The Ultimate Guide to Harry Potter in Edinburgh | Locations & Inspirations!
Harry Potter and Edinburgh go way back. JK Rowling lived here while she was writing the books and it’s plain to see that the city served as inspiration for subtle parts of the novels and bears similarities to parts of the films.
I went to Edinburgh and thoroughly researched all the Harry Potter places Edinburgh has links to and visited all 23 of them and have written this detailed 4000 word step-by-step guide to Harry Potter in Edinburgh!
I want to be clear that there was nothing to do with Harry Potter filmed in Edinburgh but there is lots of Harry Potter stuff in Edinburgh.
Here you’ll find out things like where was Harry Potter written in Edinburgh, the best Harry Potter spots Edinburgh is known for, the Hogwarts of Edinburgh and my article will end up being the best Harry Potter walking tour Edinburgh has to give you. Please enjoy! 🙂
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The Ultimate Harry Potter in Edinburgh Guide | 24 Locations & Inspirations
We know that JK Rowling has confirmed that the birthplace of Harry Potter Edinburgh does not exist as it came to her on a delayed train between London and Manchester. Edinburgh, however, has certainly bred parts of the plot, nurtured some ideas and naturally created characters.
When you go through the ultimate Harry Potter walking tour Edinburgh in this article you’ll see the inspirations and the use of Scotland in the franchise.
I am using the word inspiration loosely because JK Rowling herself has debunked a lot of rumours about Harry Potter inspiration.
But who knows, perhaps after the books the location crew, director or others saw Victoria Street and recreated Diagon Alley knowing that JK lived in this city…
Either way it’s fun and all imagination after all so even if these aren’t the actual places of inspiration, let us imagine they are and enjoy this fantasy that we all love! 🙂
How to Use This Edinburgh Harry Potter Filming Guide
Why am I an expert on the subject? I have read every Harry Potter book, listened to every book on Audible, watched every movie (a million times) and travelled to Edinburgh where I spent an entire day researching and visiting every place in Edinburgh associated with Harry Potter.
This is the best guide on the internet for HP in Edinburgh.
In this guide, for every place, you will find:
- The Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh as the heading
- A summary of the location
- The Harry Potter Edinburgh links with facts, speculation or words from JK Rowling herself
- The address
- A fun quote
I have listed the 23 locations in a logical order around the city so you can follow a self guided Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh. All the locations are in a long list at the end of the article for easy reference.
1) The Balmoral Hotel
One of the most grand, 5-star places to stay in Edinburgh is The Balmoral Hotel on Princes Street in the centre of the City, next to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station and Scott Monument.
The hotel is perfectly located between the new and old town which makes it close to all of the Harry Potter locations Edinburgh.
The Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh Harry Potter
The first of the Harry Potter Edinburgh locations is actually where the last Harry Potter book was finished in 2007! JK Rowling stayed in room 552 of the prestigious Balmoral. It is often referred to as the Harry Potter Hotel Edinburgh because of this.
Room 552 is now called the Balmoral Hotel Edinburgh JK Rowling suite and it has a gold sign saying ‘JK Rowling Suite’ as well as a gold owl on the front door. Inside the suite there is a signed, framed photograph of Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows on the wall.
You can stay in the very same room where the last chapters of the Harry Potter books were written but it will set you back a fair few muggle coins! Check the latest prices and availability of Balmoral here.
‘Let him sleep. For in dreams, we enter a world that is entirely our own’.
2) Victoria Street Edinburgh
Victoria Street is a popular street in Edinburgh and one of the most photographed places due to its unusual shape as it curves around. It is home to many independent shops, restaurants and touristic spots ideally located close to the Grassmarket area and Royal Mile.
Every guide you read or tour you take will mention or pass by Victoria Street, especially a Harry Potter Edinburgh tour…
Diagon Alley Edinburgh?
Claiming to be THE Diagon Alley inspiration Edinburgh Victoria Street has long been associated with Harry Potter and with the similarity in looks, shops and busy areas, it’s hard to argue the point.
Where Diagon Alley shop names are Flourish and Blotts (HP book shop), Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions (school uniform) and Ollivanders (Harry Potter wand shop name), the Harry Potter stores Edinburgh holds are located on Victoria Street from John Kay’s book shop to Walker Slater, The Enchanted Galaxy and Museum Context (the Edinburgh Harry Potter museum).
Also, there used to be an Edinburgh magic shop called Aha Ha Ha Jokes and Novelties which could have been the inspiration behind Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
At the top of the Edinburgh Harry Potter street, there is writing on the wall saying ‘believed to be JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley’ located next door to John Kay’s Book Shop.
