Edinburgh: UNESCO City of Literature and Harry Potter - Scotland, UK
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View from Calton Hill
Destinations > Europe > United Kingdom > Scotland > Edinburgh: UNESCO City of Literature and Harry Potter
Edinburgh, Scotland
The Capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh is the seventh most populous city in the United Kingdom. Edinburgh is also known by the nickname Auld Reekie or Old Smoky because of the time when the city’s air was filled with smoke due to the predominant burning of wood and coal.
Other than being known as a center of education - especially in the fields of literature, philosophy, and medicine - this city is also full of historical and cultural attractions which made it the second most visited tourist destination in the United Kingdom.
Edinburgh Walking Tours
Every walking tour of Edinburgh should include at least one of the locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s writing of the Harry Potter books, or the cafes that she sat in while writing them - even if you aren’t a fan of the books or films. Why? Because they weren’t turned into “Harry Potter” locations - they simply were there before she wrote the books and were pretty amazing then - so, she incorporated them into her books in some way or another. Do you know J.K Rowling got much of her inspiration to write the famous Harry Potter series in Edinburgh? This explains why certain parts of the beautiful city, including the cobbled streets and the train station, look familiar!
RELATED: Harry Potter Magic in Edinburgh Tour
Culture and Customs of Scotland
Additionally, did you know that the culture in Scotland is quite a bit different from that of England? One of the best ways to learn more about the culture and customs of Scotland is to pick up this handy - but short - guide which will give you a much deeper understanding of the history of Scotland to have a better appreciation of the things that you see and the people that you meet here.
The Scottish Highlands
While this article will give you most of the best places to see in Edinburgh, we recommend seeing more than just Edinburgh if you are visiting Scotland. Actually, you should be able to fit in a 2-4 day Self-Guided Scotland Highlands drive at the very least, but - to make the planning much easier and to guarantee you’ll see the biggest highlights of the highlands - we’d recommend grabbing this amazing highlands tour if a spot is still available!
RELATED: Loch Ness, Highlands and Whisky Distillery Day Tour from Edinburgh (5.0 / 5.0 Star Rating)
The Best of Edinburgh
So, what are some of the most amazing places to visit in Edinburgh? Here are some of the best Edinburgh city tours and locations - these should be on everyone’s Edinburgh Itinerary!
Calton Hill Edinburgh Walk
Located at the east end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers a spectacular panoramic view of the whole city. From the top of the hill, you get a great view of both Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat! You can also pay £5 to get to the top of the Nelson Monument - a telescope-looking tower that was built in the early 18th century to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson, who died during the Battle of Trafalgar. Even though climbing on 143 steps could sound tiring - you will be rewarded with the best view of Edinburgh!
Another highlight that you can find on Calton Hill Edinburgh is the National Monument of Scotland - which has been perched on top of the hill unfinished since the 18th century! The monument might look familiar once you lay your eyes upon it since it was actually inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. No wonder that Edinburgh is known as the Athens of the North.
Other interesting historical monuments sitting on the hill are the Old Royal High School and the Dugald Stewart Monument - which is also inspired by a building in Athens called the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates.
Sir Walter Scott Monument, Edinburgh
Standing tall in the Princes Street Gardens is the Scott Monument - which is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland’s most famous writers. Believe it or not, with a height of 61 meters tall, this is the tallest monument to a writer in the whole wide world!
It is absolutely hard to miss this monument as it consists of a tall Victorian Gothic spire towering over the street. You can even spot 68 small figurative statues of the characters from Scott’s novels as well as other Scottish writers at the monument. Under the monument, you can find a large marble statue of Walter Scott himself sitting with his beloved dog, Maida.
If you wish to know more about Sir Walter Scott - such as his life and legacy - you can head to the Museum Room inside of the monument. Also, don’t forget to climb up 288 narrow stairs to reach the top of the monument for a breathtaking view of the beautiful city!
Arthur’s Seat Hike
If you’re feeling adventurous, Arthur's Seat is an excellent way to indulge. For more background and history, including learning more of the local lore of places like St. Anthony’s Chapel Ruins, you should definitely consider the Arthur’s Seat Tour in your itinerary instead.
