Edinburgh and Harry Potter: a guide to magical locations, shops and details

It’s no secret that the author of Harry Potter, wrote a lot of the books in the beautiful city of Edinburgh in Scotland. And there are quite a few traces of this magical worlds inspiration to be found across the city. Edinburgh and Harry Potter undoubtedly has a similar charm and if you are a fan of the books there is lots to explore. The second Harry Potter book is actually the first book I ever read myself when I was learning to read as a child, long before I moved to Edinburgh, Scotland! From mysterious Harry Potter locations like the Greyfriars Kirkyard to the Edinburgh Harry Potter shop Museum Context full of memorabilia and souvenirs. I will also give you some recommendations for magical hotels that either make you feel like the world of Harry Potter as you step inside, or are located right by the top locations in Edinburgh.

Whether you’re a lifelong reader or discovering the magic for the first time, exploring the locations that inspired by book feel a little like stepping straight into the pages of the books themselves.

Where are the best Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh, Scotland?

Edinburgh is one of the top destinations in the world for Harry Potter fans. The city is home to real-life locations that inspired J.K. Rowling. These include Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard. There are also plenty of themed shops and guided Harry Potter walking tours across Edinburgh that explore the wizarding connections around the Old Town.

Highlights include:

• Victoria Street
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• The Elephant House
• The Balmoral Hotel

Edinburgh and Harry Potter: a guide to magical locations, shops and details

I could not have known as a small child reading Harry Potter that more than ten years later I would end up living in the very city that inspired those books that meant so much to me. I ended up in Scotland, kind of by chance and now I am so lucky to call Edinburgh my home. Reading those books really opened the door to a lifelong love of words, worlds, and wonder. A magic that came full circle years later when I became a student in the city behind the story, often sitting in The Elephant House studying, trying to write just as the author once did whilst looking out over the rain-soaked streets and easily imagining how Hogwarts, Diagon Alley and its unforgettable characters first took shape in Edinburgh.

Harry Potter walking tour itinerary

• Start at Greyfriars Kirkyard and see if you can find the names that inspired the characters in the books.
• Then head down to Black Moon Botanica to explore some witchy souvenirs like tarot cards, incense and small cauldrons. If you are looking for a witchy shop in Edinburgh that feels like it could belong in Knockturn Alley from Harry Potter, this is it
• Victoria Street is next on the itinerary and only a couple minutes away. This colourful street inspired Diagon Alley.
• Next on the itinerary is a visit to Museum Context which is officially licensed to stock Harry Potter merchandise in Edinburgh.
• The Elephant House is often credited as the ‘birthplace’ of Harry Potter (although this might not be entirely correct) as J K Rowling is said to have written parts of the books here. The original venue is on George IV Bridge. It was restored after a fire and there is also a more atmospheric sister to the café on Victoria Street.
• In the old town you will also find The Witchery which is a romantic and gothic spot to either stay the night, go for a meal or a magical afternoon tea.
• If you wish to include a bit of luxury in your Harry Potter themed day in Edinburgh then you should also visit The Balmoral hotel where the final book is said to have been finished. You can even stay in the J K Rowling Suite.

Tip: You can also book a Harry Potter walking tour in Edinburgh where a guide will take you around some of the most iconic locations throughout the capital of Scotland!

Victoria Street – the real life Diagon Alley

Is Victoria Street the most popular street in Edinburgh – or even Scotland – and especially so after the success of Harry Potter? If I were to take an educated guess, I would highly suspect so. This iconic street inspired Diagon Alley and is frequently visited by tourists at all times of year. It’s quite a location to admire, even without the Harry Potter connection with the colourful houses lined up along the sides.

There are many lovely shops here and for Harry Potter fans in Edinburgh the most iconic one is Museum Context. I’ve written more about it further down. However, I would recommend spending some time here and exploring the other shops as well. IJ Mellis is a popular cheesemonger. John Kay’s Bookshop is one of the cutest bookshops in town and it also sells copies of Harry Potter. Isle of Skye candles have gorgeous scented candles from Scotland’s most famous island. And Red Door Gallery has some gorgeous prints that also make great souvenirs.

