The city of Edinburgh is a dream destination for book lovers. Not only is it proud to have been named the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, but it is host to the highly celebrated International Book Festival (the largest of its kind in the world!).
The cobbled streets are paved with rich literary history, and the city has been home to some of the world’s most famous writers and provided the inspiration for countless novels and poems.
From famous bookshops to festivals, tourist attractions and museums, here is our ultimate book lovers’ guide to Edinburgh.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is the world’s leading literature festival, and biggest celebration of the written word which takes place each year in August.
The jam-packed programme of over 500 events across the city is a great chance to hear from your favourite authors, discover new writers and take part in inspirational workshops.
This year welcomes many of the world’s best-selling and highly celebrated authors including Irvine Welsh, David Nicholls, Margaret Atwood and Len Pennie for an unforgettable experience at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.
EDINBURGH’S BEST-LOVED LITERARY LOCATIONS
Top of any literary lover’s itinerary when visiting Edinburgh should be to wander along the cobbled streets which inspired so many novels. Take a peek at the Writer’s haunts where masterpieces were created …
THE SCOTT MONUMENT
One of the most iconic landmarks in Edinburgh, the Scott Monument, is dedicated to world renowned Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott.
Best known for his collection of novels, The Waverley Series, published in 1814. Scott had a significant impact on Scottish literature through his storytelling and portrayals of Scotland’s landscapes and traditions.
Proudly towering over Princess Street Gardens, The Scott Monument is the second largest monument built in honor of a writer in the world. The dark, gothic construction is decorated with over 60 figures representing characters from his most famous work, and at the center, a white marble statue of Scott.
This is a must-see when visiting Edinburgh, and you can even climb the 287 steps up to the viewing platform where you will be rewarded with unforgettable panoramic views of the city.
THE WRITERS’ MUSEUM
Hidden away in a unique building off the Royal Mile is The Writers’ Museum. Dedicated to Scotland’s great literary figures Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson, this is a must-see for any avid reader visiting the city.
This hidden gem may be small in size, but is brimming with interesting artifacts. Amongst this treasure trove of manuscripts and published works you will find unique personal items such as a plaster cast of Burns’ skull, a childhood rocking horse belonging to Scott and one of Stevenson’s smoking pipes.
EDINBURGH BOOK TOURS
Joining a walking book tour is one of the best ways to discover the city’s hidden gems with likeminded bibliophiles.
The Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour
The Edinburgh Book Lover’s Tour is regarded as one of the best tours the city has to offer. This fascinating, guided walking tour visits spots around the city made famous by authors such as Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith and is a great way to discover lesser-known facts and hidden parts of the city.
The Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
The award-winning Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour has welcomed over 500,000 visitors since it started in 1996 and is a must-see for book lovers visiting the city. This dramatic and insightful walking tour takes you from pub to pub in Edinburgh’s Old and New Town whilst exploring the work of Scotland’s famous, and also lesser-known literary figures.
The Potter Trail
The magical wizarding world of Harry Potter is synonymous with Edinburgh. The Potter Trail takes visitors on an enchanted journey to where the first book was written, the unusual street where JK Rowling got inspiration for Diagon Alley, and the tombs at Greyfriars Kirkyard that inspired some of the most famous characters.
EDINBURGH’S READING COMMUNITY
Edinburgh was recently voted the city with the strongest sense of community spirit in the UK – and that is very much the case when it comes to our reading community.
Lovely spaces, groups and local businesses’ have been set up to join likeminded lit lovers together and provide inspiration for your next read.
EDINBURGH’S BEST BOOKSHOPS
Edinburgh is home to no less than 50 charming bookshops, old and new, where cosy reading nooks await every type of book lover. The beautiful storefronts and intriguing interiors are so dreamy that they often feature on many an influencers feed.