Located in Holyrood Park, this huge green hill is the remains of an extinct volcano that erupted about 350 million years ago. To reach Arthur’s Seat, which is the highest point on this extinct volcano, you will have to hike to the top.
Although we walked through town to get to one of the trail heads, you can also try to find a place to park your vehicle. You’ll find that there are several Arthur’s Seat routes that you can take, so choose the route that suits you best. If you want an easy walk, you can go with the paved trail that leads you to Salisbury Crags. However, for a little more adventure - filled with dramatic views - can choose the dirt route where you’ll have a gradual hike up to the top. This route will take you around 30-60 minutes to finish and reach the top.
At the top of Arthur’s Seat, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful 360° view of Scotland’s capital city. Do keep in mind that it is pretty windy up there, so be careful!
Arthur’s Seat Routes
For more information about the hiking trails, refer here.
Royal Mile Edinburgh Pubs
The Royal Mile is where you can find cobbled streets stretching through the heart of the city of Edinburgh. One of the most impressive structures on the Royal Mile is St. Giles Cathedral, but there are also a number of other churches, law courts, and of course, a wide range of tourist attractions, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. There is usually also at least one person playing the bag pipes! Learn more about the history and hidden secrets of the Royal Mile with this 5-Star Rated Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour!
Other than being a great spot for shopping, there is also a famous tourist attraction here called the Camera Obscura - Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attraction with five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions and tricks.
Top 10 Royal Mile Edinburgh Pubs
The Bow Bar
Divino Enoteca Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
Whiski Rooms (see review below in Pubs & Restaurants section)
The Royal Mile Tavern
Ensign Ewart
The White Horse Oyster & Seafood Bar
The Devil’s Advocate
The Holyrood 9A
Jolly Judge
Arcade Bar
Other highly rated and unique Pubs include (#11-21): Monteiths, Whiski Bar & Restaurant, The White Hart Inn, The World's End, Tolbooth Tavern, Greyfriars Bobby, Deacon Brodie's Tavern, Biddy Mulligans, The Mitre Bar, Frankenstein Pub, and the Beehive Inn.
Also consider the Edinburgh Premium Whisky Tour and Tasting if you want to try some of THE BEST REAL SCOTCH!
The Royal Mile is also packed with a number of events and activities all year round! See the largest art festival in the world - the Edinburgh Fringe Festival - here every August!
Victoria Street - “Diagon Alley”
This 2-floor street is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic streets due to its beautifully colored storefronts and curved road. Here you’ll find a wide variety of stores, including: John Kay’s Antique Store, Howie’s Scottish Restaurant, Scott’s Kitchen Café, I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger, The Whiskey Shop, The Bow Bar, International - French, British, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Mexican - Restaurants, Clothing Stores, an Art Gallery, Gift Shops, the Isle of Skye Candle Company, Seafood, Pastries, and a shop called The Great Wizard - which is themed after - Harry Potter.
It is rumored that this street inspired J.K. Rowling’s idea for “Diagon Alley” in the Harry Potter franchise, and thus it now draws crowds of fans from all over the world. Just around the corner are Greyfriars Kirkyard and The Elephant House café, two other major “Harry Potter” and J.K. Rowling hotspots. Without a doubt, the best way to see all of the known, and secret, Harry Potter spots in Edinburgh is with the 5-star rated Harry Potter Walking Tour - over 300 Harry Potter fans can’t be wrong!
Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour
For those who are a fan of mystery and spooky things, a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard, the most haunted graveyard in the world will not disappoint you. This old cemetery dating back to the 15th century is believed to be haunted by George MacKenzie, a ruthless prosecutor of the Scottish Covenanters. Legends are saying that the spirit was released when a homeless man broke into MacKenzie’s final resting place called the Black Mausoleum, hoping to find a sleeping spot.
Ever since that, there have been mysterious reports saying that those who delve into the graveyards and the Covenanters' Prison at night will come out with bruises and scratches - spooky, isn’t it?