♥  Looking for more fun things to do on your trip? Don’t miss our big guide to things to do in Edinburgh!

Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery – can you find Riddle & McGonagall?

The Greyfriars Kirkyard is a beautiful cemetery right in the heart of Edinburgh with views of the castle. It’s not uncommon to see locals enjoying their lunches here, keeping the graves company, on sunny days. It’s also where you are able to spot some familiar names like McGonagall, Riddell, Potter, Cruikshanks, Black and Moodie. Go for a little wander and discover the names that inspired the characters that now are known by so many. This is one of the more popular locations in Edinburgh where Potter heads like to discover the inspiration of the Harry Potter books.

Greyfriars Kirkyard is not only known for its Harry Potter links. But also because of the dog Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a terrier who reportedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his deceased owner. This loyal tale (or tail? see what I did there?) has gotten him immortalised in stone just across the road from the kirkyard entrance.

Harry Potter Shops in Edinburgh Scotland

These are some of my top recommendations for shops with either Harry Potter themes and souvenirs or that has that magical feeling that the books brought us.

Museum Context

Museum Context also have a shop on Cockburn Street and will be opening one soon, also here in Edinburgh. It is located right next to The Elephant House on Cockburn Street. This shop is licensed to stock official Harry potter merchandise. So if you are looking for wands, books or trinkets, this is a shop for you. It’s also located in a really charming venue that used to be a historic brush and broom shop. Just note that the space is quite cramped inside. The limited space does make Museum Context feel quirky and old fashioned which is the charm of old Edinburgh buildings. Particularly in the high season there will be long queues and difficult to move around inside. My top advice is to visit at opening.

Black Moon Botanica

Is this the perfect shop for aspiring witches? I think it might be. I definitely need to buy one of their tarot cards or oracle cards. But I don’t know how I will decide as there are so many beautifully illustrated options to pick from.

Royal Mile Gallery

Not a Harry Potter themed experience by any means, but I personally think it has that lovely old world charm. It’s my favourite spot in town to find vintage-style posters and maps.

The Witchery Shop

This shop was put together by the team behind The Witchery and Prestonfield House hotels. It is a beautiful Scottish-themed gift shop which has the same magical essence as the nearby hotel.

The Potions Cauldron

An apothecary styled shop for magical potions and souvenirs. Underneath the shop you will find the experience The Rose Street Covenstead which is suitable for all ages. The high priestess will help you conjure a spirit. And everyone will also get to enjoy a non-alcoholic magical drink of either Basilisk Blood, Serpents Venom, Unicorn Essence or Tears of a Wizard.

The Elephant House in Edinburgh – the Harry Potter birthplace?

The Elephant House in Edinburgh is and has been a popular spot for Harry Potter fans for quite a while now as it’s said that the author wrote sections of the books here. Unfortunately the original venue on George IV Bridge was badly damaged in August 2021 after a fire. But it reopened in January 2026 again. In the meantime there was also another café by the same owners, also called The Elephant House, that opened on Victoria Street which has a really charming old-fashioned vibe which suits the Harry Potter theme well. The Edinburgh based owners of The Elephant House also look after the Museum Context shop.

George IV Bridge

The original venue is a bright open space where you can enjoy cakes, sandwiches, small plates and drinks. If you’re lucky enough to get a window seat, then you can admire Edinburgh Castle from here. On my most recent visit I had the apple pie with ice cream which was really good!

Victoria Street

For the magical vibes I personally I prefer the café on Victoria Street. It just has more of the old world charm of the Old Town in Edinburgh. You can also try the famous butter beer here and see if it’s to your taste. I find it just a tad too sweet for me as I’m more a fan of savoury flavours.

Department of Magic – Potions Making Class

I had the pleasure of trying the potions making class at the Department of Magic for the first time on my hen do! It was such a fun activity to do with friends as you get instructions on how to create a particular ‘potions’ recipe which you then of course also get to enjoy.

