Harry Potter fandom has ensured that Edinburgh has been put on the map and Potterheads flock to this charming city to walk in the footsteps of the series’s creator. Book a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh to see where J.K Rowling found inspiration for the wizarding world.

Walk past castles and graveyards, down cobbled streets and to the places where she put pen to paper and brought her masterpiece to life.

You will find below all you need to know about Harry Potter tour, one of the most fun sightseeing tours in Edinburgh.

What are the best Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh Harry Potter walking tour

Enter the magical wizarding world with a guided walking tour through the streets of Edinburgh to visit the places that inspired the most famous books in the world. J.K. Rowling moved to Edinburgh with a few notes in hand, but the ambiance of Edinburgh is what brought her stories to life.

Walk through cobbled streets and Greyfriars Kirkyard to see the locations that breathed life into her fantastical books. Pass by the café where she spent her time writing in a dark corner and see her golden handprints outside the city chambers. You will hear anecdotes about the books and learn about the symbolism and meaning behind some of the names and places in the stories.

Harry Potter train tour in Edinburgh

Hop on board the Hogwarts Express and coast through the Scottish countryside to experience the most iconic scene from the Harry Potter universe. The bright red Jacobite steam train is an unmistakable part of the film and you get to experience it firsthand.

You will take a bus for the first part of the journey and cross the mighty Fourth Bridge to Mallaig. Here you will board the train and take an unforgettable ride through the Scottish highlands and over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. You will also pass through the awe-inspiring landscape of Rannoch Moor and hear about the long-spanning history of Scotland.

Self-guided Harry Potter audio tour through Edinburgh

Download a handy mobile application to take a self-guided Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh. This tour allows you to venture through this magnificent city at your own pace and see emblematic locations like Edinburgh Castle and the Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Independent travelers will love the unlimited access to the tour highlights and will want to revisit the captivating stories again and again.

How much do Edinburgh Harry Potter tours cost?

Most Harry Potter walking tours in Edinburgh cost between €15 and €20 per person while a private tour is around €100 per person. For a budget-friendly option, you can book an audio tour for around €8.

The Harry Potter Train Tour is €180 per person but is a much longer experience than the tours in the city.

What do Harry Potter experiences in Edinburgh include?

Most Harry Potter experiences in Edinburgh are walking tours only and no entry fee applies but you will be accompanied by an enthusiastic guide.

The train tour also includes bus transport and your Jacobite train ticket.

If you book the Harry Potter audio tour in Edinburgh you can enjoy lifetime access to the tour and offline access to the audio and maps.

Where do Edinburgh Harry Potter excursions start?

Most Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh start at the William Chambers Monument on Chamber’s street while others gather on the Royal Mile of High Street.

The train tour also gathers on High Street where a coach will be waiting.

The audio tour gives you the most freedom and you can start the tour when and where you like.

How long are Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh?

Most Harry Potter tours last around two hours while the train tour lasts upwards of 12 hours. The train tour starts with a 4-hour coach ride and is then followed by a 2-hour train ride before taking the bus back to Edinburgh.

Audio tours last around 40 minutes but you can take your time and listen to the audio at your own pace.

When is the best time to go on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh?

You can enjoy Harry Potter tours in Edinburgh in the morning or afternoon as these tours are not dependent on the time of day.

These tours go past some of the most notable sites in the city so taking them at the beginning of your stay in Edinburgh is a good idea. You will get to know the ins and outs of the city and get a feeling for its layout making the rest of your stay convenient.

Are children allowed on a Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh?

The adventures of Harry Potter is something people of all ages enjoy. Kids will love this tour if they are fans of the series but they must be accompanied by adults.

Top tips before you go

Wear comfortable shoes as these tours involve a lot of walking and the uneven cobbled streets of Edinburgh provide a little challenge.
Carry weather-appropriate clothing with you as the city’s weather is unpredictable with odd showers and breezes catching you off guard.
Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have earphones if you do the audio tour.
Take along snacks for the train tour as the coach ride is quite long.

Harry Potter Tours in Edinburgh