Harry Potter in Edinburgh: the magical side of the city on a budget

Why Edinburgh is considered one of Europe’s most magical cities

Edinburgh is raw, mysterious and full of stories – exactly the kind of place where imagination comes alive. Between medieval alleyways, dark graveyards and historic schools, J.K. Rowling wrote large parts of the Harry Potter series. Add to that real witch trials, ghost legends and a skyline filled with towers and castles that strongly resembles Hogwarts. It is no surprise that fans from all over the world come here to follow in Harry Potter’s footsteps.

The best part: many of the most famous Edinburgh Harry Potter spots can be explored for free or on a small budget – ideal for backpackers and budget travellers.

In the footsteps of Harry Potter: J.K. Rowling’s writing spots

The Elephant House & other cafés

The most famous café linked to Harry Potter is The Elephant House. J.K. Rowling is said to have written parts of the early books here – with a view of Edinburgh Castle. Important to note: after a major fire, the café was closed for a long time. Before visiting, check its current status. Even so, the location remains a popular photo spot for fans.

A good alternative is the Spoon Café & Bistro (formerly Nicolson’s Café). Rowling also worked on Harry Potter here – and it is still open today.

Edinburgh Castle – real Hogwarts vibes

Towering above the city, Edinburgh Castle sits on an extinct volcanic rock. Its dramatic silhouette strongly resembles Hogwarts and is believed to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Even without entering the castle, the view feels magical: many of the best viewpoints are completely free, including spots along the Royal Mile and hidden closes in the Old Town.

Edinburgh’s “Diagon Alley”: the real-life Wizarding street

Victoria Street – inspiration for Diagon Alley?

Victoria Street is widely considered the real-life inspiration for Diagon Alley. The curved street, colourful façades, small shops and narrow stairways look as if they came straight out of a spell book. Today, you will find souvenir shops, vintage stores and more than one Edinburgh Harry Potter shop.

For fans searching specifically for it: this is what many call the Edinburgh Harry Potter Diagon Alley – often directly compared to the wizarding street from the books.

Grassmarket & the Royal Mile

Just a short walk away lies Grassmarket, once an execution site, now a lively area with pubs and great views of the castle. From here, you can continue to the Royal Mile, where narrow closes (side alleys) create unmistakable Hogwarts-style atmosphere.

Graveyards & names: famous Harry Potter spots in Edinburgh

Greyfriars Kirkyard

One absolute must-see is Greyfriars Kirkyard. On this historic graveyard, fans can find headstones bearing names such as McGonagall or Riddle – names believed to have inspired J.K. Rowling.

Important: this is a real memorial site. Please behave respectfully, avoid touching or damaging gravestones and keep noise to a minimum.

George Heriot’s School – Hogwarts in real life?

Opposite the graveyard stands George Heriot’s School. Its four towers and inner courtyard strongly resemble Hogwarts. While there is no official confirmation that it inspired Rowling, many fans see clear similarities. The school can only be viewed from the outside, which is more than enough.

Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh: guided walks for fans

What types of tours are available?

Edinburgh offers a wide range of Harry Potter tours, including:

• classic walking tours through the Old Town
• combined Harry Potter and ghost tours
• private tours or larger group tours

Is a guided tour worth it?

A Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh is especially worthwhile if you enjoy background stories, trivia questions and hidden details. When choosing a tour, pay attention to:

• language of the tour
• duration (usually 1.5–2 hours)
• group size
• child-friendliness

Self-guided tour for independent travellers

If you prefer exploring on your own, you can easily walk the main highlights:

• start at a writing café
• Greyfriars Kirkyard
• George Heriot’s School
• Victoria Street & Grassmarket
• viewpoints towards Edinburgh Castle

Witches, trials & real history: Edinburgh’s darker past

Witches’ Well & Castle Esplanade

Edinburgh was once a centre of Scottish witch trials. Today, the Witches’ Well near the Castle Esplanade commemorates the victims. This stop is free and provides important historical context beyond fantasy.

Witchcraft today

In the Old Town, small museums and tours explore the topic of witchcraft and magic, for example near Chalmers Close. These places focus on education and historical accuracy rather than cheap scares.

Budget tip: a DIY witch walk

• Witches’ Well
• Grassmarket
• dark closes off the Royal Mile

Many information boards, viewpoints and photo spots along the way are free to access.

FAQ: Harry Potter in Edinburgh

Is Edinburgh officially the home of Harry Potter?
No, but many locations demonstrably inspired J.K. Rowling.

Is there a real Diagon Alley in Edinburgh?
Victoria Street is widely regarded as its real-life inspiration.

Are the Harry Potter spots free to visit?
Many of them are, especially streets, graveyards and viewpoints.

Final thoughts: magic without breaking the bank

Edinburgh combines real history with literary fantasy like few other cities. Writing spots, graveyards, atmospheric streets and views of Edinburgh Castle make the magic tangible – even on a small budget.

If you are looking for affordable, central accommodation, the a&o Hostel Edinburgh City is the perfect base for discovering the city and its magical side.

Please note: A new ETA system applies for entry into the United Kingdom. Make sure to check the requirements before travelling.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Edinburgh!