Essential Harry Potter Spots to Visit in Edinburgh

Megan Arzbaecher

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Places to See

The Elephant House

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Considered to be the birthplace of Harry Potter, the Elephant House is a café on George IV bridge. Might as well start this Harry Potter tour where it all began! Before she made her fortune with the Harry Potter books, J.K Rowling was a single mom who struggled to pay her rent and heating bills. On cold Scotland days, she would come to the Elephant House (along with a few other cafes in the area) to write her manuscripts. The bright red exterior is immediately noticeable, but unfortunately, this café is closed until further notice following a kitchen fire. You’ll still see signs out front proclaiming its claim to fame.

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Greyfriars Kirkyard

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Conveniently located behind the Elephant House, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a picturesque and peaceful graveyard in the heart of Edinburgh. It is a must-see location for any Potterhead visiting Edinburgh. J.K Rowling used to walk her daughter in a stroller through the graveyard, admiring the headstones – and getting some inspiration for her book’s leading characters. Keep your eyes peeled for a few recognizable names, such as Robert Potter, William McGonagall (a famously bad Scottish poet), Elizabeth Moodie and Margaret Louisa Scrymgeour Wedderburn.

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Thomas Riddell's Grave

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The large burial plots and ornamental tombstones, along with the eerie atmosphere, also likely inspired some of Rowling’s darker themes. Its appearance is reminiscent of the graveyard featured in book four where Lord Voldemort is resurrected, as well as the graveyard in Godric’s Hollow, the resting place of Harry’s parents. Additionally, the most famous tombstone in Greyfriars Kirkyard is Thomas Riddle, who died in 1806. Yes, he was a real person, although all Harry Potter fans know this is the name of ‘He who must not be named’. 200 years later, this name would inspire one of literature’s most famous villains!

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George Heriot's School

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With its four towers and breathtaking gothic architecture, George Hariot’s School is thought to have inspired the look of Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling has, of course, never confirmed this. But when you see the school, you can understand why many think it helped the author conjure up the idea of the famous magical school. Additionally, the school has a system of four houses with annual competitions between them. Easily viewable from Greyfriar’s Kirkyard, these two stops can be combined. As a working school, it’s rarely open to the public. Additionally, you cannot take photos of George Hariot’s School while classes are in session, to protect the privacy of the students there. If you want to snap a photo, make sure to go early in the day or during summer holidays.

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JK Rowling’s Handprints

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Just off the Royal Mile in the courtyard of Edinburgh’s City Hall Chambers is the small but mighty Edinburgh Walk of Fame. Much like its counterpart in California, famous local celebrities and influential people press their hands into a concrete mold to have their likeness forever memorialized. Unsurprisingly, the city’s most famous resident – J.K. Rowling – has had her hands in the Walk of Fame since 2008, following a city wide vote. Her hands are smaller than you might imagine. Nowadays, her golden handprints are far more worn down than all the others with Potterheads touching and snapping pictures with them.

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The Witches Well

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Dean Village

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Even if you’re not a fan of Harry Potter, the charming neighborhood of Dean Village on Edinburgh’s northside is worth a visit. Dean Village is one of the oldest of the villages around the original Royal Burgh of Edinburgh, first referred to in 1535. This bucolic village sits along a tranquil stream that feeds into the Leith river. The fairytale aesthetic totally reminds me of Hogsmeade or Godric’s Hollow from the Harry Potter books. Complete with gardens, 19th-century buildings, timber famed homes & a historic museum, I can promise you’ll want to snap photos here.

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Magical Shops

Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise

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The Enchanted Galaxy

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Across the street from Museum Context, a competing magic & wizarding store opened up. This one focuses more on clothing and board games, but it is still well-adorned with magical inspiration.

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Black Moon Botanica

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More of a witchy vibe, this aesthetic shop on Candlemaker Row sells all sorts of dark academia type items. Think candles, herbs, oils, crystals. You can also find unique gifts like preserved bugs, artistic tarot cards, and astrological charts & books.

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Magical Bars & Cafes

The Dog House

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In search of a butter beer while you’re exploring Edinburgh? Although there isn’t an officially licensed butter beer shop in Edinburgh, you can feel like Ron, Harry and Hermione by popping into the Dog House on Clerk Street. You have the option of trying the traditional Butterbeer served in a stein glass or you can sample one of their whisky-based Butterbeer cocktails as well.

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The Cauldron

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If afternoon tea is more to your liking, enjoy a wizard themed high-tea at Cauldron Bar. Offering an interactive tea-brewing experience, this is appropriate for all ages. You’ll even be given a wand to control your tea stand and open your locked puzzle chest. During the tea, you’ll brew two different teas and be given an assortment of high tea snacks, sandwiches and sweets.

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Department Of Magic

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Want to feel like you’re in a class with Professor Snape? Try your hand at making your own magical concoction at the Department of Magic near the Royal Mile. You’ll be brewing your own potions cocktail! You are given the magical ingredients and special potion instructions to create two different drinks. I’m not going to lie – the experience here is a little bit cheesy and the drinks are very sugary.

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Magical Hotels

The Witchery by the Castle

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A luxurious and unique boutique hotel for the extreme Harry Potter fans. It makes you feel like a little wizard with beautifully designed rooms! Plus, it is steps from Edinburgh Castle and has a renowned restaurant.

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The Balmoral

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This 5-star luxury hotel is a big splurge, but it has one of the best locations & views in the city. It is so iconic that JK Rowling even finished the Harry Potter series in the penthouse room.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Megan Arzbaecher

A tour guide's curated list of the best food & city adventures in Germany & Northern Europe✨ Here you'll find extensive city guides, bougie hidden gems, delicious foodie restaurants, and much more. 👉If you'd like something a bit more customized to your travel style, don't hesitate to check out my personalized travel services. I love working with new people! -- I'm Megan, an American expat living in Cologne, Germany. Sharing travel stories and knowledge has always been a passion of mine. I started a travel blog in 2015 and fell in love with travel content 🗺️ I am an energetic, knowledgeable, and thoughtful person who can talk to anyone, anywhere. And I'm usually wearing a pretty cute outfit 💃🏻 In addition to trip planning and travel writing, I work as a tour guide and trip leader specializing in Northern European destinations. My travel credentials include visiting 60+ countries, eating in 20+ Michelin-star restaurants, and a master’s degree in sustainable tourism management 🎓I love history, design, and of course food!

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