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 you like.
Your password can be used on the same number of devices as the travelers you have 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 always 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 walking onto George IV Bridge, an elevated street completed in 1836 to connect Old Town to Edinburgh’s expanding south side. Contrary to expectations, it crosses over an older part of the city known as Cowgate.
- Greyfriars Bobby’s Grave - Sadly, John passed away from tuberculosis in 1858 and was laid to rest here in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby then faithfully guarded John’s grave, refusing to leave even in harsh weather.
- Greyfriars Kirk - There is speculation that this serene spot in the city center might have inspired the Godric’s Hollow graveyard, where Harry visits his parents’ graves in Book 7. Exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard may change how you envision that scene.
- Thomas Riddell’s Grave - Walk 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 major inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although the movies weren’t filmed here, it certainly resembles something from the wizarding world.
- National Museum of Scotland - Back outside the Kirkyard, focus on the large stone building across the street, with tan stones and a prominent round tower. This is the National Museum of Scotland.
- McEwan Hall - As you walk down Lothian Street, several University buildings are visible on your 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 we’re not heading that way now. After passing the alleyway on the left, the road forks slightly. Cars go up and right, while pedestrians stay left and head downhill.
- Black Medicine Coffee Co - On the corner to the right, you’ll see a dark green shop front named Black Medicine Coffee Company. Next door is the former location of Nicholson’s Cafe, one of the cafes 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 during 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 - Here is the entrance to the Real Mary King’s Close. If you wish to explore the medieval streets beneath the 18th-century expansion, this is the way in.
- 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, 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 is a narrow staircase. To the left of the staircase is a narrow 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 - The church, made of dark sandstone in a neo-Gothic style, appears older than it is. Tolbooth Kirk has never been officially consecrated by the Church of Scotland. Completed in 1845, it is relatively new by Scottish standards. Originally built by the Church of Scotland as a meeting place for the General Assembly, it served this purpose until 1929, when they moved 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.

- Self-paced format with text transcripts of audio narration
- Pre-recorded audio commentary available for download or streaming
- GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour via app
- Lifetime access with customer support via chat/email
- Not a ticket to any attraction or site
- Suggested walking/driving itinerary with directions
- Offline GPS-enabled route map…
- Self-paced format with text transcripts of audio narration
- Pre-recorded audio commentary available for download or streaming
- GPS-powered, self-guided audio tour via app
- Lifetime access with customer support via chat/email
- Not a ticket to any attraction or site
- Suggested walking/driving itinerary with directions
- Offline GPS-enabled route map
- No in-person guide; bring your own device & headphones
- Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals
- Entrance fees, in-person guide, headphones, transport, parking, food,Wi-Fi or cellular data, rentals
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 that features Tom Riddle’s headstone. The tour kicks off at Victoria Street, a vibrant shopping area…
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 that features Tom Riddle’s headstone. 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.
Enjoy 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.