Some of the most famous landmarks from the Harry Potter series may be seen in Edinburgh, a city rich in history and culture. Edinburgh is a must-see location for any Potterhead as it is J.K. Rowling’s hometown and the city that served as the basis for a large portion of the Harry Potter universe. We have listed the top five Harry Potter attractions in Edinburgh will be covered in this guide below. However, you should also go to the Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street to see the Lewis Chess Pieces that you see below.
In this article, we will give you the top 5 Harry Potter things to see in Edinburgh.
Victoria Street
Victoria Street, a narrow, cobblestone street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, is thought to have served as the model for Diagon Alley. Numerous boutique stores and eateries may be found inside the vibrant buildings that line the street.
Because of its distinctive architecture and beauty, Victoria Street allows tourists to experience the magic of Diagon Alley as they stroll through the wizarding world. Additionally, there are a number of Harry Potter-themed stores on the street, such as Museum Context and Diagon House, where fans may buy a variety of Potter-related goods.
2. Greyfriars Kirkyard
Several Harry Potter series characters are buried in the Greyfriars Kirkyard cemetery, which is situated in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Fans can visit the grave of Tom Riddle, the person who served as Voldemort’s real-life inspiration, as well as those of poet William McGonagall, who shares the same name as the headmistress of Hogwarts, and Thomas Riddell, whose name may have served as Tom Riddle’s inspiration.
In addition, there is a statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier that famously stood guard over his owner’s tomb for 14 years, and William Burke’s burial, a member of the renowned grave-robbing pair Burke and Hare.
3. The Balmoral Hotel
In the center of Edinburgh, at the opulent five-star Balmoral Hotel, you’ll find the J.K. Rowling Suite. A marble figure of Hermes, the Greek messenger deity who served as the inspiration for Harry’s bird Hedwig, and a trunk with Hogwarts textbooks are among the Harry Potter-themed decorations in the apartment.
A golden snitch, a copy of the Sorting Hat, and a writing desk with a feather quill pen are just a few of the other Harry Potter-inspired accents that adorn the suite. Potterheads can stay in the suite and fully immerse themselves in the Harry Potter universe, making it a popular destination.
4. The Elephant House
In the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town, a café called The Elephant House is where Harry Potter was created. J.K. Rowling frequented the café while penning the first novels in the series, and it’s been reported that she spent a significant amount of time at one of the café’s tables writing Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first book in the series.
Harry Potter devotees flock to The Elephant House from all over the world to sit in the chair where Rowling penned the first book. Even a plaque on the wall has been added by the café to recognise J.K. Rowling’s writing here.
Fans can relax with a cup of coffee or tea and take in the ambiance of the Elephant House while they are there. Delicious food is also offered at the café, such as homemade soups, sandwiches, and cakes.
5. The Royal Mile
The historic center of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, is the Royal Mile. This famous roadway, which runs for almost a mile from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, is rich in beauty and history. The Royal Mile, which is lined with mediaeval and Georgian structures, is home to a wide range of attractions, including museums, stores, cafes, and historic sites like St. Giles’ Cathedral. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling environment, fascinating small shuts (alleyways), and rich Scottish culture. The Royal Mile is a must-visit location for everyone travelling to Edinburgh because of its festivals, live street entertainment, and busy events all year long.
The Royal Mile is where many of the most well-known Harry Potter sites may be found. Visitors can see the City Chambers, which served as the model for the Ministry of Magic, and the Mercat Cross, the site of former stake-burnings of witches and wizards.