Unfortunately, JK Rowling tweeted about Diagon Alley and Knockturn Alley that ‘neither was based on any real place’ but she lived here while writing the books so surely somewhere Victoria Street was etched in her mind. I like to believe so anyway!
If you take a look at the street, especially from West Bow / Grassmarket and look up, it’s definitely the closest thing to Diagon Alley in Edinburgh.
Are you looking for Harry Potter souvenirs? Harry Potter street signs? A Harry Potter shop Edinburgh (officially)? There’s only one place to get all of this, Edinburgh Diagon Alley.
‘Here’s where you get your quills and your ink [..] all your bits and bobs for doing your Wizardry’.
3) West Bow
West Bow is adjoining to Victoria Street and has some witchcraft connections such as the story of Major Thomas Weir, a Scottish soldier, who lived on West Bow and was one of the rare people executed for witchcraft who actually admitted it.
Muggle Notice: There’s a nearby street called Cockburn Street and although it’s pronounced ‘Co-Burn’ if you say it phonetically it sounds a lot like Knockturn Alley!
‘You’re a mess, Harry. Skulking around Knockturn Alley’.
4) Museum Context Edinburgh
Like there’s lots of wand shops in the Wizarding World but none of them compare to Ollivanders, there’s various Harry Potter stores in Edinburgh but none quite like Museum Context.
It’s the official wizard shop Edinburgh has. And it’s found right on the Harry Potter street in Edinburgh (Victoria Street).
Harry Potter Museum Edinburgh
The most interesting thing about this Harry Potter Edinburgh shop is that it was historically a place that sold brooms!
In 1873, this building was Robert Cresser’s Brush and Broomstick Shop and sold brushes here until 2004! It is now officially the home of Harry Potter merchandise. What a magical connection.
On the ground floor you’ll find ‘Mr Cresser’s Wizarding Supplies & Wand Shop’ with wands, Maurauder’s Maps and pictures.
The first floor, ‘Mr Cresser’s Magical Library & Gift Shop’ is the library full of HP books, witchcraft, herbs, moon cycles and nature books. There is also a great section dedicated to the houses of Hogwarts so if you’re a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin or Ravenclaw you’ll find a great HP souvenir here.
Can you guess which house I belong to? Join Pottermore where the sorting hat will determine which house you are.
Finally, on the second floor, ‘Castle Rock Secret Chamber’, they have a desk with parchment and walls adorned in Harry Potter memorabilia so visitors can take the ultimate Harry Potter selfie!
Look next to the shop and there’s a blue plaque like this:
Muggle Notice: If you’re looking for Diagon House, this is the place as it was once called that but is now named Museum Context.
Address: 40 Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
‘As every school-age wizard knows, the fact that we fly on broomsticks is probably our worst-kept secret‘.
Related Post: How To Find Dobby’s Grave in Wales: Harry Potter Filming Location
5) The Enchanted Galaxy
Enchanted Galaxy is another great place for Edinburgh attractions and Harry Potter souvenirs from wands and robes to soft toys and themed diaries. It’s not only a Harry Potter shop in Edinburgh but also sells merchandise from other pop icons like Friends and Lord of the Rings.
But since we’re in Scotland, there is a huge emphasis on Harry Potter and it takes up most of the store.
And the best part? Harry Potter clips are played on a loop!
There are various Enchanted Galaxy stores around the city including one at the airport if you leave it very last minute.
Address: Victoria Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2JW
‘I’m so glad I’ve got this diary to confide in… It’s like a friend I can carry around in my pocket‘.
If you prefer to be guided around the city, search availability for a dedicated Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh here:
6) Department of Magic – The Harry Potter Escape Room Edinburgh!
The Harry Potter Edinburgh escape room is one of the most fun Harry Potter attractions in Edinburgh as it has two Harry Potter-themed escape rooms so you can solve riddles like an Auror and feel immersed in the wonderful Wizarding World.
Move through the themed escape room like our favourite trio in the first book!
Address: 9 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR
‘It took Cedric ages to riddle it out’.
7) Magic Potions Tavern
The Harry Potter cocktail bar Edinburgh has is called the Magic Potion Tavern in the building of the Department of Magic on Blair Street, just off the Royal Mile.
Here you can use spells, cauldrons and magical items to make your own Harry Potter cocktails! There is also a non-alcoholic potion class.
This is definitely a unique Harry Potter experience Edinburgh can provide so you can create the Edinburgh Elixir. 😉
Address: 9 Blair Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QR
‘There’ll be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such, I don’t expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making [..] I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses’.
8) Greyfriars Kirkyard – The Harry Potter Cemetery Edinburgh!
