If you've been reading my blog for quite some time now, then you'd know I’m a huge Harry Potter fan. The series was a big part of my childhood, so visiting places connected to it is something I genuinely enjoy doing whenever I travel. So when I went to Edinburgh, I already knew I’d be setting aside time to look up the Harry Potter locations around the city.
J.K. Rowling wrote much of the series while living in Edinburgh, which is why the city is so closely tied to the books. The films were not shot here, but walking around the Old Town, I kept thinking it easily could have been. The narrow alleyways, dark stone buildings, and layered streets already feel like they belong in that world.
Here are the Harry-Potter-related places I visited.
5 Harry Potter Locations in Edinburgh
1. Victoria Street
Victoria Street is probably the most visually “Harry Potter” street in Edinburgh. It curves downhill and is lined with colourful shopfronts stacked along two levels. It’s often associated with Diagon Alley, and standing there, it’s easy to see why. The layout alone makes it feel slightly theatrical.
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| Victoria Street |
It does get crowded, especially around midday, so timing makes a difference if you want clearer photos. Even without the Harry Potter link, it’s one of the nicest streets to walk through in the Old Town.
2. The Elephant House
The Elephant House is one of the most well-known stops because it’s linked to Rowling writing parts of the early books there. The original café on George IV Bridge, where she used to go, is currently closed for restoration. The new Elephant House location is now on Victoria Street, so it’s very easy to include while you’re already in that area.
When I visited, it was clearly a popular stop. It functions as a normal café, so don’t expect a themed attraction. It’s simple and straightforward. If you want a quieter experience, going earlier in the day would be better because it does get busy.
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| Elephant House |
For me, it was less about the food and more about the connection. Just being in a space tied to the writing years in Edinburgh made it feel meaningful.
3. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is often mentioned because some character names are said to have been inspired by gravestones here, including one for Thomas Riddell, which many fans link to the name Tom Riddle. It’s free to enter, and only a few minutes from The Elephant House and Victoria Street, so it’s easy to include in your walk.
The cemetery itself is quiet and historic, with rows of old headstones and worn stone paths. Even without focusing too much on specific names, it fits the atmosphere people associate with the books. It feels old and slightly dramatic in a very Edinburgh way.
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| Greyfriars Kirkyard |
4. George Heriot’s School
From certain viewpoints near Greyfriars, you can see George Heriot’s School, which is frequently compared to Hogwarts because of its architecture. It’s an active school, so you can’t enter, but viewing it from outside is enough to understand the comparison. The towers and symmetrical layout stand out clearly. It’s a quick stop, but it ties everything together visually.
5. Museum Context
Museum Context is one of the main Harry Potter merchandise stores in Edinburgh, located right on Victoria Street. It sells officially licensed Wizarding World merchandise. Inside, you’ll find robes, scarves, house-themed items, jewellery, and collectibles. Prices are similar to other official Harry Potter shops, so not cheap, but the quality is solid.
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| Museum Context |
I didn’t go in planning to buy anything, but as a fan, it was hard not to browse properly. Even just looking around adds to the overall experience of doing a Harry Potter walk in the city. The interiors are designed in a way that makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a shop in Diagon Alley, which makes it fun even if you leave empty-handed.
All of these locations are within the Old Town, so you can comfortably cover them in two to three hours. If you prefer guided context, there are Harry Potter walking tours available. Booking online in advance is a good idea during peak season. If you’re exploring independently like I did, start near Greyfriars and make your way toward Victoria Street.
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| JK Rowling's writing corner in the old Elephant House recreated in the new location |
As a fan, visiting these locations felt meaningful, even though Edinburgh wasn’t used as a filming location. Knowing that Rowling wrote much of the series here gives the city a genuine connection to the books.
For me, it wasn’t about chasing exact “this happened here” claims. It was about walking through a city that clearly influenced the tone and atmosphere of a story that shaped my childhood. If you grew up loving Harry Potter like I did, it’s definitely worth setting aside a few hours to explore.
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