However, during the day, Greyfriars Kirkyard is actually an idyllic place for a stroll. You can spot unique stone-carved angels of the death and a few other eerie figures adorning the tombstones. Right on the opposite side of the kirkyard, you can also find a statue of Greyfriar Bobby - a loyal Skye Terrier that guards his master’s grave for 14 years. For Harry Potter fans, you can even hunt for the graves that inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter characters such as He Who Must Not Be Named!
If you are really up for a scary adventure, you can go for the Greyfriars Kirkyard Ghost Tour where you’ll be told about the history and legends of the place while walking around the eerie cemetery! You can visit this website for more detail about the tour.
#FunFact: Located just a few steps away, you can find the Elephant House Cafe which is the exact place where J.K Rowling sat and scribbled the first few lines of the Harry Potter book.
Edinburgh Dungeon
After strolling around the lively city and satisfying your sweet cravings, continue your trip by delving into the undergrounds of Edinburgh Dungeon - a fun and horror tourist attraction located at the East Market Street. Founded about 20 years ago, visitors get to see Scottish historical events in a fun and scary style where you’ll be on interactive rides as well as watch the professional actors interacting with you with special effects.
One of the popular shows that you can participate in is the Witches’ Judgement. During this show, you’ll enter the witch’s interrogation chamber and meet Agnes Finnie who was accused of witchcraft and sorcery back in the 16th century. After this show, you’ll realize how fast you can run!
Other shows that you shouldn’t miss in the Edinburgh Dungeon are The Courtroom, The Business of Murder, Edinburgh’s Vaults, and so many more!
Edinburgh Dungeon Tickets
Tickets cost £26 for adults and £24 for children. You can grab your tickets online to guarantee it won’t be sold out when you arrive by going here.
RELATED: Ghost Bus Tour of Edinburgh
Edinburgh St. Cuthberts
Edinburgh St. Cuthberts is a lively Parish Church that can be found at the foot of the Castle Rock. Founded by St. Cuthbert about 11,000 years ago, this church surrounded by green trees is believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh.
Inside the church, you’ll get to see its magnificent stained glass including a Tiffany Window that has an image of David heading off to face Goliath. If you’re searching for peace, you can try and take a quiet walk around the peaceful graveyard where you can also get a great view of the castle on the rock.
#FunFact 1: This church is where Agatha Christie, the Queen of Crime got remarried.
#FunFact 2: The inventor of Logarithm, John Napier is buried right here at the church’s graveyard.
Edinburgh Castle
Standing on top of a volcanic crag 135 meters above sea level is the magnificent Edinburgh Castle which is also the main landmark of this capital city of Scotland. The castle had been on the crag as early as the 12th century and acted as a residence for the Scottish Monarch.
Once you’ve reached the castle, you’ll come across St. Margaret’s Chapel. Built in 1130 by King David I to honor his mother, the chapel is considered the oldest building in the castle! Inside, you can find beautiful stained glass and this small chapel happens to be a popular venue for small weddings too! Besides the chapel, you can also find the mighty Mons Meg Cannon which is one of the world’s largest cannons by caliber.
Inside the Royal Palace of Edinburgh Castle, you can find the Laich Hall which has a beautiful fireplace and a small room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to King James VI of Scotland in 1566. Other attractions that you can visit in the castle are the Great Hall where you can find an amazing collection of arms and armors, as well as the Scottish National War Memorial which was built to honor the Scots who have died in World War I.
Also, do not miss an event where precisely at 1 pm, the One O’Clock Gun at the castle will be fired! The Edinburgh Castle entry fee will cost you around £17.50 for adults and £10.50 for children aged 5 to 15. You can get the Edinburgh Castle Online Ticket here.
Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge is yet another impressive major landmark that you can find in Edinburgh. Built by over 4,500 men in the late 18th century, this place is now declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Designed by two English engineers, Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, this jaw-dropping bridge has a total length of 2,467 meters that connects the villages of South Queensferry and North Queensferry.
