A Bookish Gal’s Guide to Edinburgh
I had so much fun visiting Scotland for a whole week. In this list I want to share some of my research and the best places I visited!
Hi! I’m Hayley, your bookish travel gal. I put hours of research into all my trips to make sure I visit some of the best places I can!
I started my travel Instagram (@bookmoretravels) in May of 2024. And while my insta content focuses on more bookish and nyc- I wanted another space to share all the fun places I go to!
While this is not a complete list, it is all the places I personally recommend! Looking for bookstores? Check out my other post with my complete bookstore guide.
When the weather is nice- hiking to the top of Arthur’s Seat is a must!
Where to Eat
Alby's Southside | 94 Buccleuch St, Edinburgh EH8 9NH, United Kingdom
One of the best sandwiches of my life. Seriously so good! Tried their Chicken Thigh Pakora and would love to try others- take it to go and eat it at The Meadows.
The Colonnades at the Signet Library | The Signet Library, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh EH1 1RF, United Kingdom
Come hungry to this afternoon tea in a library! Right on the royal mile but it’s still a quiet oasis. So much yummy food!
Lannan Bakery | 29-35 Hamilton Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5BA, United Kingdom
Some of the yummiest and most unique pastries I have ever had. You really can’t go wrong with anything here!
Makars Mash Bar | 9-12 Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LN, United Kingdom
Famous spot for mashed potatoes- all kinds of ways! Pick your protein (including veggie options!) and yummy traditional sides like scotch eggs and haggis.
Oink | Multiple Locations
Every day each store gets one whole hog and serves Scottish hog roast on rolls until it runs out. Pick your sauce and toppings and enjoy!
Where to Drink
Books N’ Cup Cafe | 16 Raeburn Pl, Edinburgh EH4 1HN, United Kingdom & 23 Home St, Edinburgh EH3 9JR, United Kingdom
This bookstore themed cafe has a selection of drinks and pastries to try. Make sure to sit a while in one of their comfy chairs and enjoy!
Frankenstein | 26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN, United Kingdom
A famous monster themed bar with three levels and a monster creating show.
Heads & Tales Gin Bar | 1a Rutland St, Edinburgh EH1 2AD, United Kingdom
This underground bar serves only gin. You don’t really need a menu- tell the bartender what you like and they will make something!
Sköll & Hati | 3A Merchant St, Edinburgh EH1 2QD, United Kingdom
Inventive cocktail bar with a menu inspired by Norse mythology. A great vibe!
The Milkman | 7 Cockburn St, Edinburgh EH1 1BP, United Kingdom
Probably the most famous cafe in Edinburgh- and for good reason! Great pastries and amazing coffee.
Where to Shop
Tron Kirk Market | 122 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SG, UK
Church turned makers market with several local vendors perfect for souvenir shopping!
The Knights Vault | 102 W Bow, Edinburgh EH1 2HH, United Kingdom
A store full of swords, crests and other knight paraphernalia to shop through.
Lackdhu Arts` | 62 - 64 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QE, United Kingdom
A cute shop full of art and prints with custom framing done in house.
The Red Door Gallery | 42 Victoria St, Edinburgh EH1 2JW, United Kingdom
A cute boutique with a ton of local goods- along with a room full of cards and art!
Scottish Design Exchange | 117-119 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN, United Kingdom
A large showroom of dozens on local artists and makers. Perfect for shopping!
Other Points of Interest
Arthur’s Seat
This mountain peak has spectacular views of the city. If the weather is good you can see for miles! There are a variety of paths to take depending on your activity level- it took me about an hour and I spent some time at the top!
Circus Lane
A picturesque tiny street great for photos!
Dean Village Edinburgh | Dere House, Damside, Edinburgh EH4 3BB, United Kingdom
A stunning river and colorful homes make for a great walk. I recommend walking the Water of Leith Walkway afterwards towards the neighborhood of Stockbridge for shopping and restaurants.
Greyfriars Bobby Statue | Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, United Kingdom
An iconic statue of one of the best dogs in the world- who laid at his owner’s grave for fourteen years!
Paddington Bear Statue | 42 St Andrew Sq, Edinburgh EH2 2AD, United Kingdom
Paddington has popped up all over the UK! You can sit with him in a local park and take photos.
St Giles' Cathedral | High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
Stunning historic church you can visit and tour.
Victoria St
A curved street full of brightly colored shops to walk by and take photos!
Waterstones | 128 Princes St., Edinburgh EH2 4AD, United Kingdom
While this isn’t a post about bookstores, I have to include this Waterstones. It has stunning views of the Edinburgh castle from its top floor cafe!
The Writers' Museum | Lawnmarket, Lady Stair's Cl, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom
Personal items and history from three of Edinburgh’s most famous writers- Burns, Scott and Stevenson. A free museum that is so worth a visit!
