The author Joanne Rowling wrote the Harry Potter series of seven books while living in Edinburgh. It is possible to visit some of the cafés where she would sit and write. Although none of the films were filmed in Edinburgh, Rowling has confirmed that the inspiration for many aspects of the books lies in the city.
Café #1 Nicolson’s
Now a Chinese restaurant called Wu Zhen located at 6a Nicolson Street.
Café #2 The Elephant House Café
Located at 21 Victoria Street close to Greyfriars Bobby.
Café #3 Traverse Theatre Café
Located at 10 Cambridge Street.
West Bow and Victoria Street
These two streets form one road in the Old Town with high-rise, brightly painted buildings. Locals will tell you that it was the road that gave birth to Diagon Alley. You can also find a magical vibe along Cockburn (pronounced koh-burn) Street and Candlemaker Row.
Greyfriars Kirkyard, Candlemaker Row
See the graves of Thomas Riddell, the Blacks, the McGonagalls and the Moodies.
JK Rowling’s Handprints, 253 High Street, Old Town
At City Chambers, on the Royal Mile, you can step into the courtyard to see the author’s handprints. In 2007, Rowling won the Edinburgh Award and her hands were installed in the following year.
George Heriot’s School, Lauriston Place
This private school, founded in 1628, has a canny resemblance to a building from the magical imagination. The pupils join one of four houses, being Castle, Greyfriars, Lauriston and Raeburn, again reminiscent of the houses at Hogwarts.
The Vennel, Old Town
Behind George Heriot’s School is located the Vennel, a Scots term for a narrow passageway. This street commands some of the best views of the Castle Rock in the whole city. Although there is no connection to the Potter world, this location would trigger any author’s imagination.
Potterrow Port, Old Town
Despite the name, this underpass is not the source of the Potter name, but it is thought to be the inspiration for a Dementor attack on Harry and Dudley in The Order of the Phoenix. The location is close to Greyfriars Kirkyard.
Balmoral Hotel, 1 Princes Street, New Town
After finding fame and fortune, Rowling wrote the seventh and final instalment of the Harry Potter series in the now renamed JK Rowling Suite. The suite contains the same desk at which Rowling wrote as well as a signed marble bust.
Dean Village
Despite lacking any tie to the wizarding world, many walk over to Dean Village from the New Town and imagine it to be Hogsmeade.
To learn more about Harry Potter in Edinburgh, join one of the specialist walking tours.