Greyfriars Kirkyard is the graveyard in Edinburgh that is home to various tombstones with Harry Potter character names.
When I visited, there was a friendly local who pointed out some of the graves for me and told me about George Heriot’s School nearby (read below).
Therefore, I found all the grave stones in the Harry Potter graveyard in Edinburgh including Potter, Moodie, McGonagall, Black, Riddell and Scrymgeour.
Read my step-by-step guide to finding every Harry Potter tombstone in Edinburgh!
The question is, did JK get her characters from Edinburgh Greyfriars Kirkyard? I think so.
In a Barnes and Novel interview in 1999, JK Rowling stated: ‘so far I have got names from saints, place-names, war memorials, gravestones. I just collect them – I am so interested in names.’
Address: 26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ
9) George Heriot’s School
As you finish looking around the Edinburgh Cemetery Harry Potter pops up again, this time just beyond the back gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
George Heriot’s School is a grand, private school in the centre of the city decorated with four huge towers and situated adjacent to the Harry Potter Edinburgh Graveyard.
The Hogwarts in Edinburgh?
There are two links between Harry Potter and George Heriot’s: JK Rowling’s children attended this school and the school divides the children up into four houses (Lauriston, Greyfriars, Raeburn or Castle).
Maybe the building itself is not an outright inspiration but if you look at the grandeur of the school it’s hard not to get major Hogwarts vibes (especially considering that JK Rowling could see the school from the room of Elephant Cafe).
It’s got to be the closest thing to Hogwarts school Scotland has!
Address: Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EQ
‘Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it’.
Want to listen to one of the Harry Potter books for free? Sign up for a free Audible trial where you can download one book at absolutely no cost! Get your free trial here.
10) Elephant Cafe – The Harry Potter Cafe Edinburgh?
This is the cafe that falsely claims itself as the ‘Harry Potter birthplace Edinburgh’. The Elephant House JK Rowling confirmed, is not the birthplace but she did say that she wrote some of the Harry Potter novels here.
As did other notable writers in Edinburgh like Ian Rankin and there is a plaque on the wall that commemorates the writers using this cafe to create fiction!
The cafe is currently closed as there was a fire on George IV bridge but there is another Edinburgh cafe JK Rowling wrote Harry Potter in which we will come to shortly.
Muggle Notice: There is another Harry Potter cafe in Edinburgh where JK Rowling wrote HP called Traverse Cafe but it is now closed.
Address: 21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EN
11) National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is a great place to visit to learn about the history of Scotland as well as areas on fashion, technology, natural world and collections. Admission is free.
Harry Potter in Scotland History Museum?
There are three things of note in this museum that could have been JK Rowling inspiration for Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone book and later for the first movie or total coincidence.
- The Lewis Chessmen are a set of chess pieces named after the isle they were found on displayed at the National Museum of Scotland and said to be the inspiration for the Chess scenes in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone.
- The Queen Mary Harp could be a Harry Potter relation as this was the instrument in Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone that lulls Fluffy, the three-headed dog, to sleep.
- The Phoenix in the centre of the room. There is no evidence whatsoever that this Phoenix is related to Harry Potter but a fun thing to spot that reminds us of Fawkes, Dumbledore’s beloved pet as well as the entrance to Dumbledore’s office.
Do a self guided Harry Potter tour Edinburgh at this museum by following these instructions:
- Walk to level 1 in the ‘Kingdom of The Scots’
- Go through the first room and turn left
- In the middle cabinet on the back row you will find the Chessmen and in front of this is the Harp
- Go to the next room to the left and you’ll see the Phoenix.
Even if these links are not real, still visit National Museum of Scotland whether it’s one of the Harry Potter sights in Edinburgh or not as the museum is free admission and you can learn lots about a variety of topics here.
Address: Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
‘Yes Hermione, I think this is going to be exactly like Wizard’s Chess’.
12) Nicolsons – The Best Harry Potter Edinburgh Cafe!
Nicolsons is a cafe on the second floor of a big, green, corner building. It was called Nicolsons in the 90s, then turned into a Chinese restaurant, then it was Edinburgh Spoon Cafe and now it’s back to Nicolsons.
Lots of articles on the internet direct you to ‘Spoon’ but it is no longer called that as it’s now got its original name!
The entrance to the cafe is a door next to Black Medicine Coffee.
Where Did JK Rowling Write Harry Potter Edinburgh?
Despite what other cafes claim, Nicolsons is the JK Rowling cafe Edinburgh as it was here, according to her tweet, where she wrote an entire chapter in one sitting without barely changing a word.
It was a usual haunt for the author as her brother in law co-owned this space.