Three Bridges Boat Trip from Edinburgh: This is the best experience to see the Forth Bridge! You’ll begin your Forth Bridge Tour by boarding the bus at Waverly Bridge. On the bus, you will witness a beautiful view by the window while listening to the interesting facts along the way. You will then continue the tour on a boat where you will get an up-close view of the bridge. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see a couple of seals popping out of the water to say hello!
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Located at the end of Royal Mile is the official Scotland residence of Her Majesty The Queen. The Palace was built in a quadrangle layout in the 16th century and at the beginning of each summer, Queen Elizabeth would spend a week at the palace while carrying out various official engagements.
However, when the members of the Royal Family are not in residence, the Holyroodhouse Palace is open to the public! Also known as Home of Mary, Queen of Scots, visitors can get the opportunity to visit the lovely Royal Gardens, the ruins of the 12th-century Holyrood Abbey, as well as 14 beautifully decorated State Apartments.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse tickets will cost you around £16.50 for adults and £9.50 for those aged 6 to 17. What’s best is that the entry fee also includes a multimedia tour, so you can admire the beauty of the palace while listening to the audio and learn its history.
TIP: This is a great place to stop either before or after your hike up to Arthur’s Seat as it is next to the rear trail path!
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is located on Chambers Street, just across from the infamous Greyfriars Bobby Pub and Statue.
This National Museum was first constructed in 1861 and now houses a huge collection of antiquities of Scotland as well as Scottish archaeological finds, medieval objects, and other artifacts from all over the world.
One of the famous exhibits that you can find at the museum is the stuffed body of Dolly the Sheep - the first-ever successfully cloned mammal that was named after Dolly Parton! Other highlights include one of Elton John’s flamboyant suits as well as the magnificent Millenium Clock Tower standing at 10 meters high.
At the newer building of the museum, you can also find galleries that display Scottish history in chronological order - at the lowest level, you can find artifacts and items from the prehistoric to the medieval period. Other than that, no fee is required to gain entry to the National Museum of Scotland.
It is open daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Located less than 2 kilometers from the city center, the 72-acres Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is believed to be one of the finest botanical gardens in the world. The garden was first founded in 1670 as a physic garden where medicinal plants were grown. Now, the serene garden is home to a variety of plant species and offers a fantastic view of the city including the Edinburgh Castle!
One of the main highlights in this garden is the Glasshouse where it is filled with tall palm trees and ferns to complement the Victorian era. You can find over 3,000 exotic plants in the garden including the 200-year old palm tree. Other than that, each of the glasshouses also has different climates - from steamy tropics to dry deserts.
Besides that, you can also visit the Garden’s contemporary art Gallery, Inverleith House, to view fine artworks. Visitors can also stroll around the Woodland Garden as well as the famous Rock Garden! To enter the garden, no entry fee is required. However, if you wish to explore the glasshouses, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh prices are £7 for adults while children below 15 can enter for free!
Vegetarian Restaurants in Edinburgh
RELATED: 3-Hour Secret Food Tour in Edinburgh w/ Private Tour Option
Whiski Rooms
If you’re ready to be served some amazing Cullen Skink, Salmon Three Ways, and some of the best Scottish Cheese Selection while tasting authentic Scotch in the perfect up-scale feeling Scottish pub, look no further than the Whiski Rooms located on Bank Street, just off of the Royal Mile.
YES! They offer VEGAN Haggis, and even a standard or VEGAN Haggis Tower as a lunch special as well as many other authentic Scottish favorites - check out their full menus here. So, if the thought of eating real haggis has your stomach turning, look no further! Although we had just tried Vegan Haggis at Henderson’s Vegan Restaurant (now permanently closed), we really wish we would have had it here instead!
√ for having tried Haggis!
They also offer an Introduction to Whiskey Tasting, a Whiskey & Cheese Tasting, and a Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting. Reservations are recommended as spots can fill up days in advance!
We enjoyed every last bite and drop of each of the items that we were served.
The Auld Hoose
If you wish to make your tummy happy, a dine-in at this pub is definitely worth it! Located in St. Leonard’s Street, The Auld Hoose is famously known for its big plate of mouth-watering nachos! Ordering this will grant you a plate full of nachos topped with delicious cheese, kidney beans, jalapenos, sour cream, and fresh guacamole. If you’re looking for vegan food in Edinburgh, look no more as they have a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian menu as well!
