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7 of the Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh 2024

Have you been wondering about the best harry potter tours in edinburgh i’ve got you covered.

I’ve been to Edinburgh a few times, and I always enjoy taking Harry Potter Tours when I’m there. The tours are an incredible way to experience the city, as you get to explore many of the locations that were used in the films.

Plus, you get an insider’s look at the city from a knowledgeable guide who can tell you all about its fascinating history and culture. Not only do you get to see some of the most iconic Harry Potter film locations, but you also get learn more about Scotland from locals who have lived in Edinburgh for years.

This means that you’re not just getting a tour from people who are reading off a script, but rather people who truly understand and appreciate the city. If you’re planning on travelling to Edinburgh and want to make sure that your experience is as authentic as possible, then I highly recommend taking one of these Harry Potter Tours. You won’t regret it! If you would prefer do do your own walking tour, you can check out these Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh .

Table of Contents

My Top 3 Picks: Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh

Harry Potter And Horrible Histories

• Local guide
• Max of 8 people

The Potter Trail Private Tour

• Private tour
• Great for kids

JK Rowling’s Edinburgh & The Writing Of Harry Potter

• 4 hours 15 mins
• 5km of walking

7 of the Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh

1. harry potter and horrible histories walking tour in edinburgh.

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Embark on a one-of-a-kind Harry Potter walking tour that seamlessly blends the enchanting world of wizardry, dark histories, and the delightful flavours of Scottish cuisine, all infused with a dose of laughter.

On this unique walking tour, you will engage in a Harry Potter experience Edinburgh as you uncover the layers of J.K. Rowling’s life, traverse the shadows of Edinburgh’s dark history marked by executions and grave robbers,  relive the heartwarming legend of the city’s cherished dog, and tread the paths once wandered by the iconic Charles Darwin himself.

After witnessing the history and wizardry, you will experience an array of authentic Scottish delicacies, from the traditional allure of haggis to the surprisingly delectable deep-fried Mars bar.

“I would say JUST DO IT! ✔️ This was our first tour in Edinburgh and it was well worth it. Rob is a friendly guy and an excellent guide with good knowledge of the city and its history. He walked us around, giving a tour of some of the city’s prime spots and told us how they inspired events in the Harry Potter universe. This tour covered both the gruesome history of Edinburgh as well as its connection to Harry Potter, thus making it a best of both worlds. “ – Arjun_T

This walking tour is perfect for a devoted Potter fan, history enthusiast, or someone captivated by the essence of Edinburgh; this journey will undoubtedly fulfil your expectations.

The first spot would be in Victoria Street, where you would learn how and what inspired J.K Rowling to write Harry Potter. Before heading to Edinburgh Castle, you will first witness the area where public executions occurred. 

Throughout the tour, you will discover various inspirations for J.K. Rowling, like Heriot’s School and gravestones. Lastly, you’ll visit The Elephant House, which is a cafe that Rowling used to wrote in before.

This has been a big part of her journey in writing. You will end the tour at Royal Mile to try their unusual Deep-fried Mars bars.

Important details 

• Start Time (and location): Start at your chosen time at the National Library of Scotland
• Duration: 2 hours
• Includes: Professional guide, all fees and taxes 

🤩 Check Prices and Availability!

2. The Potter Trail Private Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 1 hour and 30 minutes | ✅ Book it!

Edinburgh is famously known as the birthplace of the beloved boy wizard, Harry Potter. Avoid the rushed pacing of extensive group tours in this private walking tour that promises a truly immersive and customisable experience.

Wander the maze-like streets of Edinburgh with a seasoned guide who’ll navigate the city, ensuring you get all the captivating details.

You can customise the private tour experience to align with your interests, allowing you to delve deeper into your preferred aspects. Engage in conversations with your guides who are entertaining and well-versed in all things Potter, ready to satisfy your curiosity. 

During this Harry Potter magical guided walking tour, you can ask your guide queries to enhance your Potter knowledge. You can bring your own wand for a more engaged experience. 

“The guide was very knowledgeable and fun. We learned a lot. Fantastic experience. Highly recommend this tour.” – Scott_W

You will meet your guide at Greyfriars Bobby’s grave, and here, your tour guide can be easily distinguished by their black cloak.

You will start the potter trail Edinburgh tour at Greyfriars Kirkyard, reliving the moments when JK Rowling spent a lot of time writing the books and getting inspiration. Here, you’ll see several names on gravestones that inspired characters in the series, including William McGonagall and Thomas Riddell. 

Afterwards, you will then visit Potterrow, which is an area of the city where Rowling wrote most of the first part of the book. This tour also includes a visit to the National Museum of Scotland.

Before finishing the private tour, you will drop by The Elephant House, the “birthplace” of Harry Potter. You will end the trip at Victoria Street, enjoying one of Edinburgh’s most iconic areas. 

• Start Time (and location): Start at your chosen time at Greyfriars Bobby’s grave
• Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Includes:  Professional guide

3. JK Rowling’s Edinburgh & The Writing Of Harry Potter 4¼Hrs

⭐️ RATING: 5/5  | ⏳ LENGTH: 4 hours and 15 minutes | ✅ Book it!

Embark on an enchanting journey through Edinburgh Harry Potter locations that delves deep into the origins of the iconic series penned by J.K. Rowling. 

Immerse yourself in the locales that shaped Dementors and the Ministry of Magic as your passionate guide, a true Harry Potter enthusiast, unveils the connections between Edinburgh and the wizarding world.

Not only is this tour one of the best Harry Potter tours in Scotland, but this tour also celebrates Scottish literature. Engage yourself in the legacy of Scottish writers at Makars’ Court, a homage to literary brilliance. 

“Very beautiful and detailed tour. I joined the tour with my friend. We felt we were visiting all the city. We enjoyed our guide, discovering more about Harry Potter and Rowling’s life. The guide had funny hats and accessories and we took wonderful pictures. We were afraid the tour was too long but we finished it before we realized. I recommend it. :-)” – Valeria_T

You will begin at the iconic Balmoral, where Harry’s journey ended. You will also visit EH8 9DH to witness the maternity ward where his fictional life began. 

Along the way, you will be able to see the various places that Rowling took inspiration from for her series. These include Greyfriars Kirkyard and George Heriot’s School. You can also treat yourself to the most Scottish ice cream in the world at Over Langshaw Farmhouse Ice Cream. 

You get to continue the Harry Potter walking tour Edinburgh at a wizarding street to have a moment to check out a bunch of Harry Potter shops for your souvenirs. To end the tour, you will visit the iconic place of Rowling’s Handprints.

• Start Time (and location): Start at your chosen time and meeting point
• Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
• Includes: Professional guide, All day parking, Escort back to Edinburghs ‘Harry Potter Street’ at the end of the tour 

4. Original Harry Potter Locations Tour – Edinburgh

This tour is perfect if you’re looking for family-friendly Harry Potter tours in Scotland. Guided by your Potter-passionate expert, traverse the enchanting winding streets and secretive alleys that ignited J.K. Rowling’s imagination, giving birth to the beloved wizarding realm.

This family-friendly adventure unveils the Harry Potter filming locations Edinburgh as showcased in the movies.

As you travel through the historic city, you’ll uncover the places that sparked the creation of the magical novels. This immersive experience goes beyond the wizarding world as you visit famous Edinburgh landmarks, from the majestic Edinburgh Castle to the bustling thoroughfare of Princes Street.

This 2-hour Harry Potter tour promises an unforgettable encounter with the wizarding universe and Edinburgh’s captivating charm.

“Great experience and tour with Alex who knew so many things about HP and the inspiration sources of JK R in the city of Edinburgh. A true experience for true Potterheads!” – Martijn_P

Your magical journey begins at the gates of William Chambers Monument, located in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Here, you’ll meet your guide and step into the magical wizarding realm of Harry Potter. 

As you wander through the historic streets of Edinburgh, you will learn fascinating Harry Potter trivia, insider tales, and insights into what fueled J.K. Rowling’s creation of one of literature’s most beloved franchises. 

At Castlehill, you’ll encounter the resting place of ‘He Who Shall Not Be Named’ and witness the original facade of Diagon Alley. Your route will lead you down the Royal Mile through the bustling Princes Street, where you can shop. Your tour ends on the iconic Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, near the Castle.

• Start Time (and location): Start at your chosen time at William Chambers Monument

5. JK Rowling’ S Harry Potter Walking Tour In Edinburgh

⭐️ RATING: 5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you’re okay with large group tours, this tour is perfect for you. Step into the enchanting world of ‘Harry Potter’ through this captivating walking tour in Edinburgh. Walk through the areas that inspired the creation of places like Diagon Alley.

Delve into the history of J.K. Rowling’s journey and witness how Edinburgh’s charm is intricately intertwined with her storytelling.

As you stroll through the city, you’ll gain insights into ‘Harry Potter’ and savour the city’s sights up close, adding a dynamic twist to your vacation.

This ‘Harry Potter’ walking tour offers a seamless experience, with a convenient meeting point that’s easy to find. Join this adventure to unearth the inspiration behind the wizarding world, connect with Edinburgh’s magic, and add an active and immersive experience to your vacation.

“This tour was an amazing experience. The tour guide, Australian David, was highly entertaining and informative. I also really liked all the trivia questions he gave us. It was so cool to see and walk around beautiful Edinburgh and I definitely recommend this tour for anyone who has an interest in the Harry Potter series.” – Myra_S

You can pass by the Royal Mile at the beginning of your tour. This is where you’ll meet your guide for the day. Afterwards, you will head to the day’s first destination — Edinburgh Old Town, where you will visit the various Edinburgh Harry Potter locations. 

At Edinburgh Old Town, you’ll discover the sites that J.K. Rowling took as inspiration for Hogwarts and the characters in the iconic series. See where Diagon Alley came to life and witness Lord Voldemort’s burial place.

This is also where the cafes and hotel J.K Rowling wrote her famous book Harry Potter, and the place where the Quidditch inspiration came from. 

All these you can enjoy and digest during the walking tour. You’ll also gain a lot of information about Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling from your guide. So, if you’re a Potterhead, this tour is a must-try!

• Start Time (and location): The tours starts at your chosen time at 130 High Street (The Royal Mile)
• Includes: Professional guide

6. Edinburgh’s Amazing Harry Potter Walking Tour Kids Free

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5   | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

If you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids, this child-friendly tour is best for you. On this Harry Potter walking tour, you will see some of the significant places in Edinburgh connected with the origin of Harry Potter. 

Besides visiting iconic Harry Potter places like Victoria Street, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and The Elephant Cafe, you will also be immersed in Edinburgh’s factual history. 

You can do the tour in small groups of 15 or fewer to embark on this adventure. Walk through Edinburgh’s centre like a local, guided by experts who bring the stories and history you might otherwise miss if you tour without a guide. 

“What a great tour this was,thank you. We loved the small group, really knowledgable,friendly guide who once auditioned to be in the films themselves. Couldn’t recommend this tour enough.” – Jennifer_J

This tour starts at the historical Waverley Train Station to cater to the kid’s enjoyment. The reason is that trains are an iconic part of the start of a wizard’s journey. So, like them, you can start your journey by passing by the famous Train Station. 