Sitting in the Edinburgh Harry Potter cafe, with Harry Potter themed decor, listening to people around me discuss it, feels great to be immersed in this world.
Knowing this is where the author wrote the most inspiring, comforting and magical books of our generation made me whip out my laptop and get to it! Is there a Muse here? A good luck charm? I’ll let you know when Lonely Planet calls. 😉
Muggle Notice: Don’t miss the plaque on the wall of the building. It is located on the wall of Black Medicine Coffee on the same side as the entrance to Nicolsons.
Address: 6a Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH
13) The University of Edinburgh Courtyard Old College
Some claim that when you walk through this courtyard, it is reminiscent of all things Harry Potter (books, films, inspirations)!
Address: South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL
The University also has the School of Divinity studying Theology and Religion and Divination is a subject that plays an important role in the plot of Harry Potter regarding the prophecy and Professor Trelawney.
‘In this room you shall explore the noble art of Divination’.
Read Next: Harry Potter Guide to Porto, Portugal (Rowling also lived here)!
14) Potters Row Edinburgh / Potter Port
Can you imagine the prices of real estate here if Joanne Rowling named it as the sole inspiration for her protagonist’s surname?!
Actually, she has outwardly said the inspiration for the surname ‘Potter’ was from her childhood friends. She said this in a Barnes and Noble interview:
‘Potter was the name of a brother and sister who I played with when I was very young. We were part of the same gang and I always liked that surname’.
So even though it’s not the inspiration for the protagonist’s surname, it’s still a good place to go on the Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh because the comparison to the tunnel where the dementors attack Harry and Dudley is uncanny!
Muggle Notice: Head to Clapham Junction in London for a street that DID inspire her to name Severus Snape (Severus Street which she walked past daily).
Address: Potterrow, Edinburgh, EH8 9BL
‘It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices’.
Please Portkey the Pin!
15) Edinburgh Castle
Not only one of the Harry Potter things to do Edinburgh but a hard-to-miss central attraction in Scotland’s capital is the castle that towers above the city and holds centuries of history and stories. And it’s certainly become the Harry Potter Edinburgh Castle but…
Is Edinburgh Castle Hogwarts?
It is definitely confirmed by JK herself that Hogwarts is in Scotland but there is nothing about whether there are Hogwarts Edinburgh Castle links.
So yes, Edinburgh Castle is a landmark of the city but is it one of the Harry Potter landmarks Edinburgh holds? Let me know what you think from these snaps of the location and whether it’s the Harry Potter castle in Edinburgh:
Within the same area there are several more Harry Potter places to visit Edinburgh Castle, Esplanade, Witches Well and Princes Street Gardens.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
“Aren’t you two ever going to read Hogwarts, A History?”. “What’s the point?” said Ron. “You know it by heart, we can just ask you.”
Take a Harry Potter Tour with Entrance Tickets to Edinburgh Castle in One Here:
16) Esplanade
Next to Edinburgh Castle is the Esplanade where concerts, shows and events take place. While Quidditch was an idea that came to the author in the Bourneville Hotel in Manchester, I can’t help but notice that the Quidditch field in Hogwarts resembles the Esplanade especially when filled people.
The shape of both are similar and both live next the castle/school.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
‘You can’t cancel Quidditch!’
17) The Witchery by the Castle
For a Harry Potter restaurant Edinburgh has The Witchery where you can have dinner right next to Edinburgh Castle with its drapes and dark decor in its restaurant and hotel, you’ll feel like a wizard, Harry.
Address: 352 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NF
‘Are you going to give me the password or will I have to stay awake all night waiting for you to finish your conversation?‘.
Related Post: Edinburgh Food Tour Review!
18) The Witches’ Well
There is a small well/plaque/flower bed next to Edinburgh Castle and Esplanade dedicated to the people of history who were executed for witchcraft.
The city has so many connections to sorcery stories, as well as looking gothic that I sometimes think the magic of Edinburgh helped influence the wonder that is Harry Potter that the city and books have to be inter-related!
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG
‘You’re the cleverest witch of your age I’ve ever met, Hermione’.
19) Princes Street Gardens
Located at the base of Edinburgh Castle is the lush Princes Street Gardens, the ultimate hang out spot in Edinburgh centre.
Black Lake Inspiration?
This is another speculation about Harry Potter inspiration in Edinburgh. There’s a lot isn’t there!
JK Rowling has confirmed that Hogwarts has a lake attached and we see the lake in the films and has similarities to the real-life location as such:
- Students ride the boats over the lake from the train to reach the school and what is one way to get to the ‘Hogwarts Scotland’? Walk over Princes Street Gardens!
