don’t let that stop you dropping by midweek. Breakfast is served all day, every day."

"You can also order in advance through the Starbucks app and collect your order at the door. Click the menu tab to the right for a guide on how to use the app."

"One of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids is to take them to Gorgie City Farm, a free farm that features an awesome outdoor learning experience and of course, adorable animals. The farm prides itself on being a slice of countryside life right in the heart of Edinburgh, and it is a working farm so the animals are being raised for food production in case this is something you need to take into consideration before you visit. In addition to having lovely animal exhibits, there are also regular educational talks as well as the opportunity to host kid’s birthday parties or other events here."

"Gorgie Farm is a great, free attraction situated in the heart of Edinburgh's East End. Set up with the laudable aim of educating inner-city children and adults about farming and animal husbandry, this little gem has nestled between a busy road and the railway line for over three decades. It operates as a working farm, but also offers courses in agriculture, gardening and handicrafts for both adults and children."

"For the little ones who love animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is the urban farm that welcomes families to come and meet the farm animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. They can even learn about the hands-on farming. They also provide birthday events, school trips and farm tours."

"Many years may have passed since Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film came out, but floods of visitors still descend on Scotland's most beautiful and enigmatic church – Rosslyn Chapel. Built in the mid-15th century for Sir William St Clair, third prince of Orkney, its ornately carved interior – at odds with the architectural fashion of its time – is a monument to the mason's art, rich in symbolic imagery. Hourly talks by qualified guides are included with admission."

"Roslin: Best known for being the home of Rosslyn Chapel, the church featured in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ Roslin is a pretty village with plenty to see. Of course, there’s the ancient and ornate Chapel to visit, but there’s also castle ruins and a delightful tea room to enjoy a hot brew in."

"Housed in a grand Ionic temple designed by William Playfair in 1832, these three fascinating museums were originally established as teaching collections. The History of Surgery Museum provides a look at surgery in Scotland from the 15th century to the present day. Highlights include the exhibit on murderers Burke and Hare, which includes Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin, and a display on Dr Joseph Bell, who was the inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes."

"The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and the city has been an important location for medical research ever since. The museum here was originally designed as a teaching museum for students, but it first opened to the public in 1832. There's a history of surgery, a dental collection, and a fascinating collection of pathological anatomy."

"The National War Museum of Scotland explores 400 years of military actions and the country at war. This museum is very interesting thanks to its location."

"Vitality and Kynd is a vegan café that specialises in food and drink infused with CBD. Cannabidiol (or CBD) is found in the hemp (or cannabis sativa) plant, and is separate from the THC compound that is usually associated with a cannabis high. Their menu is completely vegan and includes goodies such as waffles (pictured) hemp bagels, and a range of hot drinks and wholesome fruit juices which can be boosted with a shot of CBD."