Continuing your journey, you will visit Edinburgh Old Town, where most of the iconic Harry Potter-related spots are. This includes Edinburgh University Old College, Edinburgh Castle and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

During the tour, you will also see Victoria Street, which inspired the iconic Diagon Alley, and see and witness the various cafes and areas around the city where Rowling herself wrote about the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter. 

This 2-hour fun and informative Harry Potter walking tour should be experienced by Potter fans, especially the young ones with their families. 

• Start Time (and location): Start at your preferred time at Tron Kirk (The Royal Mile Market) 

7. Harry Potter Guided Tour In Edinburgh – In French

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 | ⏳ LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book it!

Head on a unique tour led by dedicated Harry Potter enthusiasts and city connoisseurs eager to share their profound passion. This exceptional experience is conducted entirely in French, a rarity in Edinburgh and perfect for French speakers. 

This tour promises an extraordinary journey that seamlessly merges the magic of the wizarding world with the charm and history of Edinburgh. 

You will visit Edinbugh’s old town to discover the places that became an inspiration and a place for J.K. Rowling to write the fantastic series. 

“A fantastic experience with our guide Marie, who portrayed herself as a proud Hufflepuff student. She led us through every corner of the city for 2 hours, immersing us in the ambiance of J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter. Beyond her in-depth knowledge of the wizarding world, Marie also shared her favorite spots and insights about the city’s history. In short, both our children and we were captivated!” – Celine_T

On this Harry Potter walking tour Edinburgh, you’ll explore the roots of the enchanted world of Harry Potter at the Old Town of Edinburgh. You will have the opportunity to unravel the locations that ignited J.K. Rowling’s imagination, setting the stage for creating her iconic characters and settings. 

Follow the path paved by Rowling herself as this guided tour leads you through the charming streets of Edinburgh. 

This immersive experience offers more than a mere tour; it’s an opportunity to experience and immerse into the enchantment that birthed Harry Potter.

• Start Time (and location): Start at your chosen time at Scotland Edinburgh iCentre Royal Mile 

FAQs About harry potter tour edinburgh

What is the best harry potter tour in edinburgh.

The best Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh is undoubtedly the Warner Brother’s Studio Tour, which takes you behind the scenes of the movies!

On this tour, you’ll get to walk through the Great Hall, explore Diagon Alley and visit Hagrid’s Hut.

You’ll learn about the special effects used to create the magical effects and see actual props and costumes from the films. It’s a great chance to experience a bit of Hogwarts magic!

is harry potter filmed in edinburgh

Harry Potter was indeed filmed in Edinburgh. In fact, many of the movie’s iconic locations were shot there, such as Diagon Alley and The Hogwarts Express.

From the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile to the underground chambers of Edinburgh Castle, these places were used to create a magical cinematic experience. In addition, other nearby towns and cities such as Glasgow and Dundee were also used for filming.

what part of harry potter was filmed in edinburgh

Edinburgh was used as a filming location for several scenes throughout the Harry Potter movie franchise.

The most iconic being the Hogwarts Express departing from Edinburgh’s King’s Cross Station in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Other memorable moments filmed in Edinburgh include exteriors of Hagrid’s hut, Hagrid and Harry flying over Arthur’s Seat, and Hagrid walking through the city with Norbert the dragon.

Final Thoughts: edinburgh harry potter tours

Travellers who love Harry Potter can experience the magic of J.K Rowling’s creation and journey through the actual locations featured in her novels with a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.

Not only will they get to explore the iconic settings, but they will also be able to learn about the rich history and culture of this storybook city.

So don’t miss out on these incredible experiences! Book a Harry Potter tour while in Edinburgh today for an unforgettable adventure!

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• Plan an itinerary for 7 days in Scotland

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Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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Free Harry Potter Walking Tour Edinburgh

This post is a free, 13-stop, self-guided tour of Harry Potter book and movie sights in Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, along with a map and route.

Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours are popular, but with our version, you can stick to your own itinerary as you wander the streets.

This was put together by Free Tours by Foot's resident Muggle, Margaret, who you can watch virtually right now.  

You can expect to walk nearly 2.2 miles or just over 3.6 kilometres while following the Harry Potter trail around Edinburgh.

You could also elect to take this as a GPS-led audio tour (see below).

Click the map to enlarge or download

The tour will last, on average, just under 90 minutes.

Although this may change depending on your walking pace or the stops you wish to make along the way.

You can use the map or this (PDF) to get the written directions. 

Note that for people wishing to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct (which the Hogwarts Express travels over), it's on the other side of Scotland, through the highlands.

It's nearly a 4-hour drive or a 5-hour train journey from Edinburgh.

GPS-Enabled Audio Tour

We also offer an audio tour of Harry Potter sights in Edinburgh, researched, written, and recorded by one of our own tour guides.

Here’s a sample.

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

You will also find an audio tour that covers the history of Edinburgh.

Be sure to check out our other self-guided tours and free guided tours of Edinburgh .

We also offer Harry Potter tours, both guided and self-guided in London and Porto .

1. The Dog House

The Dog House is one of the few places on Earth where you can drink Butterbeer.

In the Harry Potter series, Butterbeer is sold at a multitude of pubs, but primarily in The Three Broomsticks and The Hog’s Head.

Although Butterbeer is consumed by adults and kids alike in the books, the one served at The Dog House is definitely for adults only, one of the ingredients being - you guessed it - beer.

2. Spoon (Now Wu Zhen of China Restaurant)

Although the Elephant Cafe usually claims the title of the “birthplace of Harry Potter” we know that Spoon played just as large a role in the creation of the legendary series.

(And as an aside, it tends to be less busy than Elephant Cafe’ so this may be a good way for you to avoid the crowds!)

In 1997 Spoon was known as Nicolson’s Cafe and it was owned by JK Rowling’s brother-in-law, Roger Moore.

At the time, Rowling didn’t have much money so she would hide out in cafes, ordering a coffee now and again as she worked on the groundbreaking first book of her Potter series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone . 

Walk and Listen - POTTERROW

We couldn’t let you walk next to Potter Row and not mention it!

This street bears the name of the world’s favourite Wizard, and it would make sense to think that the name perhaps inspired JK Rowling when she was naming her main character.

However, she says it’s just a coincidence. When giving her first-ever interview in America in 1999, JK was asked about the name of her hero and how she chose it.

Her reply was, “ ...he had several different surnames before I chose Potter. Potter was the name of a brother and sister who I played with when I was very young.”  

3. George Heriot School

Originally built in 1628, George Heriot’s school was opened as an orphanage and hospital for boys and today is a co-ed primary and secondary school.

You’ll notice the four grand towers that top the building, which many said were the inspiration for the towers atop Hogwarts Castle.

The school also has four houses that students are divided into and they all do, in fact, compete for a house cup!

The school is easily visible from the locations Rowling used to write in and walk along so it’s very easy to see why, for so many years, Potter buffs believed this building to be the inspiration for her wizarding school.

4. National Museum of Scotland

Ron Weasley taught Harry to play Wizard’s Chess.

This is just like regular chess except the pieces are enchanted and can be directed like troops - they also literally knock each other down when taking a square! 

It would seem that when Rowling was creating Wizard Chess, she was also thinking of the Lewis Chessmen.

This is a group of distinctive 12th-century chess pieces that were discovered in a hoard on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in 1831.

Eleven of the over ninety chess pieces are held at the National Museum of Scotland and are viewable to the public.

Author's Note: This museum is incredible in its' own right with unique exhibits like Dolly the Sheep and the flags flown at the Battle of Culloden. Consider making the time to visit it either during your walk or at another time!

5. Elephant House (Temporarily closed as of 2024 after a fire)

This unassuming cafe is a destination for thousands of Harry Potter fans every year - as well as fans of Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith who were well-known patrons.

You’ll notice a sign on the Cafe which erroneously claims that this is the “birthplace” of Harry Potter.

Rowling herself addressed this sign and is quoted as saying:

“ I’d been writing Potter for several years before I ever set foot in this café, so it’s not the birthplace, but I *did* write in there so we’ll let them off! ”

Also, make sure to take a trip to the loo!

The walls are covered in Harry Potter graffiti with messages and drawings left by fans who have traveled from all over the world to come here.

6. Greyfriars Kirkyard

You are now standing outside the iconic - and haunted - Greyfriars Kirk - kirk being a Scottish word for church.

The name Greyfriars is in reference to the Franciscan friary which previously stood here, whose friars wore grey habits. 

As the kirkyard is not far from the cafes JK Rowling used to frequent, she would occasionally walk through the rows for inspiration.

Here you will find the tombs of Thomas Riddell (NOTE SPELLING) , who lent his name to that of the Dark Lord Himself.

You will also find William McGonagall a poet who shares a surname with the head of Gryffindor House and a Mrs. Elizabeth Moodie who perhaps gave her name to a certain Mad-Eyed Professor.

The kirkyard is almost always open to the public, as is the church from April to October for tourism and year-round services.

To get to the graves we mentioned above, simply walk straight past the church, along the left of the building.

You will find them in the back towards the right, behind the remains of the old Flodden Wall, the remains of a 16th-century wall that surrounded the city.

Author's Note: This is another must-visit while you are in Edinburgh so take the time to explore the graveyard or consider signing up to one of the tours that takes you through after the sun has set!

7. Museum Context

Known by some locals as ‘Diagon House,’ Museum Context is a (VICTORIA ST) fascinating shop, spread over two stone vaults and looks exactly like the Diagon Alley shops as depicted in the Harry Potter films.

Absolutely every inch of the place is covered in interesting and quirky treasures to take home.

Given that Victoria Street is heavily associated with Diagon Alley, it makes sense to find such a treasure trove of Potter memorabilia in this location.

Make sure to hit the top floor where you’ll find a wizarding desk with a hat that you can wear to snap a selfie while you’re visiting!

8. Victoria Street

So as far as we are concerned, this is Diagon Alley - or Victoria Street as the case may be!

This gorgeous, curving road looks just like the twisting and topsy-turvey thoroughfare in the Harry Potter films.

All these ramshackle, colourful buildings are tucked close together, with oddly shaped windows and roofs adorning each one.

Just around the corner is Candlemaker Row, lined with cobblestones and filled with whimsical structures holding just a hint of magic. 

It’s also worth pointing out the AHA HA HA along the curve of the street at No. 99 West Bow - perhaps a precursor to Fred and George’s joke shop, Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes?

Author's Note: This is a great place to spend some time browsing the shops and there are excellent options for lunch and dinner nearby on Grassmarket.

9. The Witches Well

The Witches Well is a small cast-iron fountain - which no longer flows - and a plaque, honouring all the Scottish people who were burned at the stake for witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Throughout the centuries, more than 4,000 alleged witches were put to death in Scotland - and a great deal of them right here.

Now get back onto Castlehill and face the Castle itself.

10. Edinburgh Castle

An imposing, sprawling structure of strength and mystic design at the end of the Royal Mile that surges out of a great rock into the sky, it’s easy to imagine this building filled with hundreds of witches and wizards studying, playing, and living inside.