The Auld Hoose is also the best pub for you to have a couple of drinks while chilling in the old city of Edinburgh. When it comes to drinks, the pub’s main highlight is whiskey - they have at least 27 bottles for you to choose from! If you fancy beers, be sure to order up the Titanic Plum Porter. Other than having great food and drinks, you can also find their legendary jukebox that has the best selection of metal, punk, and goth music. Of course, since it’s a pub, no kids are allowed, however, you can bring your dogs with you!
Kaspa’s Desserts, Edinburgh
Located at the corner of Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, this dessert heaven is a place that you should not miss especially if you have a sweet tooth! Founded in 2013, Kaspas Desserts Edinburgh offers a wide selection of scrumptious sweet delicacies at reasonable prices.
Once you step into this massive dessert house, you’ll notice that the interior is inspired by the American-style diner, decorated with black and pink furniture and lights. If you’re craving for sweet and fluffy waffles, go ahead and order their White Chocolate Indulgence Waffle - a fresh plate of waffle drizzled with a generous amount of white chocolate sauce and flakes accompanied by banana slices and juicy strawberries to balance the taste.
Other than waffles, you can also enjoy hot coffees, milkshakes, sundaes, cakes, and puddings here!
Top Recommendations for Edinburgh
The gothic city is packed with numerous interesting attractions that will give you different experiences - you can learn the city’s history by visiting the various museums and monuments, challenge your fitness by hiking up Arthur’s Seat or face your fear of ghosts by going to the City of the Dead Tour at Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Here are our absolute top recommendations for Edinburgh:
Definitely walk around Calton Hill - the views from there are absolutely stunning!
Walk the entire Royal Mile - from the Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse - there is just so much happening there that it’s the lifeblood of Edinburgh
Spend a day roaming around Victoria Street - or take the Harry Potter tour - and explore all of the unique shops here, it’s so fun and exciting!
In addition to these recommendations, we also suggest that you find your way into the Highlands for at least a day. Although we would recommend making it HALF of your trip because there is so much Scottish history and amazing natural beauty to be seen in the highlands that your trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without it (see our article on the Highlands here). The highlands are an absolute must when visiting Edinburgh!
Please let us know if you have any questions by writing in the comments below - we’ll be happy to help!
FAQ’s
Which specific locations in Edinburgh inspired the settings within the Harry Potter series?
Edinburgh's rich history and architecture have inspired many settings in the Harry Potter series. The majestic Edinburgh Castle and the grandeur of Edinburgh University are believed to have influenced the creation of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The winding and cobbled streets, especially the colorful Victoria Street and West Bow, are thought to have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the magical marketplace in the series.
How does the Elephant House café contribute to the Harry Potter experience in Edinburgh?
The Elephant House café holds a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans as the spot where J.K. Rowling spent time writing the early manuscripts of the series. Although currently closed due to a fire, it is a significant landmark for fans visiting the city, often referred to as the 'birthplace' of Harry Potter.
What is the significance of Greyfriars Kirkyard in relation to Harry Potter?
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a key site for Harry Potter enthusiasts. It is believed that J.K. Rowling drew inspiration for character names from the tombstones within the graveyard. Notably, the name Thomas Riddle can be found here, which fans recognize as the birth name of Lord Voldemort, the series' main antagonist. The kirkyard's atmosphere also potentially inspired the graveyard scene in Godric's Hollow, where Harry's parents are buried.
(1) Edinburgh: UNESCO City of Literature and Harry Potter - Scotland, UK .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/edinburgh-unesco-city-of-literature-and-harry-potter.
(2) The ultimate Harry Potter guide to Edinburgh. https://edinburgh.org/blog/the-ultimate-harry-potter-guide-to-edinburgh/.
(3) Literature City Guide - Forever Edinburgh. https://edinburgh.org/inspire/edinburgh-city-guides/literature/.
(4) Harry Potter Edinburgh Attractions - Mini Travellers. https://minitravellers.co.uk/harry-potter-edinburgh/.
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