Edinburgh: Creative City of Literature

Storytelling and the written word have been the life force of Edinburgh’s art and culture for centuries. Its contributions to the world of literature are so rich and well-recognised that in 2004, Edinburgh became the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and is now celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Burns Monument with Arthur's Seat in the background

Discover why Edinburgh is so special

Did you know the English Department of the University of Edinburgh is the oldest in the world at 250 years?

People enjoying the sun in Princes Street Gardens

This is the only city in the world to erect a 60-metre-tall monument in honour of one of Scotland’s greatest writers, Sir Walter Scott. Writers as diverse as Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns, JM Barrie, Muriel Spark, and Harry Potter author JK Rowling, have all been inspired and enriched by the creative fabric of the city.

Boasting the world’s largest literature festival, home to a myriad of bookshops and festivals, not to mention the highest concentration of public libraries in Scotland – Edinburgh is a city which celebrates the power of the written word quite unlike any other. Did you know that the first book ever printed in Scotland was printed in Edinburgh in 1508?

Find ways to get involved in Scotland's literary history

Edinburgh’s love of books and writers isn’t simply memorialised in stone and mortar. Here, writing is the heart and soul of the city, with year-round events and festivals celebrating the power of the pen, including the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The Writers' Museum

Discover Scotland's greatest writers.

Scottish Storytelling Centre - John Knox House

A home for Scotland's culture, this unique venue incorporates contemporary design and entertainment with medieval architecture and intrigue.

National Library of Scotland

A must-visit for all visitors to the capital looking to discover more about Scotland’s history and culture.

Scottish Poetry Library

The Scottish Poetry Library is a unique national resource and advocate for the art of poetry, and Scottish poetry in particular.

Edinburgh International Book Festival

Get your culture fix at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, with famous authors, special workshops and bookish events to enjoy.

Scott Monument

A tribute to one of Scotland's finest writers.

Library of Mistakes

Edinburgh’s Library of Mistakes is a hub of research, intellectual curiosity and conviviality set in the city's historic New Town.

Edinburgh Literary Events Calendar

Enjoy year-round literature events celebrating the work of poets and authors

Explore more things to do in Edinburgh

Exploring the Local Area

You can follow bespoke poetry walks for a poet's view of the city or look out for plaques by Historic Environment Scotland. These appear on streets and buildings connected to not just well-known literary figures, but also those who have previously been marginalised by history.

Embark on a literary Tour or Experience

Go that little bit further to experience all the Edinburgh has to offer with a fascinating literary guided tour or stop by one of the city’s welcoming bookshops.

The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street, Edinburgh

Sustainable Local Businesses

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold. Find a sustainable attraction to visit or cosy place to stay in Edinburgh.

Explore more sustainable things to do in Edinburgh

How to get around

Tram on Princes Street with Edinburgh Castle in the background
© Kenny Lam

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‘Edinburgh remains a city of the mind, a writer’s city’ – Ian Rankin

Edinburgh is a compact and highly walkable city, equipped with a well-connected public transport network, encompassing a 24-hour bus service and tram system.

Edinburgh is also very cycle-friendly, with off-road bike paths, on-road cycle lanes, forward stop lines at traffic lights, reduced speed limits and other bike safety measures.

Still the best way to soak up the city is on foot. Admire the centuries old buildings, cobbled streets, quaint shops and cafés, and all the other fascinating sights and attractions the capital has to offer along the way.

Find out more about getting to and around Edinburgh & The Lothians

Explore ways to travel to Edinburgh