In fact, Rowling commented that now,”... I’ve come to live in the shadow of what could be a lot like Hogwarts, except Hogwarts has a lake. ”

So aside from the missing lake, this castle essentially showcases most of the features and details of Hogwarts that Rowling describes in her books!

As a side note, there is a canon that fires at 13:00 every day (except for Sundays) which means the Castle is very busy.

So we’d recommend coming either when the castle first opens, or in the late afternoon! For those wanting to visit virtually, check out Margaret's video below.

11. The Writers’ Museum

This fabulous building is called Lady Stair’s House; a faux-medieval structure designed by architect Stewart Henbest Capper in the 1890s which now houses a museum.

Edinburgh became the first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004 and this Museum shows why.

Primarily focused on Robert Louis Stevenson, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Burns, there are also occasional temporary exhibitions.

One of which was dedicated to JK Rowling and included a first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with annotations and drawings by the author herself! 

12. Edinburgh City Chambers

The beautiful building standing before you now holds the Edinburgh City Chambers.

For the purpose of our tour, you will want to head to the quadrangle in front of the building.

Here, under your feet, you will find flagstones displaying golden handprints.

These handprints are those of people who have won the Edinburgh Award - given to those who have made, “outstanding achievements and contributions to the city.”

Set up in 2007, the first winner was Ian Rankin, and the second, in 2008 was JK Rowling, whose own handprints are immortalised here.

13. Balmoral Hotel

JK Rowling began writing her iconic book series in a number of cafes, but she would write the final words of the series in one of the finest hotels in the city, Room 552 of The Balmoral Hotel - marking the end of a true rags to riches story.

Today, the room has been re-named the JK Rowling Suite, and the room contains a marble bust of Hermes (now contained in a glass display case), scribbled with the following, written in JK’s own hand:

“JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room on 11th Jan 2007.”

Author's Note: The Balmoral is super posh and very expensive but consider a visit to the bar for a drink as a way to get the luxury experience without having to break the bank!

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Stephen Pickhardt

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Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours: 10 Best Walking Tours (Free + Paid)

Take a magical trip through harry potter’s edinburgh with these amazing walking tours.

If you’re visiting Edinburgh, Scotland, you have to take a Harry Potter tour! Speaking from experience- as a full-blown Potterhead (I’m basically a red-headed Weasley😂), there’s nothing like it! Over many trips to Scotland, I’ve done self-guided Harry Potter walking tours in Scotland and I’ve taken some of the best guided tours, too! Magical sites that inspired J.K. Rowling are littered all around Edinburgh. Diagon Alley, Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort’s) Grave, and even the “original” Hogwarts School! Seeing them, at least for me, felt almost like a dream. This article rounds up the top Edinburgh Harry Potter tours so that you can narrow down which is the best fit for you! From shorter walking tours in Edinburgh to hours-long Potterhead tours, and even a multi-day trip to the Highlands from Edinburgh , I’ve covered all of the Harry Potter bases to see in Scotland!

⚡ The #1 Harry Potter Edinburgh Tour:

The Potter Trail (My absolute favorite of the tours I’ve taken- 10/10 recommend!)

1. The Potter Trail : The Best Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour I’ve Taken!

⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 1.5 Hours |   Book Now!

The Potter Trail is hands-down the most well-known, mainstream Harry Potter tour in Scotland. And I can confirm, after my tour with them in November, that it is just as amazing as everyone says! Visitors flock to Edinburgh to take Potter Trail tours. Why? They’re exciting, informative, and the perfect length (not too long, not too short). Your guided walking tour starts in Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, where you’ll see McGonagall and Lord Voldemort’s graves and George Heriot’s School (Hogwarts). You’ll tour through Edinburgh city, seeing sights like the National Museum of Scotland , and ending at The Elephant House, a cafe that touts itself as the “Birthplace” of Harry Potter. Our tour guide, Sam, was incredible! I took 40 travelers with me on my last tour, and he spellbound each and every single one of us with his witty banter and HP knowledge! There was plenty of spell-casting, laughter, trivia, and even a house sorting! The Potter Trail offers two options for tours: a free Harry Potter walking tour, and a private, paid tour.

We took the private paid tour, and that is definitely the option I recommend. It is customizable, and it also prevents anyone from the public from ruining what’s bound to be a magical experience. Plus, you’ll get personalized interaction with the tour guide , which you definitely wouldn’t get normally!

⭐ One thing to note: It’s positively RUDE to show up to The Potter Trail without a wand (or something wand-like!).

2. Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh

 ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 2 Hours |   Check Rates & Availability

Get your wand ready, because this Harry Potter walking tour is one of the most awesome experiences to have in Edinburgh. Join your acclaimed tour guide for a 2-hour, family-friendly experience around the city . This is a great tour to take if you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids! You’ll take in the local Harry Potter filming sites, but you’ll also check popular tourist attractions in Scotland like Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street off your list, too!

Had a great time on this tour. Clare kept it interesting and even had us competing to answer Harry Potter trivia. I definitely learned new stuff about Harry Potter but also about the area. Highly recommend. Nicole L. ( Read More reviews )

Explore Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, walk past the original Diagon Alley, and learn where much of J.K. Rowling’s inspiration came from, including what building originally inspired Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As if that wasn’t enough fun, participate in Harry Potter trivia and hear local stories that any Potterhead will devour.

3. JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh

  ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 2 Hours |   Book Now!

This highly-rated Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh is easily accessible from any Edinburgh accommodation and will leave you spellbound as you walk through the narrow closes and alleyways chasing the heart and soul of Harry Potter here in Scotland. Start on The Royal Mile and dive into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Edinburgh. Believe it or not, Lord Voldemort himself is buried within the walls of a cemetery in the city. Explore the resting place of “He Who Must Not Be Named” if you dare!

This tour was an amazing experience. The tour guide, Australian David, was highly entertaining and informative. I also really liked all the trivia questions he gave us. It was so cool to see and walk around beautiful Edinburgh and I definitely recommend this tour for anyone who has an interest in the Harry Potter series. -Myra ( read more reviews )

Other popular places on the tour include a stop at the original Hogwarts, where you’ll even see some familiar faces, and a glimpse of the way Quidditch even started! Pop into a cafe or two where J.K. Rowling wrote her famous stories, enjoy regaling stories, and take photos to last a lifetime!

4. JK Rowling’s Edinburgh and the Writing of Harry Potter

⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 4 Hours |   Check Rates & Availability!

Sam ( Note: NOT the same Sam that I rave over above) is known for giving fantastic Edinburgh Harry Potter tours. I mean, literally, the reviews just constantly RAVE about him (see below, too!). If you’re one of those “you have to read the book before you watch the movie” people (because OF COURSE you do), then this just might be the best tour for you! This literary-based tour covers the famous Harry Potter Edinburgh sites, but it also takes real wizards to more obscure locations affiliated with J.K. Rowling herself.

Wow, this tour far exceeded our expectations. Sam was simply AMAZING. The four hours flew by, and we were moving quickly. Any serious Potter/Rowling fan would devour this tour. Sam is a fount of knowledge, not only on all things Rowling and Potter, but Edinburgh in general. I HIGHLY recommend this tour. We had a fantastic time. -victor C. ( see more reviews )

Explore Edinburgh from the lens of J.K. Rowling’s rags to riches story. Learn about her humble beginnings sketching out the Wizarding World on the back of a napkin in an Edinburgh cafe. Trace her footsteps around the city as you hear more about her personal journey, and visit places like The Writer’s Museum , Edinburgh City Chambers, and The Balmoral- where Rowling wrote the final words of the Harry Potter books.

5. Best Private Tour For Harry Potter Fans: The Genius of Harry Potter

 ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 5.5 Hours |   Book Now!

If you’re looking for the Hallmark of Edinburgh Harry Potter tours… I highly recommend this one! A VIP In-depth Harry Potter private tour! That’s right, 5 and a half hours nerding out over Harry Potter…just you and (up to) four of your closest friends! This extravaganza run by The Potter Tour goes in-depth like no other tour to give Harry Potter fans special insights and stories, you know….stuff like “where the secret section is in Madam Pince’s library.” Seriously, you get this treatment nowhere else.

The coolest part of this tour is that it includes access to various historical sites around the city , like the Museum of Scotland, The Headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Old Parliament Hall. Plus, you’ll visit Edinburgh Castle and other haunts like Victoria Street! So, check off some sightseeing and must-see places in Edinburgh while you tour around like the Weasley VIP you really are!

6. Harry Potter’s Edinburgh: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

 ⭐RATING 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 1 Hour |   Book Now!

Look…sometimes, guided tours just aren’t your thing. TOTALLY get it. Once in a while, you just need some time and freedom. Plus, you might already know how to get around Edinburgh on your own! So, get your Harry Potter fix in, and get a flexible and budget-friendly tour while doing it! This self-guided Harry Potter audio tour is the perfect combination of info and independence.

We had a great experience! Everything worked perfectly easy to use easy to follow! We would recommend it to everyone! Thank you. -John W. (read more reviews )

Download the provided app (which works offline if you don’t have an international cell phone plan!), and begin whenever you’re ready. The full audio tour lasts about an hour , but you can take breaks to sightsee or grab a bite anytime you’d like! See sights like Greyfriars Kirkyard, Diagon Alley, and Edinburgh Castle , while you hear the history of the city and the stories behind J.K. Rowling’s best wizard!

7. Scottish Highlands and Hogwarts Express Tour from Edinburgh

 ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 13.5 Hours |   Book Now!

One of the most lusted-after Harry Potter locations in Scotland is the magnificent Jacobite Steam Train, or the Hogwarts Express. Visitors can actually ride this train and take the famed path over the Glenfinnan Viaduct for stunning views of the countryside- a Harry Potter fan’s dream! If you want to see the Hogwarts Express but don’t have a rental car, this tour out of Edinburgh is the perfect way to get out into the Scottish Highlands and see the Glennfinnan Viaduct…in just one day!

This was amazing! Literally the best money I’ve ever spent! Such an informative tour guide who obviously enjoys his job… gave us lots of historical facts about a country! The unexpected stop literally made my life and seeing the Harry Potter filming locations was amazing! -Eloise G. ( Read more reviews )

Start your morning in the area of Pitlochry , a charming Scottish countryside town that I absolutely loved visiting , where you can grab breakfast before continuing on for stunning views of the viaduct. You’ll visit Mallaig , where you’ll climb aboard the Jacobite steam train for your journey north to Fort William . After you’ve had your fill of pretending you’re off to Hogwarts, see some of the backdrops used for scenes from the Harry Potter movies in Glencoe, a town in the Highlands. This tour is a must-do for the Potterhead in your life – how many people can say they’ve actually ridden the Hogwarts Express?!

8. Harry Potter Day Trip From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & The Kingdom of Northumbria

 ⭐RATING 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 9.5 Hours |   Book Now!

From Edinburgh, you can take some truly incredible tours that head outside the city for the day (or a few days) in order to see some of the popular Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland.

