Literary Edinburgh: A Book-Lovers Guide to Scotland’s Capital

Harry Potter tour

Muggles and wizards alike will enjoy this tour! Explore cobblestone streets that inspired Diagon Alley, the graveyard boasting names like Thomas Riddell and McGonagall, and the café where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter.

Writer’s Museum

As the City of Literature, it’s only right to have a museum honoring three of Edinburgh’s famous authors: Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Robert Burns. View personal items, original works, and portraits of each writer, housed in a beautiful 17th century townhouse tucked away just off the Royal Mile.

Greyfriar’s Kirkyard tour

Spend time wandering the famous graveyard with names that inspired characters from Harry Potter. While it’s a stop on the Harry Potter tour, it’s a landmark in its own right. For brave visitors, book a haunted tour at night and learn the true history of the graveyard and perhaps even meet a few… lingering spirits.

Scottish Storytelling Centre

Edinburgh’s literary history is kept alive and well at the world’s first arts venue purpose-built for live storytelling. Their calendar boasts year-round events, art exhibits, and theater productions - the perfect venue to enjoy Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Literary pub tour

A fun and immersive actor-led tour where scenes are performed in and around literary landmarks in Old and New Town Edinburgh. A great way for book and theater lovers alike to explore the city.

Victoria Street

The famed inspiration for Diagon Alley and easily one of the most photogenic streets in Old Town. Stroll boutique shops, tuck into a cozy pub, or pop up to the terrace at the top of the street for an iconic photo.

Scott Monument

Lovingly referred to as ‘the gothic rocket,’ the Scott Monument, built to honor Sir Walter Scott, is hard to miss. It’s the largest monument to a writer in the entire world, rising proudly over Princes Street Gardens, which connects New to Old Town Edinburgh.

Leith Shore

The now trendy and lively neighborhood is chock full of restaurants and bars, and offers a gritty contrast to Old Town Edinburgh. Leith Shore is home to Irvine Welsh’s characters in Trainspotting.

Brunswick Book Club

This local spot in Leith—the location of a librarian’s community hub and hangout in the 1800s—has transcended from literal book club to cozy, apothecary-style pub and cocktail bar.

Conan Doyle Pub

Grab a pint and toast to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the indelible character, Sherlock Holmes.

Deacon Brodies Tavern

An unmissable pub on the Royal Mile, named for real-life Deacon William Brodie, whose double-life inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

Panda & Sons

One of Edinburgh’s best cocktail bars, this retro speakeasy is ‘hidden’ in the facade of New Town barbershop. Does it have a direct tie to literary history? No. Is it mysterious, delicious, and award-winning like a good novel? Yes.

Colonnades at Signet Library

It’s worth booking ahead for afternoon tea at this beloved Old Town institution. Housed within a stunning historic library, it’s proof that tea tastes even better when surrounded by books and history.