Discover Edinburgh’s magic on a self-guided Harry Potter tour. Explore iconic sites, uncover J.K. Rowling’s inspirations, and experience the wizarding world firsthand.
Discover Edinburgh’s magic on a self-guided Harry Potter tour. Explore iconic sites, uncover J.K. Rowling’s inspirations, and experience the wizarding world firsthand.
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Victoria Street - Often referred to as the Diagon Alley of Edinburgh, this street is a must-visit. Its vibrant shops, eateries, and residences line the winding road, making it a top shopping spot in Old Town.
Note: The tour spans over 1.3 miles, includes more than 37 audio stories, and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Enjoy new, lifetime…
- Victoria Street - Often referred to as the Diagon Alley of Edinburgh, this street is a must-visit. Its vibrant shops, eateries, and residences line the winding road, making it a top shopping spot in Old Town.
Note: The tour spans over 1.3 miles, includes more than 37 audio stories, and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete.
Enjoy new, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as desired.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as the travelers booked. Please enter the same password on each device.
- National Library of Scotland - The library hosts a permanent exhibit called “Treasures.” It frequently changes but consistently showcases some of the Library’s most remarkable items, with enough rare books to captivate any book lover—even Hermione Granger.
- The Elephant House - The original Elephant House features a distinctive orange-red facade with gold lettering. Pause in front of this cafe, often dubbed the “birthplace of Harry Potter,” as Rowling frequently wrote here while her daughter napped.
- Cowgate - Now on George IV Bridge, an elevated street completed in 1836 to connect Old Town to Edinburgh’s expanding south side. Instead of a river or lake, it spans over an older part of the city known as Cowgate.
- Greyfriars Bobby’s Grave - Sadly, John succumbed to tuberculosis in 1858 and was laid to rest in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby then faithfully guarded John’s grave, enduring even the harshest weather.
- Greyfriars Kirk - Some speculate this serene city spot inspired the Godric’s Hollow graveyard, where Harry visits his parents’ graves in Book 7. Exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard may alter your perception of that scene.
- Thomas Riddell’s Grave - Proceed straight under 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 primary inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although the movies weren’t filmed here, it certainly resembles the wizarding world.
- National Museum of Scotland - Outside 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 existed 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 not the current direction. After passing the alleyway on the left, the road forks slightly. Cars veer right, while pedestrians stay left and head downhill.
- Black Medicine Coffee Co - On the right corner, a dark green shop front displays the name Black Medicine Coffee Company. Next door is the former location of Nicholson’s Cafe, where Rowling wrote much of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
- High Street - Walking towards Edinburgh Castle at the end of High Street, you’ll notice a gradual uphill climb due to Edinburgh’s unique topography. Around 350 million years ago, volcanoes formed the tough, igneous rock beneath your feet.
- Royal Mile - On the Royal Mile, watch for local music and street performances.
For three weeks each August, these streets transform for the annual Fringe Fest. Performers from around the world entertain audiences with experimental comedy, dance, circus, music, puppetry, and more.
- Edinburgh City Chambers - In 2008, Rowling received the Edinburgh Award, and her handprints were immortalized in concrete outside the Edinburgh City Chambers. To view the handprints, walk under the stone arches.
- The Real Mary King’s Close - The entrance to the Real Mary King’s Close is also here. To explore the medieval street maze beneath the 18th-century expansion, enter here.
- St Giles’ Cathedral - Pause here for a moment. This church has served local congregants for over 900 years. Inside, the sweeping arched ceilings and stained glass evoke the Great Hall at Hogwarts.
- Heart of Midlothian - The Heart of Midlothian Mosaic can be easily overlooked on the bustling Royal Mile. As you pass St. Giles Cathedral’s corner, look down at the sidewalk bricks.
- Deacon Brodie’s Tavern - Brodie was a respected member of Edinburgh’s middle-class society, a cabinet-maker, and Town Council member. He was 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 that building, a narrow staircase leads to a small alleyway with a sign reading Lady’s Stair Close. Walk through the alleyway, which quickly opens into a courtyard, so no Marauder’s Map is needed.
- Tolbooth Kirk - Constructed from dark sandstone in a neo-Gothic style, Tolbooth Kirk appears older than it is. It was never officially consecrated by the Church of Scotland. Completed in 1845, it served as a meeting place for the General Assembly until 1929, when they relocated to the new Assembly Hall nearby.
- The Scotch Whisky Experience - The Scotch Whiskey 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…
- 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
- 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 novels, explore the castles and churches that inspired Hogwarts School, and stroll through the kirkyard where Tom Riddle’s headstone can be found. The tour kicks off at Victoria Street, a vibrant shopping…
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 novels, explore the castles and churches that inspired Hogwarts School, and stroll through the kirkyard where Tom Riddle’s headstone can be found. The tour kicks off at Victoria Street, a vibrant shopping area that served as inspiration for 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.
New, lifetime access with no expiration. Use it anytime, on any trip, as often as you like.
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
- New, Lifetime access, no expiry. Use it anytime, on any trip, as many times as you want.
- For the best experience, bring headphones or earbuds for your walking tour.
- The tour requires a supported mobile device for navigation. Please use an iPhone with iOS 15 or later, an Android device with Android 9 or later, or an iPad/tablet with GPS and cellular service.
- 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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.