You can’t be a Harry Potter fan and not want to see THE film Hogwarts, am I right? This day tour from Edinburgh makes it possible to head over the border of Scotland into England and enjoy a day exploring places like the Lindisfarne Priory and Castle as well as Flodden Battlefield on your way to Alnwick.

Alnwick Castle is where many Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry scenes were filmed. In fact, one of the most popular scenes that you’ll recognize this castle from is in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone , when Malfoy steals Neville’s Remembrall during the first flying lesson! Get this…you can even reserve a time (for free with entry) to get your own broomstick training!

9. 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour Including “Hogwarts Express” Ride

  ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 3 Days |   Book Now!

Getting outside of the city and into the countryside to see other Harry Potter fan locations can be tough- especially if you’re not renting a car during your time in Scotland. Thankfully, this top-rated, multi-day tour hits the motherload of places throughout Scotland and takes care of all of the transportation for you! Your tour price also includes hotel stays and breakfasts as well as entry to attractions. Overall, it is an amazing way to see the Highlands, especially Inverness and other popular towns, and, of course, get that coveted ride on the Hogwarts Express.

I had an absolutely amazing time traveling with the tour, everyone was so friendly and kind, including our awesome driver, Rich! He was so funny and full of great stories to tell. We traveled from Edinburgh to Isle of Skye with stops in-between. The Hogwarts express ride was a personal highlight, being a huge Harry Potter geek.. I mean fan! Thank you for an incredible adventure! I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to experience the Highlands of Scotland including Harry Potter fans! -Sarah c. ( See more reviews )

See famous sites like the Isle of Skye , where you’ll visit Old Man of Storr, Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness, and Loch Ness . You’re getting the Scottish highlights tour in just 3 days! On your way back to Edinburgh, you just might hear “Anything from the trolley, dears?” as you pass over the Glenfinnan Viaduct on the Jacobite Steam Train, the real Hogwarts Express. GAH! Can you imagine anything cooler?!?

Although not technically a “walking tour” of Edinburgh, this in-depth tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must for any die-hard Harry Potter fan. Greyfriars has so many graves associated with characters from the books and movies!

10. Small-Group Tour in Greyfriars Kirkyard

 ⭐RATING 5 Out of 5 Stars | ⚡ Duration: 90 Minutes |   Book Now!

Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the top locations in Edinburgh associated with Harry Potter, and it is also one of the most haunted spots in the city . In this creepy, old-world, walled graveyard, you’ll find tombs and gravestones paying homage to many characters that just might ring a bell. This small-group tour of Greyfriars lets you get up close and personal with the histories of some of Edinburgh’s dead. Learn the famous story of Greyfriars Bobby , a tale you must hear during your time in the city, and find the final resting places of Tom Riddle (Lord Voldemort), McGonagall, and some other household Potter names.

Informative, fun, and such a great introduction to some of the important, and not so well known, characters from Edinburgh. The Harry Potter extras were much appreciated by both myself and my 12 YO daughter. Robin is a delight. Take this tour, you will not regret it! – read more reviews

FAQ: Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour

There are so many options for Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours both in terms of places to see and the types of tours. From free walking tours to guided tours and even self-guided ones…the opportunities are endless.

Which Edinburgh Harry Potter Walking Tour is Best?

The Potter Trail is easily the best Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh. We had the best time casting spells, competing in Harry Potter trivia, earning house points, and seeing all of the Edinburgh Harry Potter locations!

Can you visit Hogwarts Castle in Scotland?

You can visit the original place that inspired Hogwarts, George Hariot’s School , in Edinburgh. The Hogwarts from the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle , is also visitable, but it is in England!

Is Diagon Alley in Scotland?

The “original” Diagon Alley, also known as the famous Victoria Street, is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. However, the film version of Diagon Alley was actually a set piece and is only visitable at Warner Brother’s Studio outside of London.

Can you ride the Hogwarts Express in Scotland?

Yes! The Hogwarts Express is the Jacobite Stream Train. And taking a ride on it is just one of the many things that make Scotland worth visiting ! However, you can only ride the steam train between April and October. Make sure to take a ride that goes over the famous Glennfinnan Viaduct!

Wrap Up: Edinburgh, Scotland Harry Potter Tours

No matter which of the above tours you take, you’re sure to have an amazing time pretending to be a Potter (or a Weasley like me!) on your way around Edinburgh and beyond. Seeing Edinburgh Harry Potter tour locations like Greyfriars and The Elephant House were among the highlights of my trips to Scotland, and I recommend you visit as many of these places as you can if you’re traveling abroad!

In Edinburgh For A While? Check Out These Other Helpful Posts For Scotland:

✔️ Grab my 2 Days in Edinburgh Itinerary so you can plan out the BEST days in the city! ✔️ Need a Hotel? Here are ALL of the best places to Stay in Edinburgh . ✔️ AND All of the best Spa Hotels in Edinburgh! ✔️ Read About Exciting things to do in Edinburgh with Kids! ✔️Is Scotland Even WORTH Visiting? Here’s what you need to know. ✔️ Wondering How To Get Around Edinburgh? (Hint: You can use Uber! ) ✔️ If You’re Traveling to Inverness, Make sure to Try the BEST Afternoon Tea Spots ✔️And… here’s how you’ll want to get from Inverness to Loch Ness (a can’t miss!)

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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Muggle’s Guide to the Best Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

All Potterheads come to Scotland wanting to go on one of the Edinburgh Harry Potter tours!

Throughout this post, you’ll learn all about the best Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh. Harry Potter walking tours in Edinburgh offer fans a chance to explore the iconic locations mentioned in the famous book series.

From souvenir shops to cafes to plenty of sites that appear in the books but not on the screen, Edinburgh is the perfect destination for Potterheads! Whether you’re visiting Edinburgh for a day or longer, try to fit one of these into your schedule.

Read on to learn more about the best Edinburgh Harry Potter tours for your epic trip to Scotland!

Table of Contents

Top 3 Best Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour

✅ 2-hour family-friendly tour

✅ Includes all must-visit locations

✅ Highly-rated by Potterheads

Alnwick Castle as Featured in Harry Potter and Scottish Borders Day Trip from Edinburgh

✅ Air-conditioned transportation

✅ Visit Alnwick Castle

✅ Brings you out of Edinburgh

Harry Potter’s Edinburgh Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

✅ Great if you are on a time crunch

✅ See the top sights with an audio guide

✅ Affordable (less than $10 USD)

Best Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ⚡ Book now

This tour is one of the more unique Edinburgh Harry Potter tours! In the Original Harry Potter Locations Tour tour , which is about 2 hours long, you’ll go on a fun walking tour of Edinburgh while partaking in a quiz that you can do along the way.

“My daughter and I loved this tour. Monique did a fabulous job making the tour informative and very, very fun. If you are a Harry Potter fan, this tour is a must.” Anna P ( see more reviews )

The tour starts right in Edinburgh’s Old Town and includes multiple Harry Potter spots along the way, like Castlehill, Victoria Street, the Royal Mile, and, of course, Edinburgh Castle. Plus, the fun quiz will keep your attention the entire way.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan at all, then this is one tour that you won’t want to miss out on!

🤩 Book this tour!

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 9.5 hours | ⚡ Book now

Another excellent Harry Potter Edinburgh tour is this day trip to Alnwick Castle ! It’s a full-day trip, and the tour is about 9.5 hours in total, including transportation time.

If you are visiting Edinburgh and want to visit Harry Potter spots in another location, this is definitely the one for you!

“Wonderful day trip. Both castles were amazing to see. Our tour guide Owen was great and fun! I would highly recommend this trip.” Ruby E ( see more reviews )

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with wifi and a local guide. Entrance fees to Alnwick Castle are not included, so you will have to pay your entrance fee to get in and purchase your own food and drinks throughout the day.

The tour begins at around 8:15, when the tour departs! Then, the first stop is at Bamburgh Castle for an hour, which dates back to the 5th century.

After, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring Alnwick Castle, which looks an awful lot like Hogwarts! End the day at Coldstream for thirty minutes, a small town in Scotland .

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 1 hour | ⚡ Book now

One of the top self-guided Edinburgh tours for Harry Potter fans is this one ! It’s only $7.99 per person, and the tour takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Since it’s self-paced, you have a lot more control over how long the tour takes.

“We had a great experience! Everything worked perfectly easy to use easy to follow! We would recommend it to everyone! Thank you.” John W ( see more reviews )

The tour takes place through the VoiceMap app, where you can download the tour and have lifetime access to it. Then, walk around and take in the scenery as you learn more about what you’re looking at!

Some of the top spots you’ll pass by on this Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh include Edinburgh Castle, The Elephant House, and Victoria Street. These are also some of the most Instagrammable spots in Edinburgh , so don’t forget your camera!

Private One Hour Harry Potter Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 1 hour | ⚡ Book now

This is one of the Edinburgh Harry Potter tours that’s completely private. The walking tour covers some of the most popular spots that you can visit in Edinburgh that are related to Harry Potter.

The tour is capped at just eight people and includes Greyfriars Kirkyard, Grassmarket, the Writer’s Museum, and the Royal Mile. This tour is the perfect way to dip your toes into all of the Harry Potter sights in the city.

“Kat was amazing!! So much knowledge and fun facts in addition to Harry Potter. It moved at a great pace. And we saw a lot of areas we would not have known about on our own. My 11 year old loved the Harry Potter part. My 15 year old and husband and I loved it all. Big thumbs up!” Cathy ( see more reviews )

In addition to learning about the Harry Potter landmarks, you’ll also learn about their importance to Edinburgh.

Private 5 ¼ Hour Harry Potter Tour

⭐️ Rating : 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 5.5 hours | ⚡ Book now

This longer Harry Potter tour is a great way to explore all of the Edinburgh Harry Potter locations fully! The tour covers spots like the Museum of Scotland, Old Parliament Hall, the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ, and more!

Start the tour right at Edinburgh Waverley Station, where you can catch the train to go all over Scotland . Instead of taking the train, though, you’ll be looking out for your tour guide in a red robe wearing Spectrespecs!

“Sam possesses a vast amount of knowledge on both Harry Potter and the history and culture of Edinburgh and his enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge in a fun manner. This is not an ordinary touristic tour but a genuine EXPERIENCE you will not forget with a unique individual. Not to be missed.” Anton ( see more reviews )

The tour is excellent for Edinburgh visitors of all ages, especially children who love the Harry Potter franchise. The tour guide truly gets really into the tour and is so passionate, so you will for sure leave with a huge smile on your face.

Edinburgh: Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour

⭐️ Rating : 4.8 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ⚡ Book now

Last but not least is the Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour ! This tour is just two hours, making it perfect if you’re visiting Edinburgh in a day . Along the way, there are also fun Harry Potter trivia questions to keep you on your toes.

The tour includes stops at Tom Riddle’s grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard, the handprints J.K. Rowling left by City Chambers, and more. The tour is also usually capped at a small number, so it will feel private without the private tour price.

“What an amazing way to start my trip to Edinburgh! Monique our guide was incredibly engaging, knowledgeable and really brought the Harry Potter magic to the tour! I had a great time hearing the stories and seeing the places that inspired JK Rowling, with some fun HP trivia along the way!” Kelvin ( see more reviews )

Even though the tour is about Harry Potter locations, it also includes lots of history about Edinburgh! You’ll leave the tour having learned a lot about the city and Rowling’s relationship with it.

