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Explore the magical streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town. See the cafes where J.K. Rowling wrote, explore the castles and churches that inspired Hogwarts School, and wander the kirkyard that houses Tom Riddle’s headstone. Edinburgh is famous for its storybook architectue, thanks to centuries of construction layering more modern buildings on top of medieval alleys.
Highlights include the Diagon Alley-style shops along Victoria avenue, the historic churches along the Royal Mile, and even a spot dedicated to those persecuted for witchcraft in the eighteenth century.
The tour commentary will help you understand how each place we see helped inspire the Wizarding World. I’ll also let you know about how long each stop should take you. Some spots can be viewed as you stroll by, like George Heriot’s School, while others will require a little more exploration, like Greyfriar’s Kirkyard.
This tour begins at the Covenanter’s Memorial at 94 Grassmarket Street, Edinburgh.
This walking tour of Edinburgh takes about half a day. Plan on 3-4 hours to walk along the route and stop in briefly at each point, so you can complete it in a morning or afternoon.
1.5 miles
Edinburgh is known for its storybook architecture, medieval Old Town streets, and rich literary history.
The city is famous for landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and its strong connection to the Harry Potter series. It’s also renowned for major cultural events like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Summer (June–August) is the most popular time, with longer daylight hours and major festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe—but expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Winter (November–February) is quieter and less crowded, though it can be cold, dark, and wet. If you don’t mind bundling up, it’s a great time to explore with fewer tourists.