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The Balmoral Hotel

This iconic Edinburgh hotel is where J K Rowling famously finished writing the last book: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows. If one hotel in Edinburgh has connections to Harry Potter, it’s certainly this one. As I write this for you I also just realised something I have never thought of before: that I actually wrote sections of my first book here too! SCOTCH: The Balmoral Guide to Scottish Whisky was written by myself in collaboration with the whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel so if you are looking for a little literary souvenir to bring back from your trip, I think you can guess what my recommendations would be!

The Balmoral is of course a gorgeous place to stay, but the building has a lot of other experiences if you only wish to visit. Why not enjoy one of Edinburgh’s best afternoon teas or go for a spa day? The options for food and drink in the various bars and restaurants are of course of high quality too so you can spend a whole day inside, even if you are not staying at the hotel.

The J K Rowling Suite

This room used to be only known as Room 552, but is now the J K Rowling Suite. The author famously signed a marble bust of Hermes in the room when she finished writing her final book in the suite, which still stands for guests today. The door also has an owl door knocker and antique furnishings so there are quite a few quirky details to discover. It’s quite the iconic Edinburgh hotel and what a marvellous building to finish the Harry Potter books in!

The Spellbound Suite at the Virgin Hotels in Edinburgh

The Virgin Hotels has one of the most magical rooms in the city: the Spellbound Suite. Artist Lynsey Jean Henderson has painted the beautiful illustrations on the walls which brings such an atmospheric feel to the room. The suite has a downstairs which isn’t decorated with the magical theme, but as soon as you head upstairs to the little alcove the whole space immerses you in illustrations and whimsical details. There is even butter beer, a glowing moon light and books about dragons. And the most magical detail of all? The floating candle lights only turn on and off if you use the magic wand in the room!

The hotel is located on Victoria Street which, as I’ve already mentioned above, is said to inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. So what better location for a magical hotel room?

Book your stay with the Virgin Hotels here.

Where to stay in Edinburgh for Harry Potter vibes

Edinburgh is a magical city with its old town, medieval castle and gothic architecture but if you want to really highlight your stay and explore some hotels that feel particularly like the world of Harry Potter, then these are my recommendations for you!

The Witchery: As the name suggests this hotel definitely delivers on the witchy and gothic vibes that suit Edinburgh so well. This would personally be my top pick for a witchy stay in the city!

Prestonfield House: is located just outside the city centre and is perfect if you want to feel like you are staying in a quiet countryside location, but only be a 15 minute drive from the heart of the old town. This is the sister hotel to The Witchery so expect immaculate drama from the interior design.

The Balmoral Hotel: At The Balmoral Hotel there is even a J.K Rowling Suite, aptly named since the author spent time at the hotel and even finished the last book in this very room.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh: Although the Virgin Hotels don’t really have a dark and moody interior reminiscent of a stone castle, it is located right by Victoria Street so it is a perfect spot if you want to stay by the street that inspired Diagon Alley.

♥  Read more about the best hotels in Edinburgh in our guide here!

Take the famous Harry Potter train: the real-life Hogwarts Express

Edinburgh is of course full of magical Harry Potter locations, but one of the most iconic experiences can be found in the Scottish Highlands up north. This day trip from Edinburgh takes you on a journey up to Mallaig to board the real life Hogwarts Express – the Jacobite Steam Train!

There are of course other fun stops on the way as well. And your guide will make sure to share some fascinating information en route to you are sure to learn something new.

Need more inspiration for your Edinburgh trip?

• Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
• The best hotels in Edinburgh: 19 luxurious recommendations
• Lannan Bakery: a local’s recommendations and review of the most popular bakery in Edinburgh
• Visiting the Edinburgh Christmas Market

What season are you visiting Edinburgh in? See my seasonal guides here below!

• The best time to visit Edinburgh: A seasonal travel guide
• Edinburgh Guide in Spring
• Edinburgh Guide in Summer
• Edinburgh Guide in Autumn
• Edinburgh Guide in Winter

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• The Three Chimneys Isle of Skye: Where Luxury Meets Wilderness
• Isle of Raasay – the hidden island gem next to the Isle of Skye