Top 5 Things to Do in Edinburgh for Harry Potter Fans

On a recent visit to Edinburgh booked with Creative Holidays, I set off to find the top 5 things to do in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans.

Edinburgh is one of Europe’s most underrated cities – with stunning architecture, a bustling way of life, impeccable dining options, and incredible history. Oh – did I mention the Harry Potter books started and finished here in Edinburgh? That’s right, J. K. Rowling began writing the Harry Potter books here in Edinburgh at the Elephant Cafe, and completed the last book at the Balmoral Hotel where she booked a room to complete the final book.

So, where are the Harry Potter locations to visit in Edinburgh?

Where it all began – the Elephant House Cafe

The Elephant Cafe

The first (and most renowned) location to visit in Edinburgh for Harry Potter fans will be the Elephant House Cafe, located at 21 George Street. Of course nearly every Harry Potter fan visiting Edinburgh will have this on their list of must visit locations, so expect large crowds and a lengthy line in the warmer months. August is THE tourist month for Edinburgh, so unless you’re visiting outside of this month you should anticipate a lengthy wait to be seated. This is where J. K. Rowling used to sit daily to write the first and second books, as it was cheaper for her to pay for a cup of coffee than to pay her heating bill at home. Needless to say she finished on very different circumstances.

The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh

The Balmoral Hotel

The final book was finished inside a standard room at the Balmoral Hotel – one of Edinburgh’s most renowned luxury hotels. J. K. Rowling has said in interviews that she was far too distracted at home during finishing the final book, so she checked into the hotel to finish the 6th book and even inscribed her name in the furniture! You can visit the Balmoral Hotel for a high tea or even book the very room the final book was finished in.

Where Tom Riddle rests

Greyfriars Kirkyard

From the Elephant Cafe, J. K. Rowling could source much of her inspiration for what she saw out of her window. The first of these sights was nearby cemetery Greyfriars Kirkyard – where Tom Riddle’s grave resides – which has now become a sight in itself for hardcore Potter fans to visit and pay their respects to Voldemort.

The inspiration for Hogwarts

George Heriot’s School

Built in 1628, George Heriot’s School has four houses, four towers, and was a clear source of inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Daytime Fun @ Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura

As a final installment, I wanted to find a fun activity in Edinburgh that allowed me to escape reality (like the books so allowed) for the day – so I headed to Camera Obscura for some real life illusions.

World of Wanderlust visited Edinburgh with Creative Holidays – however my opinion is as always, my own.

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