Edinburgh’s Amazing Harry Potter Walking Tour Kids Free

⭐️ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour length : 2 hours | ⚡ Book now

On this 2-hour tour, you’ll discover the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Delve into the rich history and captivating lore of the city while exploring the iconic locations that inspired J.K. Rowling’s beloved franchise.

Experience the magic firsthand as you visit the very cafes where the original books were written.

“Our tour guide was amazing and so knowledgeable! You could tell she is a true Harry Potter fan! I loved seeing the locations where J.K. Rowling wrote her novels, as well as the cemetery where she found inspiration for names.” Laura S ( see more reviews )

In addition to exploring Harry Potter sites, marvel at the majestic Edinburgh Castle, wander through the mystical Greyfriars graveyard, and admire the beauty of local churches and monuments—an unforgettable adventure for both kids and adults alike.

JK Rowling’s Harry Potter Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Immerse yourself in the magical world of ‘Harry Potter’ with this 2-hour walking tour that brings you closer to the inspirations behind J.K Rowling’s famous books.

Explore the real-life locations in Edinburgh that sparked the creation of Diagon Alley and witness the cafes and hotels where the writer brought her beloved series to life.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, navigate the city on foot, maximizing your time and uncovering fascinating Harry Potter trivia. Plus, you’ll stop at the very spot that inspired Diagon Alley itself.

“Tour was amazing! Highly recommend for any Harry Potter fan. It was so good that I would actually pay to do it again. And our tour guide was great!” Ashley C ( see more reviews )

Harry Potter and Horrible Histories Walking Tour in Edinburgh

Join in on an unforgettable walking tour that combines the world of Harry Potter, fascinating history, and delicious Scottish cuisine.

Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and amused as we explore J.K. Rowling’s life, uncover the dark secrets of Edinburgh’s past, and even follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin.

“This trip was what we were hoping it would be. We learned about and saw many special areas that influenced the writings of JK Rowling. Additionally we were treated to historical stories of Edinburgh that were unknown to us. We were lucky to have a private group of just our family and a guide that was enthusiastic about what he was doing. It was a great tour.” staudlegirls ( see more reviews )

And to top it all off, indulge in authentic Scottish delicacies like haggis and deep-fried Mars bars. Get ready for a unique, interactive, and mouthwatering experience with this 2-hour tour!

FAQs About Harry Potter Edinburgh Tours

Click any of the bright green buttons above to book a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh.

Each Harry Potter tour has different inclusions. Some include just walking with a guide introducing landmarks, others include train rides, etc.

We recommend booking your Harry Potter tour at least two weeks in advance due to limited availability. This will give you plenty of time to plan your trip and get ready for your magical adventure!

Each tour has its own restriction so make sure you check when you book. All children must have an adult guardian present at all times during the duration of the tours.

Final Thoughts: Tours for Harry Potter Fans in Edinburgh

This post was all about the Edinburgh Harry Potter tours that you won’t want to miss. Truly, no matter what tour you choose to go on, you’ll have an incredible time. Just remember to book your tour in advance!

Watch our vlog all about our 24 hours in Edinburgh!

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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Historical Walking Tour Edinburgh

Guided 60-minute photography and sightseeing tour in edinburgh, afternoon old town and underground ghost tour 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, skip-the-line edinburgh castle walking tour, outlander locations tour, private greyfriars kirkyard tour - 'meet' the dead of old edinburgh, glenfinnan viaduct, glencoe and fort william tour from edinburgh, borders and alnwick castle tour from edinburgh, 1-day castles, west highlands and loch lomond tour from edinburgh, history lovers old town walking tour.

Original Harry Potter Locations Tour in Edinburgh

How to get there.

William Chambers Monument

45 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

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• The Unofficial Edinburgh Guide

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Activities , For Locals

15 must-see magical harry potter sites in edinburgh.

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Have you read all the books and watched the films? Growing up in Edinburgh meant that I got as close as I could to my dream of being a real-life boy wizard. Not only did J.K.

Rowling write the books in cafes in Edinburgh, but many of the sights, sounds and smells of the city inspired her characters and locations.  If, like me, you’re a major Harry Potter fan, you’ll need to check out the inspiration for Diagon Alley, Gringotts Bank and even the name of The Dark Lord himself. 

If you’re visiting Edinburgh, or are a local looking to learn more about the inspiration behind the novels, check out our guide and plan your own Harry Potter walk of Edinburgh. 

There are plenty Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh to keep you entertained on a trip to the capital, so whether your planning a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh, or are planning to book a professional Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh, keep reading to learn about the sites that inspired J.K. Rowling in Edinburgh.

Harry Potter Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. the elephant house.

Known as the Harry Potter café in Edinburgh, it’s hard to miss this bright red eatery on George IV Bridge.  It’s one of the most well-known Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh.

You’ll see a sign in the window that says this is the “birthplace of Harry Potter.”

Whilst this is partially true, this is not actually the place where Rowling wrote the first book, The Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for our US audience!).  

The first book was written at the other end of Chambers Street, in the Nicolsons Café, above Black Medicine.

When you visit the Elephant House, check out the bathroom walls, which are scrawled with Dumbledore’s Army signups.

There’s even a (tiny) plaque dedicated to the first chapters outside Black Medicine Coffee. 

See if you can find it!

Luckily, this is a Harry Potter landmark that Rowling herself has confirmed as true! Huzzah!

That one’s true! I used to write in Nicolsons all the time. I once wrote an entire chapter in there in one sitting and barely changed a word afterwards. Those are the days you remember. I think Nicolsons is now a Chinese Restaurant. pic.twitter.com/JNKDP0ywJK — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

Just across the road from The Elephant House is McGonagalls Gin & Whisky Emporium, which has a little Potter vibe to it.

You may also like – Where to eat in Edinburgh .

2. Artisan Roast

“J.K. Rowling Never Wrote Here” – or so the sign says. In a comical nod to The Elephant House, Artisan Roast plastered this handwritten chalk sign on its wall.

But Rowling did write something here, one time – look carefully at the bottom of the sign and you’ll notice Rowling has appended it with  “And I never will.” This is an example of a classier version of ‘J.K. Rowling woz ‘ere. ‘

Check out Artisan Roast on Broughton Street in the New Town .

I saw that sign when I was in there a couple of years ago and it made me laugh. I’m thinking of going and writing in there one day so they have to correct it: ‘…. except that one time.’ https://t.co/IEGFWsVoJ6 — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

3. Potterrow

Home to the University of Edinburgh’s student’s union, it could be that Rowling took inspiration for Harry’s family name from this street name.

Just behind the union, there’s an underpass called ‘Potterrow Port’ which is spookily similar to the dingey location of Harry and Dudley’s Dementor attack, complete with blinking lights and graffiti.

4. Greyfriars Kirkyard Edinburgh Graveyard

No Harry Potter experience of Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Not only will you find a whole host of famous character names here, but the owl-eyed might notice this graveyard shares a lot of similarities with the scene from Goblet of Fire.  

In the scene, Harry and Voldemort engage in an epic battle located in a misty graveyard with a little church in the background. 

Not convincing enough for you?  There’s even a brief moment when the grave of Thomas, Mary and Tom Riddle comes into shot, which closely resembles one of the graves in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Cemetary.

The graveyard at Greyfriars is teeming with names you’ll recognise from the books:

• Anne and Robert Potter – the Potter family
• William McGonagall – Minerva McGonagall (Professor of Transfiguration)
• Elizabeth Moodie – Mad Eye Moodie (Professor of the Dark Arts)
• Margaret Louisa Scrymegeour Wedderburn – Rufus Scrimgeour (Minister of Magic)
• Thomas Riddell – Tom Marvolo Riddle (Lord Voldemort)

Notice some spelling differences? 

There are a few theories here. 

One is that Rowling wanted to prevent tourists from associating the graves directly with the characters (that didn’t seem to work out!) 

Another reason might be spelling differences in old names.

The Riddells are believed to have lived just ten minutes away, off the Lawnmarket and Royal Mile, in Riddle’s Court—notice the spelling difference?

5. Victoria Street & Cockburn Street

A tip for non-locals – it’s pronounced Co-burn street. 

Don’t get that one wrong!

These two sweeping streets located in Edinburgh’s Old Town are said to inspire Diagon Alley.

Wizards and witches can purchase wands, broomsticks and butterbeer on this magical shopping street.

Anyone walking these streets, with their hodgepodge and higgledy-piggledy layout, will feel like they are walking down Diagon Alley.

Even some shops on these streets might remind you of their magical counterparts.

• The Old Town Bookshop – Flourish & Blotts
• The Bow Bar – The Leaky Cauldron
• Aha Ha Ha Jokes and Novelties – Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes 
• Robert Cresser Brush Shop – Quality Quidditch Supplies (no longer there – it’s now a Harry Potter museum and Edinburgh’s Harry Potter shop!  There’s no Harry Potter shop at Edinburgh Airport, so make sure to buy your Potter presents here!)

However, She Who CanNot Be Named has never confirmed whether Victoria Street or Cockburn Street inspired Diagon Alley.

Good news for Edinburgh, however!

Rumours that the Harry Potter author has debunked Gandy Street in Exeter.

Even though Rowling still has not confirmed or denied that Edinburgh inspired Diagon Alley, this adds more weight to the argument!

Read next – Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh .

Yes, both of these are untrue, I'm afraid. I can't remember ever going to the Old Firehouse when I was a student and Gandy Street is nothing like the Diagon Alley in my head. pic.twitter.com/6kR0EmGrLq — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

6. The Bank of Scotland Headquarters

This grand building at the top of The Mound is home to the Bank of Scotland. 

Its domed roof and imposing facade will remind you of Gringotts Bank.  I don’t think any tellers would be too happy to be called goblins, though!

While you’re here, visit the Museum on the Mound , which is under headquarters.  You’ll be able to see a million pounds in real life among many historical artefacts!

7. J.K. Rowling’s Handprints

Check out the prints of the very hands that wrote the books.

Head down to the City Chambers on the High Street/Royal Mile to see how closely your hands match! Could you be the next literary hero?

8. George Heriot’s School/Hogwarts School Scotland

Just up from Greyfriars on Lauriston Place is George Heriot’s School, a prestigious private school that Rowling’s children attended.

Although some say the building resembles Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Rowling has confirmed that this building is not the inspiration for the magical school.

I sometimes hear Hogwarts was based on one or other of Edinburgh’s schools, but that’s 100% false, too. Hogwarts was created long before I clapped eyes on any of them! I did finish Hallows in the Balmoral, though, & I can’t lie, I’d rate it a smidge higher than the Bournville. pic.twitter.com/Evt0ttqfYH — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

Although it may not look as imposing as the version in the movies, Rowling’s drawings match the shape of this building.

It’s hard to imagine that, when writing the books and gazing out of the window of The Elephant or Nicolson’s, Rowling didn’t notice the incredible architecture of Heriot’s—even if it wasn’t the original inspiration.

