Jun 2, 2025

Lighthouse Bookshop Edinburgh

Revolutionary reads

""Lighthouse Bookshop" is a wonderful independent bookseller that's keeping Edinburgh's literary tradition alive. For literary lovers with a conscience!"

Edinburgh has a rich literary tradition. It was named the world’s first UNESCO city of literature in 2004, it is the birthplace of many authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson and hosts the Edinburgh International book festival every summer. Keeping this tradition alive are the wonderful independent booksellers of the city and Lighthouse Bookshop is one of the best.

Tucked away on a side street in between the Edinburgh University central campus and bustling Nicholson Street, Lighthouse Bookshop is a welcome refuge for literary lovers with a conscience.

Lighthouse Bookshop specialises in left-wing politics and championing marginalised voices. It offers the usual categories from fiction to cookery as well as more unusual offerings such as zines and works from local independent presses. Lighthouse is a great place to discover different voices and little known subjects with writers from across the world.

As with any great bookshop, this is not just a place to buy books: Lighthouse plays an active role in the local community. There are book clubs, regular literary talks as well as a “pay it forward” initiative where you can pay towards a book for someone else who may not be able to afford it otherwise. During the summer, they co-host the “Book Fringe” a programme of free literary events with another independent bookseller called Golden Hare Books. Check out Fiona’s article on them here: Golden Hare – Book shop or art gallery?

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

West Nicolson Street 43

Paperback:

£

8.99

+44

01316629112

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

Manna House Bakery

Incredible bakery/eatery

"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mark

Gorman

Jun 6, 2025

Craiglockhart Hill

The overlooked hill

Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Jun 3, 2025

Corstorphine Hill

Not just the zoo

The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Jun 2, 2025

The Hanging Bat

Craft beer heaven

"The Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

The Jazz Bar

Eclectic late -night music spot

"The Jazz Bar" Edinburgh: a lively subterranean music club that really comes alive after midnight. I really like the crowd on weekends & their caipirinha!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

The Stand

Legendary Edinburgh comedy club

"The Stand" in Edinburgh is a legendary comedy club that plays host to some of the best talents out there. I like to sit in the front row, but I'm brave!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

The Roseburn Bar

A real Edinburgh pub

"The Roseburn Bar" is a 19th-century pub that's played host to generations of local people. It's a proper Edinburgh pub and I love it on Friday evenings!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

The Royal Oak

A folk music institution

"The Royal Oak" is the beating heart of Edinburgh's traditional music scene. This is a gem of a pub to visit, and I like coming on Friday/Saturday night.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

Bramble

Cocktails by candlelight

"Bramble" in Edinburgh is a dark little hidden bar that serves some of the best cocktails in town. I love this candle-lit, shabby-chic haven...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

I.J. Mellis

Always time for cheese & wine

"I.J. Mellis" in Edinburgh is a small cheesemonger's that stocks some of the city's best restaurants. I like going there for their tasting room...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

The Diggers

Whisky & local charm galore

"The Diggers": a traditional 19th century neighborhood pub in Edinburgh. It's beautifully preserved and friendly. I love its malt whisky & Scottish snacks.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

Bike & Go: Haymarket Station

Cycle Edinburgh!

"Bike & Go: Haymarket Station" is a great first stop for exploring the area surrounding Edinburgh by bike and for cheap! Here are my tips...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Alasdair

MacQuarrie

Jun 2, 2025

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Edinburgh?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

138 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Edinburgh

Our team loves Edinburgh

Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
53
Filters