Read in
Scotland
Designated the World’s First City of Literature by UNESCO, visiting Edinburgh, Scotland feels like stepping into a city where literature, history, and everyday life coexist in a simple yet beautiful way. Castles and medieval churches line the main streets where you can browse bookshops and visit tea rooms. It’s a great city for solo or literary travel.
West Princes St Garden
Edinburgh Castle
Famous Writers You’ll Hear About Often
Agatha Christie
Sir. Walter Scott
Robert Burns
Robert Louis Stevenson
Visit Edinburgh’s New Town and Old Town
In Edinburgh’s Old Town, visit the Royal Mile, a tourist attraction you’ll hear about often. The Royal Mile has medieval streets, shops, and cultural attractions, like the Writers’ Museum. In Edinburgh’s New Town, visit Princes Street Garden famous and find famous statutes on George Street.
Recommended readings
The Waverley Novels, by Sir. Walter Scott
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson
Autumn, by Ali Smith
At a glance
My reading experience in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a dreamlike city for solo literary wanderers. It is also a walkable city (beware of hilly areas). I enjoyed walking up and walking Edinburgh’s New Town alone in the early mornings, only me and garbage trucks on the streets. It felt serene. It felt safe.
For reading groups, the city offers many attractions that can be scheduled into a week’s retreat, and there are also public outdoor spaces for reading.
Things to Do
Wander the Royal Mile in Old Town. In the heart of Edinburgh’s historic district, this is an iconic series of medieval streets that hosts historic buildings.
Visit the Writers’ Museum. A free museum, this is where you can find and learn about the life and works of Sir. Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Robert Louis Stevenson. You will also encounter an old printing press.
Spend a day on George Street in New Town. Named after King George III, this is one of the main streets that runs parallel to Princes Street. It is a unique shopping street, rife with restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and boutiques. Many statutes adorn this street, including one of King George III.
Climb up to the Castle. You will see the castle from Princes Street as you walk by attractions in Edinburgh. The castle adds to the charm of the city. However, if you can, climb the hill to visit it and learn the history.
Read in Princes Street Garden. With views of the castle from West Princes Street Garden and the adornment of several beds of roses, this public garden is a stunning space to retreat and read.