The quad inside is similar to where Harry, Hermione and Ron hang out, with tall and grand stone pillars.

The colours of the houses—Lauriston (Green), Greyfriars (white/yellow), Raeburn (red), and Castle (blue)—match those of the houses at Hogwarts.

So, even if it isn’t entirely accurate to say that Hogwarts is based on Heriot’s, it’s still worth walking past to get a feel for what Hogwarts might be like.

9. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle and Harry Potter also have connections. 

Many point to Edinburgh’s famous castle as the inspiration for the Hogwarts school building. 

Perched atop a rock, it looks very grand from all around.

During the Military Tattoo, the Castle Esplanade is transformed into an event venue with spectators towering steeply around the show. 

Anyone who has watched Harry snatch the Golden Snitch will recognise this as inspiration for the Quidditch Stadium.

Many people are unaware that Princes Street Gardens, located at the foot of the Castle Rock between the Castle and Princes Street, was once the ‘Nor Loch,’ a body of black water.  Many have likened this appearance to the Black Lake at the foot of Hogwarts.

Rowling even tipped a nod at these connections by launching her sixth and penultimate novel, Half-Blood Prince, here.

Visit Edinburgh Castle from your sofa on a virtual tour of Edinburgh .

10. The Balmoral Hotel

Arguably the most prestigious hotel in Edinburgh, Rowling stayed here in Room 552 and finished her final book, the Deathly Hallows, in this very suite.

The suite door is painted purple and has an owl door knocker!

To mark the occasion, Rowling signed a marble bust of Hermes within the room. 

The bust has since been safely locked in a glass cabinet in the room.

Now, visitors with some serious cash to splash can book into this very room – now named the J.K. Rowling Suite – and sit in the very chair where Rowling finished writing her final book.

If you’d like to find out more about The Balmoral, you can read our Balmoral Hotel review .

We stayed in the Deluxe Castle View room, 314.

Read next – Where to Stay in Edinburgh – by a Local .

11. The Rowling Parking Meter

Sorry, folks.

One thing we can be sure of is that Rowling did not utilise the services of a parking meter when she was writing The Deathly Hallows.

This may be one of the more comical ‘landmarks’ attributed to the Potter series. And, although a tour was overheard purporting that Rowling used an Edinburgh parking meter, she has confirmed that she cannot drive!

My favourite bit of utter nonsense about Potter landmarks is still this one. I can’t drive. pic.twitter.com/szugSAkIOA — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) May 21, 2020

It’s unrelated to the books, but The Dene in Stockbridge will give you all the Potter vibes. Stockbridge is a pretty neighbourhood that is well worth spending an afternoon in if you have more than a day in Edinburgh.

Second-time visitors might even want to stay here !

If you are into architecture, walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to Dean Village to see the old mill buildings in the city. You won’t believe it is Edinburgh!

12. The Cauldron (Frederick Street)

Want To Try Out Being a Wizard For Yourself?

Alcoholic Harry Potter drinks and Harry Potter-themed bar in Edinburgh. 

The Cauldron is an immersive magical experience. 

Don a cloak, wave your wand and utter those magic words to brew your potions (cocktails.)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Cauldron Magical Pub (@thecauldronpub) on Mar 5, 2020 at 1:30am PST

13. Juniper (Princes Street)

If you prefer a muggle to brew your cocktail, head to Juniper and order a ‘Strawberries and Steam’ smoking cocktail teapot. You may also like our guides on what to eat in Edinburgh and which restaurants to visit .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Juniper Edinburgh (@juniperedinburgh) on Mar 13, 2020 at 6:43am PDT

14. Monteith’s

Fancy a butterbeer?  Get to Monteith’s and order a Hot Buttered Beer.

15. Tattu (West Register Street)

Shiny new Chinese restaurant. 

Order the magical ‘Dragon Egg Nest’ or smoking ‘Cherry Blossom’ for dessert. 

Harry Potter Tours Edinburgh

Potter trail: harry potter walking tour edinburgh.

Both private and group tours are offered to visit the very important landmarks that influenced She Who Cannot Be Named’s writings.

Take a tour of Greyfriars Kirk to find Voldemort’s grave, look at the loos inside The Elephant Cafe, and discover Scotland’s very own Diagon Alley with your very own tour guide, wizard.

Richard, our wizard, and his team are all performers and trained tour guides so you are guaranteed a good show whether you are a Potterhead or not.

Quote everythingedinburgh5 at checkout for 5% off. Reserve your slot here . Any referral we receive will be added to The Potter Trail’s donation to the Scottish Trans Alliance, which was made in response to JK Rowling’s recent actions.

Harry Potter Magical Guided Walking Tour Edinburgh

Take this magical 2-hour walking tour of Edinburgh to discover the sights that inspired the novels.

Get sorted into your Hogwarts House, visit Tom Riddle’s (Riddell’s) grave and take part in a fun audio-visual quiz!

Read next | Some of the best walking tours in Edinburgh .

Harry Potter Airbnb in Edinburgh

Hey, Muggles, do you want to stay at the Edinburgh Wizarding Residence on Grassmarket? This one-of-a-kind Airbnb  will make you believe you’re in Diagon Alley.

Located on West Bow, Victoria Street, aka Diagon Alley, this one-bedroom apartment offers a magical stay for up to four guests.

It overlooks the Grassmarket in the centre of  Edinburgh’s Old Town  and city centre, making it easy to walk to The Royal Mile and Princes Street.

Amenities include heating, washing facilities, a fully-equipped kitchen, and Wi-Fi.

The host has designed each room to resemble an area of the Wizarding World and even created a hidden storage space in the hallway.

Harry Potter Train From Edinburgh

Want to experience the journey to Hogwarts for yourself?  Take this one-day tour to experience some of Scotland’s stunning scenery, visit the sites in the Highlands that inspired Rowling and take the Hogwarts Express from Fort William! The tour leaves very early in the morning from Edinburgh, and the price includes the train ride from Fort William to Mallaig over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The train itself is a smoking Jacobite Train! History and Harry Potter rolled into one.

Here’s our guide to tours that leave Edinburgh for the Highlands .

Our Old Town Edinburgh Guides

• The Ultimate Guide to Edinburgh’s Old Town
• 50 Things to Fo for All the Family
• Where to Stay in the Old Town
• Best Old Town Airbnbs incl. Harry Potter apartment
• Old Town Edinburgh Restaurants for Every Budget
• Our Fave Old Town Pubs
• Walking Tours
• Spooky Ghost Tours

Essential Edinburgh Information 

Food & drink in Edinburgh Best time to visit Edinburgh Things to do in Edinburgh How much does Edinburgh cost? Free 7-day Scotland itinerary

Plan Your Trip To Edinburgh 

Book accommodation at Booking.com Reserve a skip the line pass or guided tour at GetYourGuide Save money with this Edinburgh Pass

Ronan has lived in Edinburgh his whole life. He loves to spend time in Edinburgh’s unique neighbourhoods sampling the excellent food and drink scene, interesting culture and weather (hah!)

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The Jenna Way

Unapologetic – Queer – Unstoppable

Self Guided Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh (With Maps)

Introducing; a self guided harry potter tour of edinburgh..

• Duration: 2 Hours
• Difficulty: Moderate (some stairs, but all paved walkways)
• Cost: Free!

I’ve lived in Edinburgh my whole life and I’ve been a Harry Potter fan for just about as long. So it’s surprising that its taken me this long to write a self-guided Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh.

As I walked around the city recently, I realised that Potter-mania isn’t slowing down any time soon. There are more shops, cafe’s and Harry Potter inspired Edinburgh “landmarks” now than there was when the books or films were released.

Part of me cringes at how many people have cashed-in on the fact the Harry Potter books were written by a local and inspired by Edinburgh. And part of me kind of loves that something so globally loved comes from my hometown.

So, if you’re headed to Edinburgh any time soon, now you can get a piece of Potter Mania too!

I’ve put together a free Harry Potter trail through Edinburgh . Now you can walk it yourself without being restricted to a tour group’s walking pace, or the tourist-prices that come along with it.

Now lace up your boots, or hop on your brooms and check out this Self Guided Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh.

• Starting Point: The Balmoral 1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

The Balmoral

1 Princes St, Edinburgh EH2 2EQ

The Balmoral is a great place to start this self-guided Harry Potter walking tour. It’s right in the city centre, beside the main train station (Waverley) and on the main shopping strip (Princes Street).

The Balmoral is where J K Rowling finished her final books. She booked out a suite in 2007 to complete the series. Since then, her room has been transformed into the “ J K Rowling suite “. And for a small £1600 per night, you can stay there too! However, if this falls a little outside your budget, snap some pics of the gorgeous building from the outside, then head on your way…

Cockburn St

Self guided harry potter walking tour directions.

• Walk west on Princes St towards W Register St 0.1 mi
• Turn left onto Waverley Bridge 0.1 mi
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Cockburn St 404 ft

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ✨ Museum Context UK ⚡️ (@museumcontextuk)

Cockburn street looks like it fell straight from the pages of the Wizarding World. Twisty streets, tall buildings, curious store fronts. The number one spot on this street to check out on your Edinburgh walking tour is Museum Context .

Selling both Officially Licensed Harry Potter products and a wide array of other curious gadgets and nik-naks. This is certainly one way to recreate the Diagonal Alley shopping experience.

Museum Context has a second store which you’ll pass later in the tour. So you may wish to browse now and buy later to avoid carrying too many bags around with you.

City Chambers

253 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ

• Walk east on Cockburn St towards Anchor Cl
• Turn right onto Anchor Cl
• Take the stairs
• Turn right onto High St
• Destination will be on the right

The City Chambers in Edinburgh is a working building for Edinburgh Council. It is also home to the Golden Hands of JK Rowling in its front courtyard.

The Golden Hands walkway is an ode to the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars. But instead, this one honours famous and successful Scots by memorialising their hand prints in gold in the slabs.

Diagon Alley (Victoria St)

• Walk west on High St towards Writers’ Ct
• Continue onto Lawnmarket
• Turn left onto George IV Bridge
• Turn right onto Victoria St

As close to Diagon Alley as you’ll ever be (unless you’re actually a wizard that is). Victoria Street in Edinburgh is arguably one of the most picturesque places in Edinburgh too. This winding, cobbled street with its colourful store fronts is a must see. Take a stroll down Victoria Street, snapping some pictures and browising the curoous artifacts for sale in many stores.

Check out the second branch of Museum Context . Or pick yourself up some magic tricks at the Ah Ha Joke shop , claimed to be inspiration for JK Rowling’s Zonko’s joke shop.

Greyfriar’s Kirk

• Walk north-west on Candlemaker Row
• Enter Greyfriar’s Kirk just past the Roundabout (on the right)

What self-guided Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the famous graveyard?

The Greyfriar’s graveyard is home to a number of tomb stones made famous by JK Rowling. It fascinates me to think about who these people were in real life, and to imagine your name becoming famous centuries after you’ve died.

Among the most “famous” names in the graveyard are Tom Riddle and McGonagle.

