Records and vinyls have had something of a resurgence over the past few years, with the likes of Taylor Swift making them the coolest collectors’ items to put on display or spin on a record players.
However, there is also the dyed in the wool music lovers that have never turned their back on the humble vinyl record.
From shops covered floor-to-ceiling in LPs to more relaxed and down-to-earth experience, Edinburgh has something to offer for every kind of music lover and vinyl customer.
To celebrate Record Store Day 2026, we asked Edinburgh Evening News readers what their favourite record store to visit in the city were - here are the shops locals think are some of the best in the city.
1. Thorne Records
Edinburgh's Thorne Records was previously named as one of the world's best record stores and it's easy to see why as loyal customer rave about the shop. Thorne Records can be found on Bruntsfield Place and stocks an impressively eclectic mix of genres and customers also rave about the "friendliest staff ever" willing to help you out as you look for a new sound. | Thorne Records
2. Assai Records
The Edinburgh store of Assai Records opened in 2017 and was the first location outside of the company's hometown of Dundee to get a branch. Located on Grindlay Street, Assai Records specialises in both new and reissued vinyls, with the store also acting as a venue for special live performances. Over the past nine years, customers have raved about the Edinburgh store's "great stock" as well as the "knowledgeable and helpful staff". | Local Library
3. Vinyl Villains
Vinyl Villains is located on Elm Row at the top of Leith Walk and has been a part of Edinburgh's record store scene since 1983. The shop is described as "one of a small number of surviving old-school record shops" and offers up second-hand records, LPs, CDs and merchandise. Customers rave about the "ultra cool" shop as well as the "great service" | Local Library
4. Underground Solution
Underground Solution is one of the oldest independent record shops in Edinburgh, having opened its doors in 1996. With a massive mix of genres including rock, pop, soul, funk, jazz, techno and many more, this Cockburn Street shop has been labelled a "cornerstone of the community" and as an "essential visit for anyone passing through". | Google Maps