Entrancing, magical, and full of history and inspiration, Edinburgh is a must-see destination for fans of the Harry Potter series. It is no wonder that J.K. Rowling became mesmerized by the unique city and imagined the wonderful wizarding world as she lived and walked down what is affectionately known today as the Potter Trail. Explore the top spots that have become a mecca for Hogwarts fans through your own self-guided Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.
Why Take a Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh
From the most hardcore Potterheads to those even minimally interested in the empire, a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh is a must-see for any traveler to Scotland. Seeing the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling firsthand is a magical experience. Edinburgh itself is a beautiful destination unlike any other, and these top destinations cannot be missed.
If you’re interested in participating in a guided tour, there are several options. Many of these are free and rely on tips from wizards and muggles to keep them running.
However, a self-guided walking tour is also a simple way to explore the wonderful wizarding world inspiration on your own time and leisure.
Tip: If you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids, I highly recommend going this route. It allows you to take family breaks as needed without missing out or disrupting a tour.
Here are the top sites for taking your own Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.
The Elephant House
There are several Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh. However, the best place to start is where it all began. The Elephant House is Edinburgh’s famous Harry Potter café.
It was here, sitting next to her baby, that J.K. Rowling started writing a magical story on a napkin. That humble beginning would eventually become the series that changed lives around the world.
The Elephant House café is well located on Marshall Street, just steps away from the Greyfriars Bobby statue and within a few minutes walking distance from the Royal Mile.
Tip: Visitors and photographs are welcome, but the coffee shop asks that if you are not staying to eat or drink, that you provide a donation to charity inside.
Sitting along the back wall, it is easy to see how J.K. Rowling was inspired to create Harry Potter by the magic of the city. Outside the café windows, Edinburgh Castle looms just beyond Greyfriars Kirkyard in the most picturesque setting.
However, I was most struck by the Elephant House bathroom of all places. Throughout the entirety of the Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh, this was the place where I was moved to tears.
It is here inside the bathrooms, that one will find graffiti covering the walls and doors, covering almost every inch of available space. Each writing and picture pays homage to J.K. Rowling and the cast of characters.
Messages from guests around the world tell similar tales. The Harry Potter series and it’s magic changed their lives, helped them through the most difficult of times, and invited them to live in an imaginary world of magic, honor, courage, and friendship.
I was one of those fortunate to grow up reading the series. From its initial publication when I was in third grade, I was hooked. At midnight in college, all those years later, I found myself waiting in line eagerly to buy the release of the last of the series.
Visiting the Elephant House in Edinburgh is a must for any Harry Potter fan. It’s a great way to begin a self-guided Harry Potter walking tour as it allows you to understand how something so wonderful can grow from even the most humble of beginnings.
For more information on the Edinburgh Harry Potter café, including an interview with J.K. Rowling herself, check out the website for The Elephant House here.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Conveniently located just behind The Elephant House is the next stop on your Harry Potter walking tour. Even if you’re not a complete Potterhead or fan of the series, the graveyard remains a must-see for travelers in Edinburgh.
Like many of Edinburgh’s attractions, Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery has a long and dark history. Dating back to the 1560’s, the graveyard is full of true stories of body snatchers, dead-ringers, and plague victims.
Just spend a few minutes inside this spooky cemetery and it’s easy to see why Greyfriars Kirkyard has been named the most haunted graveyard in the world!
Tip: If you want to know more about the haunted side of Greyfriars Kirkyard, there are several guided ghost and historical tours that run daily.
Potterheads have flocked to the cemetery in Edinburgh as it is believed to have been the inspiration for several Harry Potter characters.
Walking through the grounds, visitors can find tombstones with names that reference Tom Riddle, Professor McGonagall, and Mad Eye Moody.
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It is even rumored that Greyfriars Cemetery served as the inspiration for Godric’s Hollow graveyard. Take a look for yourself; the similarities are uncanny!