Directions To Tom Riddle’s Tomb

• Follow path up through graveyard and pass through Flodden Wall’s archway on your right.
• Walk back down the hill once on the other side of the wall
• Riddle’s grave is at the bottom corner.

Directions To Mcgonagle’s Grave

• From Riddle’s tomb, follow the wall back up the hill.
• At the top of the hill, take a right.
• Walk along the top path, until you reach a gate.

Hogwarts (George Heriot’s)

While at McGonagle’s grave, take a peep through the gates for the best view of the school that inspired Hogwarts. George Heriots School is a working private co-ed school in Edinburgh. Like Hogwarts, they have 4 houses (although not Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Hufflepuff!)

You can peep a view of the front of the school by walking around to Lauriston Place.

The Elephant House Cafe

21 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN

• Exit the graveyard by walking past the Kirk (church)
• Turn left onto Greyfriars

After all this walking, it’s about time you treat yourself to a rest, some food and (unless you visited on the one sunny day of the year) so warmth! What better place to refuel of your Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh than the place where it all began?

There are a number of cafe’s in Edinburgh that claim to be spots where JK Rowling penned her early books. It makes, since most of us visit more than one cafe in the city. However, it’s fairly undisputed that Joanne spent a decent amount of her early writing career in this cosy cafe . If you’re lucky enough to get a table through the back, the views of Edinburgh castle and rooftops are enough to inspire you to pick up a pen immediately.

I love the Elephant House Cafe for not completely losing it’s original style, despite the mass popularity it has received. There is a spot at the front where you can pick up some potter memorabilia. However, the majority of the decor is still unchanged and Elephant-inspired.

National Museum of Scotland

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

• Walk south on George IV Bridge towards Chambers St
• Turn left onto Chambers St

The National Museum of Scotland is an excellent (FREE!) place to spend hours on any trip to Edinburgh. However, for the purposes of the Self Guided Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh, you should pop in to see one particular cabinet.

The medieval chess pieces from the Scottish island of Lewis. The chess pieces date back to Late 12th – early 13th century and look like they’re straight out of the Chamber of Secrets. Claimed to be inspiration for Wizarding chess, and you can see why, these artefacts are a fun look back in time to ancient Scottish History.

According to the museum website they are currently on display in the Kingdom of the Scots , Level 1.

The Department Of Magic

9 Blair St, Edinburgh EH1 1QR

• Walk east on Chambers St towards W College St
• Turn left onto Guthrie St
• Turn right onto Hastie’s Cl
• Turn right onto Cowgate
• Turn left onto Blair St
• Destination will be on the left

The final stop on your Harry Potter walking tour of Edinburgh is a full activity in itself. The Department Of Magic is a bar and escape room experience.

If you have time during your trip to Edinburgh, make a reservation for an escape room challenge to conclude your walking tour. The Department Of Magic have 2 (unofficially) Harry Potter themed Escape Rooms; Prophecies Quest and Dark Lord Resurrection. Both take around an hour and involve solving a number of clues and puzzles to find prophecies or battle the Dark Lord.

If you’re a little more pushed for time, check out their Potion Making bar. The cocktail menu is one of a kind! Each drink comes with a parchment “recipe” and requires you to brew the potion before you sit back, relax and enjoy your well earned drink.

Check out the Department of Magic website to book spaces for the Escape Rooms or a table for Potions Making.

And this it! You’ve made it to the end of your Self Guided Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh! I hope you loved it. Please drop me a message if you completed it or have ideas of how to make it even better!

More Blogs For Your Trip To Edinburgh :

Scotland roadtrip: ultimate highland highlights..

• Top Instagram Spots In Edinburgh
• Go Ape Glentress: The Treetop Challenge
• Edinburgh Staycation: The Coolest Shipping Container
• How To Have The Perfect Edinburgh Christmas

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Immersive Harry Potter Tour : Edinburgh

Visit top harry potter locations, and soak in auld reekie.

Welcome to the premiere of See Your City’s Harry Potter tour of Edinburgh. If you’re a blockbuster buff or silver screen scholar, who loves nothing more than losing yourself in the magic of movies, then boy do we have a treat for you! It’s time to pop your joggers on, step out and get a bag of popcorn at the ready, as we go behind the scenes and visit the sets that make up your favourite films. You’ll get to immerse yourself in the Edinburgh locations that inspired in your favourite films, from Action to magical fantasy. Indeed, alongside your expert tour guide, you’ll witness where the on-screen magic happened and walk in the footsteps of all your favourite actors from the world of cinema. 

So, whether you are a Muggle or a Hufflepuff, your all-time favourite film character is Ron Weasley, or you enjoy the dark arts, or just butter beer and Berties bots, there’s something for the whole family in our Edinburgh Harry Potter tour. In fact, forget baking banana bread, our film tour is the perfect film fan activity. Why not book your ticket today?

Silverscreen movie quiz

Our enthusiastic tour guides are movie aficionados and come armed with all sorts of weird and wonderful film trivia! Will you be able to match their knowledge in our movie quiz? There are several other games along the way and brilliant prizes to be won. Which team will emerge victorious and be crowned the ultimate film fans?

What’s included in our Edinburgh Harry Potter tour:  

• A knowledgeable, professional guide taking you on tour
• See some of the locations from your favourite films
• You will see you visit Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh’s very own walk of fame.
• Fun and interactive film quiz

Other key facts & info:

Group sizes: Our film tour of Edinburgh can run with a minimum of one participant . However, the maximum group size is compliant with current government restrictions.

Cancellations : If for any reason you want to cancel your ticket, please do so up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund. 

What to bring : Simply show up in weather appropriate clothing!

Next steps:

Once you’re booked in, you’ll receive an order confirmation with meeting point and information. Of course, there’s no pressure, but we love seeing you guys get into character for the tour! Why not get creative and dress up as Hermione, Harry, Spiderman, or someone from Trainspotting? If you have any questions about our Edinburgh film tour, feel free to drop us a line at any time via email or Facebook , or give us a ring.  

Also available in the following languages:

Our reviews.

Harry Potter in Edinburgh: 15 Places You Must Visit

With its towering Gothic buildings, conspicuous spires and turrets, dingy wynds and medieval alleyways, and the riveting past, Edinburgh transports you to the magical world of Hogwarts.

Discovering the places that might have inspired the creation of the world’s most beloved wizard, Harry Potter, is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh .

It’s not hard to see why author J. K. Rowling was inspired by this city. According to the author, this city is “where Harry evolved over seven books and many, many hours of writing in its cafes.”

While wandering around the Old Town of Edinburgh, you might feel as if you might stumble upon Harry Potter and his mischievous friends.

So, get your wands out and grab your Nimbus 2000. We’re going to explore this magical city on a self-guided walking tour. Here are some of the Potter pilgrimages we could add to your Edinburgh itinerary.

Harry Potter Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Edinburgh

1. wander around victoria street.

Without a doubt,  Victoria Street  is one of the most photographed places in Edinburgh. This elegantly curved, cobbled street oozes timeless charm and is bound to cast a spell on all Potterheads.

Victoria Street is believed to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping area used by the world’s most beloved wizards, Harry Potter and his friends.

It is located only a few steps away from the busy Royal Mile. J K Rowling wrote some of the chapters sitting at a nearby cafe. So, it is very likely she has indeed walked around this area.

Even long before Harry Potter, the historic Grassmarket area of Edinburgh was associated with witchcraft.

Today, Victoria Street is lined with various cosy cafes, busy restaurants and souvenir shops.

Try to visit this pretty street early in the morning or late in the afternoon to take photographs without the crowds.

Climb the narrow stairs to Victoria Terrace. From this viewpoint, you will get a lovely perspective of this cobbled street and the nearby George Heriot’s School, rumoured to be an inspiration for Hogwarts.

2. Get spooked in Greyfriars Kirkyard

For all Harry Potter fans, Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the must-visit attractions in Edinburgh . Some of the favourite characters of the Harry Potter series were born here.

At the entrance of the Greyfriars Kirkyard, you will find the headstone of Bobby, the beloved Skye terrier who guarded his owner’s grave for 14 years.

Stroll around the atmospheric graveyard adjacent to the church. There are several monuments, memorials and ornate headstones.

Although it looks peaceful during the day, this graveyard is one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh.

Watch out for the engraved name of Robert Potter; William McGonagall, the inspiration behind Hogwarts’ Professor Minerva McGonagall; Elizabeth Moodie, the inspiration for famed auror Alastor ‘Mad-Eye’ Moody; and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn, inspired Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic.

But the most famous one here is of Thomas Riddle, Lord Voldemort himself.

The real Thomas Riddell buried here was a lawyer with no connection to He-who-must-not-be-named. When he died in 1802 at the age of 26, little did he know that one day, his name would inspire one of the most notorious villains in literature.

3. Ride the Hogwarts Express via the Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Harry Potter lovers can’t miss the opportunity to ride the world-famous Jacobite Steam Train, also known as the Hogwarts Express. 

The train leaves from the town of Fort William and passes through the incredibly beautiful scenery of Scottish Highlands, before reaching Mallaig, a small port town.

If you are short on time, there are several companies running day tours from Edinburgh. 

The most famous section of the journey is when the train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, a pilgrim site for all Potterheads. It was featured in the Harry Potter movies.

You must have remembered the scene from the Chamber of Secrets, when Harry and Ron stole Mr Weasley’s flying car after they missed the train, and they were spotted flying over this viaduct. The bridge was also seen in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie.

4. Indulge in delicious coffee and cakes at The Elephant House

Located on George IV Bridge, at the heart of Edinburgh Old Town, The Elephant House is a small cafe where J. K. Rowling wrote significant portions of the first two novels of the much-loved book series. 

Opened in 1995, it is a popular site in Edinburgh for all Harry Potter fans. Visitors flock here to get photos of the ‘birthplace’ of the Harry Potter sign. 

They are open for breakfast and lunch. Pop inside for some delicious cake and a hot cup of coffee. During the summer months, it gets super crowded. 

The cafe is beautifully decorated. You will find old newspaper articles and photos of J. K. Rowling.

Don’t miss a visit to the bathroom. It is covered in graffiti made by Harry Potter fans from all around the world. It is fun to read all the messages and quotes from the books. 

The Elephant House was frequented by some other famous writers as well, including Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith.

5. Take a day trip to Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh

Spend a day exploring the magnificent Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. 

It is one of the  best day trips from Edinburgh  for all Harry Potter lovers.

Alnwick Castle is one of the filming locations of two Harry Potter movies – the Philosopher’s Stone and the Chamber of Secrets.

Harry and his classmates learned to fly their broomsticks with Madam Hooch on the Outer Bailey of this castle. Also, Harry learned to play the wizarding sport Quidditch here. Try to spot the location where Ron crushed his dad’s flying car.

Young Potterheads can take part in the Broomstick Training sessions on the grounds.

Hop on a train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Alnmouth. Then, catch a local bus to visit the castle.

While you are here, we would highly recommend adding historic Bamburgh Castle to your itinerary. It has been featured in many films and TV series including Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and The Last Kingdom. 

