As the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, Edinburgh touts its illustrious literary past as much as it celebrates its modern authors. Home to and inspiration for many of the world’s greatest writers including Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, Ian Rankin , Alexander McCall Smith and of course, J.K Rowling, Edinburgh is rightfully proud of its rich literary tradition.
With Edinburgh’s literary heritage nestled among the winding streets of the Old Town and along the wide avenues of the Georgian New Town, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of their fictional heroes and walk the same streets that their favourite characters and authors once knew. Here is a list of places and monuments every book lover should check out on a trip to this beautiful city:
Literary Monuments and Landmarks:
Scott Monument
For a slice of history that promises a breath-taking view of the city, climb the 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens. Dominating the city’s skyline, this towering monument is the tallest monument ever built to commemorate a writer. Built in honour of Edinburgh’s beloved son and poet, Sir Walter Scott, this iconic landmark features 64 statues of characters from his famous works, as well as figures from Scottish folklore. Don’t forget to check out the small museum at the base of the monument on your way up!
E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ, United Kingdom
The Writers' Museum
Discover the foundations of Scottish literature at The Writers’ Museum. Tucked away in the historic Lady Stairs’ Close just off the Royal Mile, this free (!) museum celebrates the lives of Edinburgh’s three literary giants – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. Complete with rare books, portraits and personal objects belonging to the authors, the Writers’ Museum is as steeped in stories as the city itself.
Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
Makar's Court
Taking its name from the Scots word for ‘author’, this hidden courtyard is an evolving national literary monument featuring the famous words of great Scottish writers inscribed in the flagstones. Located next to the Writer’s Museum, the engraved flagstones cover over 600 years of literary tradition, and have been memorialised in English, Gaelic and Scots.
457/1 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT, United Kingdom
The Oxford Bar
From one great detective to another – The Oxford Bar, hidden on one of Edinburgh’s cobbled lanes, is famous for being the chosen drinking den of author Ian Rankin and his most notable creation, Inspector Rebus. Despite the bar’s central location and potential for celeb spotting, this 19th-century establishment has maintained its cosy and low-key atmosphere. In this unassuming pub, it is all about having conversations with people, and there is no music or jukebox , and the TV is hardly ever on. Who knows, you might even meet Rankin himself there!
Fans of Ian Rankin’s works can also join one of the many Rebus tours in the capital.
8 Young St, Edinburgh EH2 4JB, United Kingdom
The Conan Doyle
Having a pub named after you is perhaps one of the greatest tributes Scotland offers its famous sons and daughters. Stationed opposite the Edinburgh-born and raised Sir Author Conan Doyle’s original residence on Picardy Place, the pub is adorned with portraits and paraphernalia inspired by his famous works. Fans of the esteemed crime writer can also pay homage to Doyle at a commemorative statue of Sherlock Holmes, located across the street.
71-73 York Pl, Edinburgh EH1 3JD, United Kingdom
The Elephant House
The ultimate destination for Potterheads, fans of the boy wizard make pilgrimages from all over the world to visit this charming café. Famous as one of the places J.K Rowling would frequent while writing her novels, enjoy a cup of tea while appreciating the view over Greyfriars Kirkyard (another inspiration for Harry Potter!). However, the highlight of any visit to the café has to be a trip to the toilets, which have been completely covered in Harry Potter graffiti.
21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN, United Kingdom
Beautiful Bookshops
As with any old, winding, labyrinthine city, excellent bookshops are certain to lurk in corners and along lanes, and Edinburgh (thankfully) is no exception. From cosy second-hand bookshops, to carefully curated independent bookshops, be prepared to spend many happy hours exploring these bookshops.
Armchair Books
A visit to Edinburgh is only complete after a good rummage in this iconic literary shrine. A strong contender for Scotland’s most beautiful bookshop, Instagram-famous Armchair books is a bibliophile’s dream come true. An Aladdin’s Cave which will delight readers of all ages, be prepared to spend hours lost in the floor-to-ceiling shelves bursting with thousands of books.
From science-fiction to non-fiction, and from fantasy to romance, this chaotic but cosy bookshop offers everything you want from an establishment of this nature.
72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE, United Kingdom
Golden Hare Books
Emphasising ‘a love and appreciation for book design at its heart’, this bespoke book emporium is filled with an array of expertly curated selection of literary finds. The staff intentionally place books on the shelves with their covers facing outwards to celebrate the books as objects that are beautiful inside and out (a sentiment many of us can get behind!).
With a warm orange interior accompanied by a small fire crackling away, Golden Hare Books is definitely one of the cosiest bookshops in town.
68 St Stephen St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3 5AQ, United Kingdom
Lighthouse Books
Home to the independent Scottish book publisher Word Power Books, Lighthouse is more than just a bookshop. A self-confessed ‘oasis for curious minds’, ‘Edinburgh’s radical bookshop’ stocks its shelves with books that tell the stories of those outside the mainstream status quo or the voices often unheard in socially popular books. These include works focused on radical, left wing Scottish politics, intersectional feminism, revolutionary history, environmentalism, LGBTQ writing and more. Brimming with niche literature, you’re guaranteed to find something new on these shelves.
43-45 W Nicolson St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9DB, United Kingdom
Literary Tours
Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour
For those wanting to know more about how Edinburgh earned the title of UNESCO City of Literature, delve into the city’s literary past by embarking on one of its many literary-themed tours. Take a walk with the Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour, a whirlwind trip through 500 years of Scottish literary history led by local author Allan Foster. Traverse the capital’s ancient wynds, closes and kirkyards as you learn about famed authors in their historical contexts, all with their home cityscape as the backdrop.
Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
For a more unique experience, join the Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour. Led by professional actors, this tour will take you on a dramatic and witty romp that explores the city’s pubs while giving insight into 300 years of Scottish literature. Less conventional than a classic city tour, it is equally informative and memorable, and you are guaranteed to have loads of fun!
You can also tailor your trip to your favourite novels; there’s more than enough to satisfy even the keenest of readers. Harry Potter fans can sign up for the famed Potter Trail that brings you to J.K Rowling’s favourite haunts. A fan of Trainspotting? Head to Leith for a dedicated tour – Leith Walks – which takes fans on a heady tour of Edinburgh’s “seedy” neighbourhood. With its enthusiasm for literature, Edinburgh never disappoints!