Keeping in mind that J.K. Rowling had a direct view of Greyfriars Kirkyard from the now landmarked Harry Potter café, it’s not a complete stretch to see how this could have transpired.
George Heriot’s School may also be a place of interest for fans of Harry Potter. This is the place that many believe served as the real-life inspiration for Hogwarts.
Located just beyond Edinburgh’s Harry Potter inspired cemetery, the school was once the site for gifted and orphaned children. Not only is George Heriot’s School similar to Hogwarts with it’s castle-like features, but it also was home to four separate houses within the institute, each bearing a different color.
Besides it’s dark and haunted history, Harry Potter references, and remarkable views of the old city, Greyfriars Kirkyard is truly a beautiful cemetery.
In fact, when we visited in mid-May, the cherry blossom trees were in full bloom and the weather was perfect. One local out with his dog told us it’s been his favorite place to walk for over 30 years.
So, if you’re brave enough to venture inside, just try not to think about the fact that no matter where you’re standing in Greyfriars Kirkyard, you’re always on top of a body, or two, or…more.
For more information about Greyfriars Kirkyard, including visiting hours and a map of where to find the Harry Potter inspired headstones, visit their website here.
Diagon Alley (Victoria Street and Candlemaker Row)
Just outside Greyfriars Kirkyard and up a block or so is the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley. Victoria Street in Edinburgh, along with Candlemaker Row, are lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and pubs along a winding, sloped street.
Just a quick glance at the street shows just where people may have gotten this idea.
At the bottom of the street lies Grassmarket. Although not related directly to Harry Potter, it is still a unique place to visit in Edinburgh.
Grassmarket is home to an impressive farmer’s market as well. It is open every Saturday year-round, which makes it an awesome option no matter what time of the year you might be visiting.
If you make it down from Victoria Street to Grassmarket, you may also notice the large X engraved into the center of the public square. Edinburgh visitors may be interested to know that this marks the exact spot of the old city’s former gallows.
Harry Potter Shops
Of course, no Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh would be complete without visiting at least a few Harry Potter shops. Currently, Edinburgh’s Diagon Alley is home to two Harry Potter shops.
The infamous Diagon House, or Museum CONTEXT as it’s also known, is a multi-level vintage antique store filled with unique and some more common Harry Potter items.
Tip: Make your way up to the top floor to get a picture with the Chamber of Secrets mirror. Don’t forget to leave a message in their guest book on the school desk!
Newly opened in 2018, The Boy Wizard is another completely Harry Potter themed shop located just across the street.
Here you’ll find newer and more common Harry Potter merchandise, including a large selection of wands.
Other places of interest include the Aha Ha Ha Joke Shop, just at the end of Diagon Alley near Grassmarket. While they don’t sell Harry Potter gear exclusively, Potterheads may find it reminiscent of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
The Royal Mile
It would be difficult to really experience all that the old city has to offer without a stroll down the Royal Mile. Therefore, it is a must-see site on your Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.
Potterheads can find glimpses of the franchise throughout the famous promenade. A few of the shops that line the busy street sell fan gear and merchandise. Additionally, the mysterious closes are reminiscent of the secret hallways and chambers throughout Diagon Alley.
Overlooking the Royal Mile of course, looms Edinburgh Castle. Some fans have called for it’s resemblance to Hogwarts and insist it helped inspire J.K. Rowling’s image of the castle while writing.
By far my favorite find on the Royal Mile were the owls. Run by a local owl sanctuary, the owners set out several types of species. They promote education to help protect several endangered and rehabilitated owls.
Visitors can even hold one of the owls, and are taught appropriate precautions and safe handling procedures to do so.
Tip: Donations are encouraged to help support their cause!
What better way to complete your Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh than getting up close with your own Hedwig or Errol?
Planning a road trip in Scotland? Check out this epic Scotland road trip itinerary for can’t-miss adventures!
Feeling ready to take on the Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh? What is your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments below!
nmgilb says
I’m gunna blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I was moved to tears just thinking about what that restroom must have looked like. Harry Potter has been such an influence on me and my life and it is a joy to share it with my kids. I would love to visit these landmarks one day!
