From Harry Potter To Sherlock Holmes: Edinburgh’s Literary History

Edinburgh, renowned as UNESCO’s "City of Literature," is a treasure trove of literary history. Its historic sites and neighborhoods serving as the muse for J K Rowling's Harry Potter series. It has inspired icons of Scottish literature, from Robert Burns, the national bard, to Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Conan Doyle. Here are 20 of the most captivating literary sites in Edinburgh, including pubs, hotels, and restaurants that were once the haunts of major literary figures.

A Literary Tourist’s Guide to Edinburgh: From Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes

The Oxford Bar, 8 Young St, Edinburgh EH2 4JB

The Bar is a favorite haunt of Ian Rankin, creator of the Inspector Rebus series. It is frequently mentioned in his novels.

Deacon Brodie's Tavern, 435 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2NT

Named after the infamous Deacon Brodie, who inspired Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Stevenson is closely associated with the tavern.

The Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

J.K. Rowling completed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows here and even signed a marble bust in her room.

Sandy Bell's, 25 Forrest Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2QH

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A traditional Scottish pub known for its folk music, it was frequented by poet and novelist Robert Garioch and other literary figures.

Greyfriars Kirkyard, 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE

The graveyard where J.K. Rowling found inspiration for some of the names in the Harry Potter series, including Tom Riddle.

Milne's Bar, 35 Hanover St, Edinburgh EH2 2PJ

Once the hub of Edinburgh's literary scene, known as the "Poets' Pub," frequented by Hugh MacDiarmid and other Scottish writers.

The Royal Oak, 1 Infirmary St, Edinburgh EH1 1LT

With its intimate setting and frequent visits from local writers and poets, The Royal Oak is a renowned pub for folk music. Its cozy ambiance makes it an ideal spot for literary inspiration, fostering a sense of connection to the vibrant literary world of Edinburgh.

The Writers' Museum, Lady Stair's House, Lady Stair's Cl, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PA

The Museum celebrates the lives and works of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. It houses rare manuscripts, personal items, and portraits.

Makars' Court, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA

Makar's Court is a literary landmark outside the Writers' Museum, featuring quotes and hand prints from famous Scottish writers inscribed on the paving stones.

The Abbotsford Bar, 35 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 2PR

The Bar is a historic pub with Victorian decor frequented by writers such as Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting.

St. Giles' Cathedral, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

It is the setting for the famous St. Giles' Lectures, which have drawn many notable Scottish writers and thinkers over the years.

Armchair Books, 7274 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE

This secondhand bookshop is known for its vast and eclectic collection. It's a favorite among students, writers, and book lovers.

The Canny Man's, 237 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4QU

A traditional Scottish pub serving locals since 1871, frequented by Scottish writers like Muriel Spark.

The World's End Pub, 28 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TB

A historic pub on the Royal Mile, mentioned in several literary works and known for its atmospheric connection to Edinburgh's past.

The Elephant House, 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN

It is famous as the place where J.K. Rowling wrote parts of the early Harry Potter books. It's often referred to as the "birthplace" of Harry Potter.

Valvona & Crolla, 19 Elm Row, Edinburgh EH7 4AA

It is a famous Italian deli and wine shop loved by author Ian Rankin, who has mentioned it in his novels.

The Conan Doyle Tavern, 71-73 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD

Named after Sir Conan Doyle, Sherlock Holmes inventor, the tavern sits close to the authors birthplace and across the street from the famous statute of Holmes.

Blackwell's Bookshop, 5362 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1YS

Located in the shadow of Edinburgh University, this bookshop is known for its extensive selection of academic and literary books.

St. Bernard's Well, Dean Bank Ln, Edinburgh EH4 3BG

A picturesque spot in Stockbridge where Robert Louis Stevenson and other writers found inspiration.

The Royal Mile, Runs from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace

The heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, with numerous literary connections and historic sites, including the site where Sir Walter Scott's Waverley was published.

Edinburgh was both the inspiration and the setting where J K Rowling wrote her Harry Potter series. See The Potter Trail for a free guided tour of all things Potter related in Edinburgh.

Additionally, these sites offer a rich tapestry of Edinburgh's literary heritage, from Arthur Conan Doyle to Robert Louis Stevenson, to Walter Scott to Robert Burns, making them essential stops for any literature enthusiast visiting the city. The literary landscape of Edinburgh is vast and vibrant, from the cafes where great novels were written to the pubs that inspired famous characters, the museums that enshrine them and the perfect place to discover all things Harry Potter.