Edinburgh for Literature Lovers: the City of Poets and Writers
A city that has inspired masterpieces
Organizeholidays in Edinburghas a literature enthusiast means walking in the footsteps of giants like Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, J.K. Rowling, and many others. The city was declared a "City of Literature" by UNESCO (the first in the world, in 2004). This guide takes you to the most significant places.
The great writers and their places
Walter Scott (1771-1832)
Father of the historical novel. His most famous work is "Ivanhoe."
Places:
Scott Monument(Princes Street): the largest monument to a writer in the world. You can climb the 287 steps (spectacular view). At the base, a statue of Scott with his dog.
Abbotsford House(50 minutes by car from Edinburgh): his house-museum, furnished as it was in the 19th century.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
Author of "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Places:
Birthplace(8 Howard Place, Canonmills) – blue plaque.
Heriot Row 17(New Town): where he lived as a child.
Writers' Museum(Lady Stair's Close): houses his death mask and manuscripts.
Deacon Brodie's Tavern(Royal Mile): Brodie inspired the character of Jekyll/Hyde.
Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)
Creator of Sherlock Holmes.
Places:
Birthplace(11 Picardy Place) – now a pub (Conan Doyle's). Blue plaque.
Statue(Picardy Place) – erected in 2018.
Edinburgh Academy(Henderson Row): where he studied.
J.K. Rowling (1965-)
Author of Harry Potter.
Places:
The Elephant House(George IV Bridge): where she wrote the first chapters (closed due to fire, but partially reopened).
Spoon(Nicholson Street): another café where she wrote.
Greyfriars Kirkyard:tombs of Thomas Riddell (Tom Riddle) and William McGonagall (Minerva McGonagall).
Balmoral Hotel(Princes Street): suite where she completed "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" (the door of room 552 has a painted owl).
Robert Burns (1759-1796)
National Scottish poet.
Places:
Statue(Princes Street Gardens, near the Ross Fountain).
Writers' Museum:houses his bagpipes.
Independent bookstores to visit
Armchair Books (West Port)
Stacks of used books up to the ceiling, sofas, cats (maybe). Movie-like atmosphere. Specializes in Scottish fiction.
Topping & Company (Broughton Street)
New, stylish bookstore with spiral stairs and reading chairs. Free coffee. Great for recent editions.
Edinburgh Books (West Port)
Antiquarian bookstore, specializing in first editions (including those by Scott and Stevenson). High prices but unique curiosities.
Lighthouse Bookshop (West Nicolson Street)
Radical, independent bookstore with a section for contemporary Scottish poetry.
Literary cafes
The Elephant House
Although partially closed, the café area is open. The bathrooms are filled with graffiti from Harry Potter fans (ask for permission).
Spoon
Less touristy than Elephant House. J.K. Rowling used to write here to avoid the crowds. Good coffee.
Black Medicine Coffee Co. (Nicolson Street)
Gothic café in a former funeral home. Popular with local students and writers.
Literary festivals
Edinburgh International Book Festival(August, Charlotte Square Gardens): the largest literary festival in the world. Over 800 authors. Tickets £10-20, some events free.
Scottish International Storytelling Festival(October): oral storytelling in pubs and theaters.
Porty Book Festival(September, Portobello): small and free.
One-day literary itinerary
Morning:Scott Monument (climb) + Writers' Museum.
Lunch:The Elephant House.
Afternoon:Greyfriars Kirkyard (graves of Riddell and McGonagall) + walk through the closes (Lady Stair's Close, Advocate's Close).
Evening:dinner at Conan Doyle's (pub) and evening reading in a pub with a fireplace.
FAQ
Can I visit J.K. Rowling's suite at the Balmoral?
Yes, by booking the suite (£1,000 per night). Or ask the reception to see the door (they're nice).
What is the best bookstore for used books?
Armchair Books. Bring cash (they don't always accept cards).
Are there literary walking tours?
Yes, "Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour" (£15, 2 hours, visits pubs related to writers). And "Harry Potter Walking Tour" (£12, 1.5 hours).
Is the Writers' Museum free?
Yes.
Can I buy books in Italian?
Yes, at the "Biblios" bookstore (George IV Bridge) specializing in Italian and French language books.
A secular pilgrimage
Theholidays in Edinburghfor a literature lover are a secular pilgrimage. Every stone, every alley, every café tells a story that has inspired novels read around the world. Whether you love fantasy, mystery, or poetry, you will find a corner of the city that seems to have come out of a book. Bring a notebook with you: you might feel the calling too.
For a complete overview of periods, itineraries, budgets, and transport in the Scottish capital, check out our complete guide to holidays in Edinburgh.
Review date:March 21, 2026