Christina says
Aww, honestly I’m glad to hear that I’m not the only one who was that moved! It was such an influence on my life as well and so powerful to see how one small idea can impact so many lives and generations.
mathewsalex says
I wish I had seen this before I was in Edinburgh! Although it makes me happy that I saw most of these things when I was there for a day…maybe JK was somehow communicating with me 😉 Now I want to read more into the history and backstories of these places.
Christina says
They are pretty popular destinations for other reasons as well, which I think makes it even better when visiting Edinburgh! The whole history of the city really is amazing!
Stephanie | theFantasia.com says
I grew up with HP and re-reading the whole series is my Christmas/holiday tradition! I’ve always wanted to do one of these trips but always pushed it back since I feel like it needs to be done with a tour! Glad to know that’s not the case – I’m pinning this for future reference!
Christina says
I love your tradition, I might have to start implementing it myself! We had initially tried waiting at a meet stop for one of the guided tours at the time stated, but nobody showed up. I realized we could do it on our own, even with two small children, and actually ending up preferring it that way as we were able to slow down and take the time that we needed!
Speck on the Globe says
I didn’t know about the Greyfriars Kirkyard, what a spooky addition to the tour! Looks like you had a wonderful trip, thanks for sharing!!
Christina says
Thank you, it really was an unforgettable experience! We ended up going to Greyfriars Kirkyard twice, and I could still go back and explore more there. The cemetery and grounds are huge and there is so much history!
Nicky says
Wow, this looks amazing! You can really see the influence of the landscape on J.K. Rowling’s writing, and I love the thought of that restroom – it must be wonderful to see the real impact that it’s had on people’s lives, and that they’ve been inspired to go back to the place where it began. Love that the cafe only asks for a donation to charity, too! You’ve really inspired me to pop up to Edinburgh!
Christina says
I’m so happy to hear that, Edinburgh is really a magical place! It really is amazing to walk down the streets that she did and start to imagine how it all came together.
Susan says
What a fun way to experience the beautiful city of Edinburgh! Thanks so much for putting this together – definitely saving this for my next trip up there 🙂
Christina says
Thank you! I thought it was fun as well, and the kids loved it too, which is always a plus! 🙂
atruthfultraveler says
I love this! I am kicking myself because I visited Greyfriar’s Kirkyard when I was there last year, and had no idea its significance to the books! I am also a huge fan!
Christina says
Aww that gives you a good reason to go back! I am kicking myself too because we had the most difficult time finding the exact tombstones that reference the character, only to find out later that there is a map posted on the Greyfriars Kirk website that lists their locations and how to find them. Oops!
Mary says
ahh this looks amazing, I love Harry Potter!
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Christina says
It was so fun! If you have the chance to go, as a fellow fan, I would encourage you to take it! 🙂
atulchauhanphotography says
absolute stunning place, planning to visit soon, thanks for the guide!
Christina Ropp says
You’re very welcome! I hope you love Edinburgh as much as we did! I cannot wait to go back!
Sophia says
This is amazing! My boyfriend is so love with Harry Potter. I will have to show him this.
Christina says
That’s awesome, I wish my husband was more of a Potterhead! We have been to the Harry Potter park at Universal Studios, which is also very cool for Harry Potter fans, but this was absolutely amazing!
Corinna says
I really liked this Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh! 😀 The pictures are too cute for words. Thank you for sharing this great post. Because I’m writing my master thesis about Harry Potter related journeys, I wanted to ask you, if you would perhaps participate in my survey for my master thesis?
>> https://survey.aau.at/index.php/293357?lang=en
Thank you in advance! 😀
The takes about 15 minutes and includes questions about the journey, the sights and preparations. Your participation would help me a lot. The levied data is of course handled with care and can’t be traced back to you.
Christina says
Thanks so much! I’ve completed your survey, best of luck on your master thesis, it sounds exciting!