If you’ve ever wondered where the magic 🪄 of Harry Potter was born, Edinburgh is your answer. A Harry Potter tour Edinburgh takes you through the streets, cafés, and landmarks that inspired J.K. Rowling as she wrote the beloved series. It’s a fun way to see the city through a different lens, perfect for fans.
What to expect
Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, these tours offer a fresh perspective on Edinburgh’s Old Town. You’ll learn about the city’s history, architecture, and quirky characters while following clues that shaped one of the world’s most famous book series.
For Potter fans, it’s genuinely moving to stand in the places where Rowling dreamed up Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. The Harry Potter places in Edinburgh aren’t theme park replicas—they’re real streets and corners with their own stories to tell.
Guides are often passionate locals who know the city inside out. They’ll point out details you’d miss on your own and answer questions about both the books and Edinburgh itself.
Tip
Book in advance, especially during summer and school holidays when tours fill up quickly. Tours last around 1.5 to 2 hours and are usually small-group or private. You’ll be outdoors for most of it, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.
Harry Potter Locations 🧙♂️
A Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh typically covers the key Harry Potter locations where J.K. Rowling lived and worked. You’ll visit The Elephant House café, often called the “birthplace of Harry Potter”, and see Greyfriars Kirkyard, where tombstones bear names that sound suspiciously familiar Tom Riddle, McGonagall, and more.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Walking through this ancient cemetery, you’ll discover tombstones bearing names like Voldemort, McGonagall and Sirius Black. J.K. Rowling, found inspiration from these tombstones in Greyfriars Kirkyard. She used it for some of her characters’ names. During the tour guides will show you the tombstones and hidden places.
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle, is more than just the iconic Caste on the top of the rock. Is was also the place of inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts Castle. It influenced Rowling’s vision of the magical school in her beloved Harry Potter series. As you visit the castle’s ancient chambers streets, you can feels its like the halls of Hogwarts.
Victoria Street
J.K. Rowling herself has once mentioned that Victoria Street was one of The streets that strongly influenced her when she was creating the wizarding world. Its charm and timeless appeal provided the perfect backdrop for the magical shopping experience that she wanted to portray in her books.
Harry Potter Fans
You as Harry Potter fan can connect with J.K. Rowling’s inspiration the magical world she created during these great tours. So, Check out these Harry Potter tours, And book your tour in advance!