- The Tri-Wizard tournament occurs in the lake in Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban and concerts like the Queen’s Jubilee happened in Princes Street Gardens.
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince book was launched in Princes Street Gardens in 2005. Are the names a magical coincidence?
Not only that, but these gardens used to be a lake known as Nor Loch which was drained in the early 1800s!
‘Your performance in the Black Lake was inspiring. Gillyweed, am I correct?’.
More On Edinburgh: How to Find Dean Village!
20) The Writer’s Museum
Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature so I thought I’d include this literary museum because although it’s not technically one of the Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh, HP can be considered literature from Edinburgh.
The Writer’s Museum is free to enter and learn about three of Scotland’s most famous writers: Robert Louis Stevenson, Robert Burns and Walter Scott.
Address: Lawnmarket, Lady Stair’s Cl, Edinburgh, EH1 2PA
‘”I don’t think Daddy exactly pays people to write for the magazine,” said Luna dreamily. “They do it because it’s an honour, and, of course, to see their names in print”‘.
21) Riddells Court
Nothing to do with HP but there is a spot in Edinburgh called Riddles Close / Riddle’s Court and if you’re going to do everything else on this list, you may as well visit here too!
Address: 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG
22) Bank of Scotland
The headquarters of the Bank of Scotland is found in Edinburgh. It’s another similarity between Harry Potter and Edinburgh: both Gringotts and Bank of Scotland are central banks and the headquarters of both look alike.
Also the Bank of Scotland is near Victoria Street and Gringotts is found on Diagon Alley!
‘There’s your money Harry, Gringotts, the Wizard bank. Ain’t no safer place, not one. ‘cept perhaps Hogwarts’.
23) Edinburgh City Chambers
Down the Royal Mile, opposite St Giles Cathedral and next to the Visit Scotland Edinburgh iCentre is the City Chambers / town hall.
JK Rowling’s Hand Prints
Not quite another Harry Potter street Edinburgh claims but rather a place that honours literary people of the city.
If you look directly at the entrance, walk through the most-left walkway and look down, you’ll find the handprints of those that have been awarded the Edinburgh Award. J.K Rowling’s handprints are here in the top right of the first square.
Address: 253 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ
Muggle Notice: The Royal Mile is also called High Street.
‘It was hard to believe there was a ceiling there at all, and that the Great Hall didn’t simply open on to the heavens’.
24) The Dog House
Finish off your Edinburgh Harry Potter tour by getting your own mug of butterbeer! Yes, this local pub serves an alcoholic butter beer so you can cheers like you’re in The Three Broomsticks Inn with Hagrid and Horace Slughorn.
If anywhere is going to have a Harry Potter pub Edinburgh is it!
Address: 18-24 Clerk Street, Newington, Edinburgh, EH8 9HX
Like Winky: ‘She was clutching a bottle of butterbeer and swaying slightly on her stool, staring into the fire. As they watched her, she gave an enormous hiccup’.
Harry Potter Self Guided Tour Edinburgh
- Balmoral Hotel
- Victoria Street
- West Bow
- Museum Context
- Enchanted Galaxy
- Department of Magic
- Magic Potions Tavern
- Greyfriars Kirkyard
- George Heriot’s School
- The Elephant Edinburgh Cafe
- National Museum of Scotland
- Nicholsons Cafe
- The University of Edinburgh
- Potters Row
- Edinburgh Castle
- Esplanade
- The Witchery
- The Witches Well
- Princes Street Gardens
- The Writer’s Museum
- Riddel’s Court
- Bank of Scotland
- City Chambers
- The Dog House
Harry Potter Edinburgh Map
You can look for Harry Potter themed accommodation in Edinburgh like this Harry Potter apartment on West Bow or find the best accommodation using the following map so you can easily explore the Harry Potter sites in Edinburgh!
Booking.comHarry Potter Tours Edinburgh
Given how popular the franchise is there are multiple tours to choose from such as the Harry Potter Audio Tour Edinburgh, the Harry Potter Trail Edinburgh, the Writing of Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh or choose from some of these below options.
Note: Some tours are unreasonably expensive so I’d advise to not pay anymore that £40 for a tour within Edinburgh City.
If you’re looking for specific Harry Potter filming locations Edinburgh may not have any but there are some in London, Wales and Oxford.
Moving on from Edinburgh, check out the Harry Potter Scotland tours where you can visit the Hogwarts Express train line or take a tour to Alnwick Castle where Harry Potter learned how to fly!
From Edinburgh to Hogwarts Express:
Which of these Edinburgh Harry Potter locations are you visiting first?
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