A Potterhead’s Guide To Edinburgh 🪄🧹
Every year, many visitors flock to the cobbled city for its history, culture, adventure, and a touch of wizarding magic. The beloved Harry Potter series is deeply woven into the city's character, with many sites said to have inspired J.K. Rowling's work.
If you fancy yourself a magical stroll around the city, look no further, because we’ve curated the perfect Harry Potter-inspired guide to Edinburgh, perfect for a Potterhead.
All right then, let’s begin… Revelio! ✨
Did you know: Diagon Alley is said to have been inspired by Victoria Street?
Victoria Street
Victoria Street, located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is one of the city’s most picturesque streets. The bright colours and its winding road make for its popularity and beauty. If you are a keen Potterhead, you may also see some similarities between this street and Diagon Alley. This is no mistake.
The beautiful spiralled street is home to an abundance of independent stores, and of course, the famous Museum Context store filled with an array of wizardry and witchcraft.
Victoria Street is also one of the most photographed locations in the city, drawing visitors from all over the world who come to admire its curved layout and vibrant shopfronts. The street’s historic architecture, with its stacked terraces and cobbled charm, adds to the sense of stepping into a storybook setting. As you wander along, you’ll find a mix of boutique retailers, cosy cafés, and speciality stores that each add to its unique character.
It’s easy to see why it’s often linked with the magical world of Harry Potter, as J.K. Rowling is said to have drawn inspiration from Edinburgh’s streets when shaping parts of the series. Whether you’re browsing for souvenirs or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Victoria Street offers a memorable experience in the heart of the Old Town. Nearby you can also explore additional Harry Potter inspired walking routes across the city centre and surrounding areas too.
Museum Context
This magical shop can be found on Victoria Street and is the retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise. If you’re interested in finding your perfect wand or any other magical goods, this is the space.
Due to its popularity, you’ll often find a queue outside, so make sure to head over earlier in your day.
Minalima Store
Another spellbinding store can be found on Cockburn Street, just across the Royal Mile. Minalima is the design studio behind the graphic props of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, and more recently, the first three illustrated pop-out books of the books.
Take yourself for a wander and grab yourself a refreshing drink from the Milkman located at the top of the street.
The Elephant House in Edinburgh is said to have been the birthplace of Harry Potter, where JK Rowling first wrote the books. While you can find its sister location, The Elephant House Café, on Victoria Street, the original hotspot can be found on the George IV Bridge near the National Museum of Scotland. The pub is the home for many authors and creatives and offers its own version of a ‘butterbeer’ as seen in the series.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Located up from Victoria Street and Cowgate, you will stumble upon the famous Greyfriars Bobby Statue alongside Greyfriars Kirkyard. Greyfriars Kirkyard is known for its extensive history in the City and also houses some familiar magical names. Whilst ‘Thomas Riddle’ and other individuals have no real connection to the Harry Potter books, they are the foundations of what inspired the names.
While you take a wander through the beautiful kirkyard, make sure to leave a stick out for Bobby.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Gravestone of ‘Tom Riddle’ said to have inspired the series characters.
Stay with us
We hope you enjoyed our whistlestop tour of Harry Potter locations in the city. If you’re headed to Edinburgh, make sure to check out our apartments for your stay - you can browse our collections here.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or a longer city stay, Edinburgh is full of magical corners waiting to be discovered, from winding closes and historic courtyards to iconic viewpoints across the Old Town. Taking time to explore these spots on foot is one of the best ways to experience the city, especially for fans of the wizarding world who want to see the inspiration behind some of the most famous fictional locations. Beyond the Harry Potter connections, Edinburgh offers an incredible mix of culture, history, independent shops, and welcoming cafés that make every visit feel unique. After a day of exploring, having a comfortable and well-located place to return to makes all the difference. Our apartments are designed to help you relax and recharge, giving you a simple, convenient base right in the heart of the city so you can make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
