Edinburgh Harry Potter Tour

Calling all Potterheads! Join us for an enchanting 2-hour Walking Tour through the streets of Edinburgh, where J.K. Rowling crafted much of the Harry Potter series. From hidden alleys to historic landmarks, you’ll uncover the secrets and inspirations behind some of the most famous characters and locations from the books. With your expert local guide - and true Harry Potter fan - leading the way, you’ll not only experience the magic of Harry Potter but also explore the rich history and dark corners of Edinburgh that influenced Rowling’s imagination.

This Harry Potter Walking Tour begins at 130 High Street on the Royal Mile (corner with Stevenlaw's Close) and, just like magic, it happens rain, hail, or shine—our tours never get canceled!

Where the Magic Began: Discover the Birthplaces of Harry Potter Characters

Did you know that Edinburgh was the birthplace of many beloved Harry Potter characters? On this original walking tour, your expert guide will reveal how J.K. Rowling found inspiration in the city’s rich history and architecture. You'll visit the very sites that sparked the creation of characters like Lord Voldemort, and even uncover the real-life inspirations behind Hogwarts professors like McGonagall.

Imagine standing where the idea for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was born, or seeing the grave that influenced the name of this dark character. This tour brings you closer to the magical minds and iconic figures of the series.

Walk Through the Real-Life Diagon Alley and Hogwarts

Ever wonder where Diagon Alley or Hogwarts came to life? As you wander through the narrow streets of Edinburgh, you’ll find that the magic is closer than you think. Your guide will take you to the real-life locations that inspired Rowling's imagination, from a school that looks suspiciously like Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to the winding, charming street that mirrors Diagon Alley. You'll leave feeling as if you've just stepped into a world of wizards and witches.

Discover J.K. Rowling’s Life in Edinburgh

Throughout the Harry Potter walking tour, you’ll also learn more about J.K. Rowling’s personal journey while she lived and wrote in Edinburgh. As you visit the cafés and hotels where she penned many parts of the Harry Potter series, your guide will share stories of how Rowling balanced life as a single mother with writing one of the most beloved book series in the world.

Discover why Edinburgh became her writing refuge, how the city's atmosphere fueled her creativity, and hear about the ways in which Edinburgh now honors the incredible impact Rowling has had on its literary and cultural scene. Join the magic and immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter with our talented local guides!