Harry Potter fans should definitely add Edinburgh to their travel bucket list. With its spiked skyline, winding streets and secret, narrow alleyways, it’s easy to see how Edinburgh inspired J.K Rowling’s writing. Here are some must-sees for Harry Potter fans making their pilgrimage to this magical city:
Elephant House
Perhaps the best-known stop for Harry Potter fans in Edinburgh, the Elephant House with its sign proclaiming to be “the birthplace of Harry Potter” is a cosy café on George IV Bridge that is perennially popular with tourists. While the claim to be the birthplace of Harry Potter is a stretch, and has in fact been disproved by Rowling herself, the Elephant House was where she penned some of her Potter novels as a poor café-hopping writer.
Order yourself a cake, or a tea, and snag a seat by the window for a great view of Edinburgh Castle. The real attraction of the café however, can be found in the toilet which serve as a true measure of fan devotion. Fans have covered every inch of the walls with messages to Rowling and references to the novels, particularly the Ministry of Magic (if you know, you know).
Nicolson's Cafe (now Spoon)
A lesser known Harry Potter site, Spoon Café on Nicolson Street was previously occupied by Nicolson’s Café, a shop co-owned by Rowling’s brother-in-law. A little-known fact is that this was where she wrote much of the first Harry Potter book as a newly-divorced single mother. With its quiet atmosphere and location on the 1st-floor that was perfect for people watching, it is little wonder that Nicolson’s Café was one of Rowling’s favourite spots to get her writing done. The location is marked with an understated plaque on the corner of Drummond Street, so keep your eyes peeled!
Greyfriars Kirkyard
A stone’s throw from the Elephant House lies Greyfriars Kirkyard, a 16th-century cemetery that is one of the oldest in Edinburgh. Rowling has admitted to having gained inspiration for the names of some characters during her walks through the city. Wander among the graves (especially those along the remnants of the old Flodden Wall), to spot some very familiar names.
The most famous grave is that of Thomas Riddell, Esquire of Befsborough, whose name was the inspiration for the Dark Lord Voldemort himself. Keep your eyes peeled also for the graves of William McGonagall (a famously bad Scottish poet), Elizabeth Moodie, and Daniel Scrymgeour.
Museum Context (Diagon House)
While it has no connection to J.K Rowling, Museum Context remains a must-visit for Potterheads. Claiming to sell “magical delights and curated curiosities”, Museum Context is popular among Harry Potter fans for its wide range of Harry Potter memorabilia. The shop has been designed in such a way as to provide an immersive experience, decorated as it is with references to Harry Potter and props that would not look out of place on a Harry Potter set. There is even a photobooth on the top floor of the shop for visitors!
While you’re at it, take some time to walk along Victoria Street during your visit. This colourful, curved street with its brightly painted shops and buildings is Diagon Alley-esque. Though JK Rowling has never explicitly said that she took inspiration from this street, it's not difficult to imagine yourself walking through Diagon Alley.
J.K Rowling's Handprints
Just off the Royal Mile, Potter fans will be able to find J.K Rowling’s handprints immortalised on flagstone in front of the Edinburgh City Chambers. Her handprints were cast on the occasion of her receiving the Edinburgh Award in 2008 for her contributions to the city. You can also find the handprints of others who have won the award (established in 2007), including writer Ian Rankin and athlete Sir Chris Hoy.
The Balmoral Hotel
The Balmoral Hotel is a 5-star 19th century hotel on Prince Street, and highlights Rowling’s rags to riches story. While she began writing in the city’s humble café’s as a newly-divorced mother on welfare, it was in this luxurious hotel that she completed her final book while staying in one of the hotel’s grandest suites (Room 552).
The suite, now renamed ‘The Rowling Suite’, contains her writing desk as well as a marble bust of Hermes, famously signed by the author upon the completion of her book. Guests can book a stay in this suite, though be prepared for a steep price with rates starting from £1,000 a night.
The Dog House
A mishmash of cosy armchairs, eccentric interiors and a constant buzz of chatter makes this the muggles’ answer to the famed Three Broomsticks in the books. The Dog House has earned its spot in this list for the butterbeer served here. For £4 a pint, the butterbeer, which is made using a butter-flavoured syrup mixed with Foster’s beer, is very easy to drink, making it the perfect beverage to down some pub bites with.
Department of Magic
Sign up for a Magic Potions Cocktail Masterclass, or find your way out of the magic-themed escape rooms at the Department of Magic. Everything is Harry Potter themed, so expect to don your robes and pick up your wands as you learn to brew your own magical potion cocktails. Be sure to make reservations in advance for both the potions class and the escape room, though you are still welcome to visit and have a drink at the tavern without a reservation if seating is available.
Harry Potter Tours and the Potter Trail
While many of these places can be explored by yourself, there are a variety of tours available. One of the longer and more comprehensive Potter tours is the 2-hour walking tour that runs most days, and visits the locations that inspired Rowling when she was writing the novels. The Potter Trail is another, shorter tour, which is conducted free-of-charge though tips for the guide are strongly recommended.
Alternatively, for a more unique way of experiencing the city, sign yourself up for a Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea bus tour. Have afternoon tea on this converted red double-decker bus while your guide regales you with stories and information about J.K Rowling.