From big to small, quirky to traditional, here is our top selection:
- Armchair Books – Arguably the most famous bookshop in Edinburgh, Armchair Books is a quirky store in West Port where second-hand treasures are piled high from floor to ceiling. Spend hours exploring the “alphabetized chaos”, chatting with their passionate staff and choosing your next read.
- McNaughtan’s Bookshop & Typewronger Books – Tucked away on Leith Walk you will find McNaughtans, the oldest second-hand bookshop in Scotland. Although it may be small in size, it is home to an impressive selection of antiquarian finds. It’s gallery hosts, Typewronger Books, is an event space specializing in an eclectic mix of secondhand typewriters and new books.
- Topping and Company – This grandeur store beautifully displays its selection of books across three floors. Take your time browsing with the help of their rolling ladders and make sure you stop for a cup of tea whilst you make your choice
- Golden Hare Books – A stunning bookstore in the delightful neighbourhood of Stockbridge. Here you will find the newest titles in fiction and non-fiction for adults and children in a trendy, relaxed setting.
- Ginger and Pickles – Another gem in the heart of Stockbridge, this independent bookshop is exclusively for children and young adults. They are proud to be the smallest bookshop in Edinburgh, and they have worked hard to make sure the layout is perfect for little explorers.
- Tills – This second-hand bookshop offers classics, modern books and rare finds and it’s coffee shop is the perfect place to sit and devour your new read.
- Far from the Maddening Crowd – Just a short train journey away in the historic town of Linlithgow, you will find Far From the Madding Crowd. An indie, award-winning, family run bookshop which prides itself on stocking every genre, and a magical children’s section. Make sure you also check out their range of gifts and stationery!
- Waterstones – Waterstones on Prices Street is a must-visit for booklovers visiting the city. As it’s Edinburgh’s largest bookshop, give yourself time to browse its four floors. When you reach the top, rest with a coffee overlooking the most magical views of the castle.
BRILLIANT EDINBURGH BOOK CLUBS
If you’re stuck in a reading rut, book clubs are a wonderful way to get inspiration for your next read and to meet like-minded book worms.
Rare Bird Books is a unique, Edinburgh based bookstore dedicated to female authors. Their popular book club is a rolling subscription where you get the choice between two secret titles, and a surprise book will be sent to your door.
Originating in Edinburgh, Words with Wine, is the UK’s first book and wine subscription box. Offering a nationwide monthly subscription where you will receive a book along with a perfectly paired full-sized bottle of wine and access to their online bookclub. This is a lovely treat for yourself or a loved one, and the perfect way to discover new authors.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT EDINBURGH FOR BOOK LOVERS
- It is said that Robert Louis Stevenson got his inspiration for the classic Treasure Island from an uninhabited island off the North Berwick coast where he used to visit as a child
- Waverly Station is the only train station in the world named after a book; Waverly written by Sir Walter Scott.
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created the beloved detective, Sherlock Holmes, whilst studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It is said that the fictional character was based on one of his tutors, Dr Joseph Bell
- It is believed JK Rowling took inspiration for some of her characters from Greyfriars Kirkyard. Including William McGonagall, a famously bad Scottish poet and the grave of Thomas Riddell
- The story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is thought to be based on the double life of Deacon Brodie, respectable craftsman from Edinburgh who lived a double life as a criminal
TOP 10 NOVELS INSPIRED BY EDINBURGH
Edinburgh’s breathtaking scenery and mysterious history has provided inspiration for many an author, with their deep connection to the city felt throughout the pages.
Our top 10 recommendations are a perfect example of this, and a must-read for all book lovers:
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
- The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner by James Hogg
- Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
- The New Confessions by William Boyd
- Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
- One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
- The Heart of Mid-Lothian by Sir Walter Scott
- Greyfriars Bobby by Eleanor Atkinson
- The Existential Detective by Alice Thompson
- Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall
THE BONHAM HOTEL
Situated in the West End, The Bonham Hotel is the perfect base to explore all that the city has to offer for book lovers. You can also discover our very own secret library…