6. Spend the night at Balmoral Hotel

While J.K. Rowling started writing her magnum opus at various modest cafes in Edinburgh, she did complete her final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in one of the city’s grandest hotels, The Balmoral Hotel.

The lovely clock tower of this hotel is a part of Edinburgh’s iconic skyline. Climb the nearby Calton Hill for a stunning view over this historic building.

J.K. Rowling stayed in Room 552, which was later renamed in her honour as J.K. Rowling Suite. She spent around six months here finishing her book.

Affluent Harry Potter fans visiting Edinburgh will love a stay in this tastefully decorated room.

We were lucky enough to have spent a night here. Inside, you will find the marble bust of Hermes that J.K. Rowling signed after finishing the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It says, “J.K. Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room”.

Even if you are not staying here, you can still visit the in-house restaurants. We would recommend experiencing a decadent afternoon tea at Palm Court.

7. Admire the Architecture of George Heriot’s School

Located next to Greyfriars Kirkyard, the stunning architecture of George Heriot’s School has led many to believe that it is the inspiration behind the magical school of Hogwarts.

This magnificent Renaissance-style turreted building was established in 1628 as a hospital. Today, it serves as a private primary and secondary school. Coincidentally, it also has four houses, just like in the Harry Potter books.

George Heriot’s School is not open to the public. They often allow visitors during the Doors Open Days.

But you can admire the gorgeous architecture from Edinburgh Castle Esplanade, Victoria Terrace, Lauriston Place and Greyfriars Kirkyard.

There is no denying that buildings here have outstanding architecture. We think George Heriot’s School, along with the city’s Fettes College and Stewart’s Melville College, give away a strong Hogwarts vibe.

8. Discover the handprints at the City Chambers

You can find the golden handprints of J.K. Rowling on the flagstone at the courtyard of The City Chambers off the busy Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town. 

The handprint was installed on the occasion of J.K. Rowling winning the Edinburgh Award in 2008 for her outstanding contributions to the city.

Aside from the creator of Harry Potter, there are handprints of other notable personalities. You will find handprints of Scottish writer Ian Rankin, cyclist and racing driver Chris Hoy, artist Elizabeth Blackadder and rugby player Doddie Weir.

9. Explore the captivating Edinburgh Castle

Some believe Edinburgh Castle was an inspiration behind Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books.

Perched over an ancient volcanic plug, this magnificent fortress is one of the best castles in Scotland and a must-visit tourist attraction in this city.

We do know from the books that the school of wizards is located somewhere in Scotland. The dramatic setting of Edinburgh Castle does have similarities with Hogwarts. 

The author was living in this historic city while writing her books. So, it’s not possible that she hasn’t seen this imposing castle. Moreover, there is a view of this castle from the windows of The Elephant House, the cafe where she wrote a few chapters of the first two books.

10. Harry Potter shops in Edinburgh

If you are interested in buying some Harry Potter-themed gifts and souvenirs, pop inside Museum Context on Victoria Street . They also have another store on Cockburn Street just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town.

You will find an extensive collection of quirky and magical objects across the two floors of this shop. Budding wizards might be interested in buying their wands or broomsticks. Also, you can buy officially licensed house scarves.

Decorated with various Harry Potter memorabilia and sculptures, you might mistake it for the Ollivander’s Wand Shop in Diagon Alley. On the top floor, there is a small photo area where you can pose with a sorting hat.

In summer there is usually a long queue to enter this store. So, come early to avoid crowds.

Also, take a look inside The Enchanted Galaxy, another Potter-themed store in this city.

11. Visit The Writers’ Museum

Edinburgh has inspired not only the Harry Potter creator but also several other celebrated world-famous writers, poets and playwrights.

This city was designated as the UNESCO City of Literature in 2004. This was the first city in the entire world to receive such honour.

It has inspired literary geniuses such as Sir Ian Rankin, Alexander McColl Smith, Arthur Conan Doyle and Sir Walter Scott.

Bibliophiles visiting Edinburgh would love a visit to the Writers’ Museum, located at Lady Stairs close, near the top of the Royal Mile.

This small museum celebrates the lives of three legends of Scottish literature, Robert Burns, Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. 

After a visit to this museum, ramble around the courtyard of Makar’s Court. Look out for the quotes of Scottish writers engraved on the flagstones.

12. Find the Lewis Chess Pieces

Housed in the Nation Museum of Scotland, the legendary Lewis chess pieces were created in the 12th century.

They were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland in 1831.

The beautifully sculpted chess set will surely remind you of the nerve-wrenching game of chess played by Harry, Ron and Hermione in the Philosopher’s Stone movie.

You can find them in the Kingdom of the Scots section of the museum.

While you are here, visit the exhibitions on natural and ancient history, ancient civilisations, archaeology and the history of Scotland.

Also, head to the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking view over Edinburgh rooftops.

Harry Potter Experiences in Edinburgh

13. department of magic.

Located at Blair Street near the Edinburgh Royal Mile, the Department Of Magic has two escape rooms and a magic potion tavern.

Delve into a world of witchcraft and wizardry as you solve the mysteries and puzzles of the escape room. This immersive experience is perfect for a small group.

Aspiring wizards would enjoy mixing their potions in this immersive cocktail experience. So, put on your cloaks and begin potion-making. You will be given easy-to-follow instructions and incantations. It’s a fun experience for both adults and kids.

They also serve Harry Potter-themed magical afternoon tea.

14. The Dog House

What’s a better way to end the Harry Potter adventure in Edinburgh, than chilling with a glass of butterbeer? The drink is made with butter syrup and beer. 

They also serve butterbeer cocktails, which have a dash of whisky in them. You can find the Harry Potter-inspired wizarding beverage at The Dog House in Clerk Street. 

The interior of this pub is very quirky. You will find an array of funky items hanging from the ceiling, like teddy bears, toys, pictures and guitars.

They also host pub quizzes and live music performances on certain days. Also, this bar is a popular place with local students.

15. The Cauldron Edinburgh

The Cauldron Edinburgh is another place in the city where you can get an immersive cocktail-making experience. It’s perfect for all fans of Harry Potter. 

Upon your arrival, find your wand. Cast a spell to receive a welcome drink. The potion-making class lasts for an hour and 45 minutes, and you can make two cocktails for yourself. Experiment with the art of molecular mixology to brew some magical drinks.

They also have an alcohol-free potion class suitable for young witches and wizards.

Map of the Harry Potter Sites in Edinburgh

Here is a map showing all the places mentioned in this guide. If you wish, you can save this to your phone for future travel inspiration. Click on this link to open it in Google Maps.

Was Harry Potter filmed in Edinburgh?

No. Edinburgh is not the filming location of the Harry Potter movies. Rather, this city has inspired the author J.K. Rowling, who was living here while writing some of the books.

However, various locations across the Scottish Highlands were featured in the films, and you can easily visit them.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Loch Shiel, Steall Falls, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor are some of the filming places of Harry Potter movies in Scotland. Also, you can visit Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, on a day trip from Edinburgh. 

We wish you a lovely stay in Scotland’s capital city. It is truly a magical place. Have fun exploring all these beautiful places. 

We hope this travel guide has inspired you to visit Edinburgh.

Love, Moumita & Sankha.

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Harry Potter Tour

Tick off the top Edinburgh sights along the way.

Experience the magic of the world’s most famous wizard on a Harry Potter. Alongside your Potter-mad guide, you’ll explore the winding streets and mysterious alleys that inspired J. K. Rowling to create the iconic wizarding world, and see filming locations featured in the movies.

Use your knowledge of spells to outwit the guide and seek out inspiration and film locations around the city. Visit locations such as the entrance to the fictional Hogwarts, invisible to the Muggle world. Take a walk along the winding streets of the old town to the spot where JK Rowling wrote the books! Learn about the inspirations behind the books and the background of the story we all know and love. Soak up the historical glory of Edinburgh while you duel with your guide and group: and so much more.

TIMES 10.30am daily (no need to book ahead)

DURATION 2 hours

WHERE William Chambers Monument – 45 Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

This tour is great for families and also a good way to see the sights of Edinburgh. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and arrive ten minutes early during peak times to guarantee a place.

save up to 40% with your Edinburgh city pass

What you get.

FREE Entry to over 20 attractions

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FREE Edinburgh Airport Transfer & Hop On / Hop Off

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Free Harry Potter Tour

Discover the magical world that inspired jk rowling, secure your space now.

The magical world of Harry Potter

• 154 High Street (Royal Mile)

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Free Harry Potter Tour of Edinburgh

JK Rowling wrote her first book of Harry Potter in Edinburgh. Come to the Free Harry Potter Tour to explore the magic world that inspired JK Rowling to create the Universe of Harry Potter .

Walk the Diagon Alley, see the real Hogwarts and meet the characters who are part of the magical world of Harry Potter.

Free Harry Potter tour

"Roisin was so clever and full of knowledge about Harry Potter... she inspired me to go back to the books again. Guys you're amazing, the idea of doing flexible tours for each budget is wonderful. Congratulations, I fell in love with Edinburgh and you're the responsibles for that."

Google (Nov. 23)

"We went to a Harry Potter tour and it was amazing! I am a Harry Potter fan and my boyfriend is one of those people who saw the movie, liked it but not crazy about it and he loved the tour. The guide Roisin was very knowledgeable, funny, full of energy. We loved her style. Definitely recommend!!"

Harry Potter tour

"I really enjoyed the Harry Potter tour! Daniel told us all about JK Rowling, where she got the ideas to write the books and where she got the inspiration. The fact he added personal experiences makes the tour unique :) I definitely recommend it."

TripAdvisor (Jul. 23)

"We did the Harry Potter walking tour. Johnathan was an engaging and knowledgeable guide and the hour and a half flew by. We would highly recommend this free tour where you pay what you feel the tour is worth at the end."

Google (Apr. 23)

Tour Description

On this FREE Tour of Harry Potter you will discover the relationship between the city and the author, the facts and locations that inspired JK Rowling to write her books and the places where she actually wrote them.

The FREE Harry Potter tour is but not only for fans of Harry Potter. It is based on the world of Harry Potter , but anyone who is interested in literature, mystery and magic will have an amazing time with us.

Disclaimer: The FREE Harry Potter tour has been made by Harry Potter fans to popularise the books of JK Rowling and the magic world of Harry Potter in Edinburgh. The FREE Harry Potter tour is an unofficial tour and is not endorsed by or associated with Warner Bros, JK Rowling or any related part.

To ensure the highest quality of our Free Tours, groups of 15 or more people should book a Private Tour .

If you are arranging a booking for a School Group , please book a Private Tour .

This will allow us to give you a more personalized experience. Thanks for your understanding!

Secure your space now for the Free Harry Potter Tour!

Showing up is fine in most cases. However, you will have priority with a booking if tours reach their capacity.

Meeting Point

The FREE Harry Potter Tour starts on The Royal Mile just in front of a bar called Copper Still (154 High Street).

Look for the yellow umbrellas!

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Edinburgh Travel Guide

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Sightseeing

Discover the most unmissable attractions in Edinburgh.

Things to do

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Edinburgh's best restaurants, bars and pubs.

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Discover how to travel around Edinburgh.

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