• Victoria Street - Often referred to as the Diagon Alley of Edinburgh, this street is renowned for its vibrant, candy-colored shops, restaurants, and apartments that line the winding road, making it a premier shopping destination in Old Town.
• National Library of Scotland - The library hosts a permanent exhibit known as “Treasures.” This exhibit is ever-changing, showcasing some of the library’s most remarkable items, with a collection of rare books that would captivate any book lover, even Hermione Granger.
• The Elephant House - Known as the original Elephant House, this cafe features a distinctive orange-red facade with gold lettering. It is famously dubbed the “birthplace of Harry Potter” as J.K. Rowling frequently wrote here while her daughter napped.
• Cowgate - As we proceed onto George IV Bridge, an elevated street completed in 1836 to connect Old Town to Edinburgh’s expanding south side, one might expect a river or lake below, but it actually spans over the older area known as Cowgate.
• Greyfriars Bobby’s Grave - Sadly, John succumbed to tuberculosis in 1858 and was laid to rest in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby, his loyal dog, stood vigil at John’s grave, refusing to leave even in harsh weather.
• Greyfriars Kirk - There is speculation that this serene spot in the city center may have inspired the Godric’s Hollow graveyard, where Harry visits his parents’ graves in Book 7. Exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard might change how you envision that scene.
• Thomas Riddell’s Grave - Proceed straight through the arch ahead, then turn right immediately after passing through. You’ll notice several low stone walls resembling arms extending from the headstones.
• George Heriot’s School - Beyond this gate lies George Heriot’s School, a significant inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although the movies weren’t filmed here, the school certainly resembles something from the wizarding world.
• National Museum of Scotland - As we exit the Kirkyard, direct your attention to the large stone building across the street, featuring tan stones and a prominent round tower. This is the National Museum of Scotland.
• McEwan Hall - Walking down Lothian Street, several University buildings are visible on the right. While not as ancient as Hogwarts, the University of Edinburgh has been around since 1581. Ahead on the right is McEwan Hall, a large round building. Continue along the sidewalk to the next street corner for a better view.
• Pleasance Dome - The walking route here can be a bit confusing, as several streets converge. Continue straight down Lothian Street. Potterrow is on the right, but for now, continue past the alleyway on the left. The road forks slightly, with cars going up and right, while pedestrians veer slightly left and downhill.
• Black Medicine Coffee Co - On the corner to the right, there is a dark green shopfront named Black Medicine Coffee Company. Next door is the former location of Nicholson’s Cafe, one of the places where Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
• High Street - As you approach Edinburgh Castle at the end of High Street, you’ll notice a gradual uphill walk due to Edinburgh’s unique topography. Approximately 350 million years ago, volcanic activity formed the tough, igneous rock beneath your feet.
• Royal Mile - On the Royal Mile, be on the lookout for local music and street performances. Each August, for three weeks, these streets are transformed by the annual Fringe Fest, attracting performers from around the world to entertain audiences with experimental comedy, dance, circus, music, puppetry, and more.
• Edinburgh City Chambers - In 2008, J.K. Rowling received the Edinburgh Award, and her handprints were immortalized in concrete outside the Edinburgh City Chambers. To view the handprints, walk beneath the stone arches.
• The Real Mary King’s Close - The entrance to the Real Mary King’s Close is also located here. For those interested in exploring the medieval streets beneath the 18th-century expansion, this is the starting point.
• St Giles’ Cathedral - Pause here for a moment. This church has been active, serving local congregants, for over 900 years. Inside, the sweeping arched ceilings and stained glass create an atmosphere reminiscent of the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
• Heart of Midlothian - The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic can be easily overlooked amidst the bustling Royal Mile. As you pass the corner of St. Giles Cathedral, look down at the bricks on the sidewalk.
• Deacon Brodie’s Tavern - Brodie was a respected member of Edinburgh’s middle-class society, a cabinet-maker, and a Town Council member. He served as an officer, or Deacon, of the Incorporation of Wrights and Masons, akin to a craftsman’s guild.
• Writers’ Museum - At the bottom left corner of the building, a narrow staircase leads to a small alleyway marked by a sign reading Lady’s Stair Close. Walking through this alleyway quickly opens into a courtyard, eliminating the need for a Marauder’s Map.
• Tolbooth Kirk - Constructed from dark sandstone in a neo-Gothic style, Tolbooth Kirk appears older than it is. Although never officially consecrated by the Church of Scotland, the building was completed in 1845, relatively new by Scottish standards. Initially built as a meeting place for the General Assembly, it served this purpose until 1929, when the Assembly moved to a new hall nearby.
• The Scotch Whisky Experience - The Scotch Whisky Experience is just ahead on the left. Look for a tall brown shopfront with triangular trim above the windows. Pause in front of the building upon arrival.

• Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
• Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
• Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
• Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
• Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
• Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
• Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
• Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!

• Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Discover the enchanting streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town with a Harry Potter-themed walking tour! Visit the cafes where J.K. Rowling penned her famous series, explore the castles and churches that inspired Hogwarts School, and stroll through the kirkyard where Tom Riddle’s headstone resides. The tour kicks off at Victoria Street, a vibrant shopping area that inspired Diagon Alley, and guides you through the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Kirkyard, and more, concluding at Edinburgh Castle.

After booking, be sure to check your email or text messages to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action while connected to WiFi or mobile data. Enter the password, download the tour, and enjoy it offline. Follow the audio instructions and route from the specified starting point.

Purchase once and use it for an entire year! Perfect for extended stays and return visits over the next 12 months.

Please note, this is not an entrance ticket. Verify opening hours before your visit.

• How To Access: After booking, you’ll get an email and text with setup instructions and password (search “audio tour” in emails and texts). - Download the separate tour app by Action - Enter the password sent by email and text. - MUST download the tour while in strong wifi or cellular. - Works offline after download.
• How to start touring: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. - If there is just one tour, launch it. - If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction.
• Go to the starting point No one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided Enter the first story’s point and the audio will begin automatically Follow the audio cues to the next story, which will also play automatically. Enjoy hands-free exploring. If you face audio issues, contact support. Stick to the tour route and speed limit for the best experience.
• Travel worry-free: Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace. Skip anything you don’t care about or explore bonus content for everything that interests you
• Savings tips: Walking tours: couples can share one tour by splitting headphones
• Buy once, use for one year! Ideal for extended visits and return trips over the next 12 months.
• For the best experience, bring headphones or earbuds for your walking tour.
• For the best experience, please use an iPhone running iOS 15 or later, an Android device running version 9 or later, or an iPad or tablet with GPS and cellular connectivity, as these are recommended for navigation.
• Your password can be used on the same number of devices as travelers booked. Enter the same password on each device.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.