Visit Victoria Street in Edinburgh | Tour Details & Highlights
Experience Old Town’s curved gem and the rumoured inspiration behind the Harry Potter series’ Diagon Alley — Victoria Street, Edinburgh, with Bright Bus Tours.
Continue reading for magical stops down the famed winding cobbled street in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
About Victoria Street
The beauty of Victoria Street in Edinburgh is that it subtly caters to Harry Potter fans while honouring its historic past and exciting present for a broader public.
History of Edinburgh’s Curved Cobbled Street
Compared to the Royal Mile, which can be traced back to the 12th century, Victoria Street is a relatively newer addition to Edinburgh’s Old Town. Prominent Scottish architect Thomas Hamilton designed the new street to provide better access to Grassmarket from George IV Bridge.
Named Bow Street, the thoroughfare was constructed between 1829 and 1834 but got its current moniker when Queen Victoria took the throne in 1937. The lower part of the road is still called West Bow.
More than just a corridor, Victoria Street’s distinctive winding path is lined with towering Old Flemish-style buildings. These buildings form a vibrant scene of quirky shops, cafes and pubs. Victoria is a vibrant lane in a city primarily draped in shades of grey.
Elevated Selfies
The street features a unique double-decker design, with the Victoria Terrace forming an elevated walkway that runs along the upper level for most of its length. Built initially as Edinburgh’s boundary wall, the terrace is a footpath connecting George IV Bridge to Johnson Terrace.
This elevated vantage point offers visitors excellent photo opportunities of curved Victoria Street. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or drink while observing the bustling street below.
The Harry Potter Street of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a beacon for Harry Potter fans and the muggles that enable them. JK Rowling wrote many early chapters of the first Harry Potter book, drinking cheap cups of coffee in cafes around Old Town. It’s not a stretch of the imagination that she inadvertently drew inspiration from her surroundings.
The belief that Victoria Street inspired Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping district of Rowling’s wizarding world, is firmly embraced by converts to books and movies. Many of the independent shops could have been the spark that led to Diagon Alley’s quirky shops. And even if they weren’t direct inspiration, many stores give Hogwarts enthusiasts a little magic in modern-day Edinburgh.
That is not to say that Harry Potter souvenir shops and stalls line the road, bringing a makeshift theme park atmosphere far from it. The dedicated Harry Potter shops blend in beautifully with the rest of the existing architecture.
Victoria Street, A Magical History
Victoria Street’s mystical past is deeper than its modern associations. It concerns Major Thomas Weir, nicknamed the “Wizard of West Bow,” and his sister Jean Weir. The Major shocked Edinburgh in 1670 with a confession of witchcraft and unmentionable acts.
Jean backed his story with even more outrageous claims. Both were executed following their admissions, their reputations forever tarnished. Their home remained abandoned for years and is believed to have been demolished. Parts of the home are said to lie hidden in the Quaker Meeting House, and occasional ghost sightings of the Major keep their tale alive.
Visiting Details
Victoria Street has no entrance fee, and the area remains open to visitors 24 hours a day.
Here are some additional details to make your visit more convenient.
Which Bright Bus To Take
You can take one of our convenient tours to Victoria Road.
Edinburgh City Tour — Hop off at Grassmarket stop 7. Victoria Street is a comfortable stroll down the cobbled street.
Britannia Tour — Before seeing the final stop of the Britannia tour, The Edinburgh Castle, hop off at Johnson Terrace. The Terrace has access to Victoria Road’s terrence through a shared pedestrian path.
Accessibility
While the cobbled street may be challenging for people with mobility issues, the smooth sidewalks make it navigable. The terrace and many restaurants, such as Howies and Scotts Bar, are wheelchair accessible.
Highlights
Wandering around Victoria Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town is a marvellous way to explore the area. However, it helps to have a loose plan to bookend all your magical and spontaneous encounters.
Here are some highlights to start your visit to Victoria Street.
Walker Slater
Visit the headquarters of Walker Slater, a Victoria Street staple since 1989, for quality tweed suits for men and women. The brand stocks an exclusive range of Harriss Tweed and other materials in different weights.
Red Door Gallery
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00
The Red Door Gallery has celebrated local artistry for more than two decades. They have exhibited and sold the work of over 150 British and Scottish fine artists and illustrators. Step through its scarlet entrance to discover original prints, designer products, jewellery and unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit.
India Buildings
The India Buildings are an imposing landmark constructed in 1864 by architect David Cousins in the Scots Baronial style. They are topped with a distinctive small turret, or ‘bartizan,’ reminiscent of medieval battlements.
Historically, this building cluster has been offices for government departments and private institutions. Following recent renovations, the India Buildings now house a luxury hotel and upscale eateries.
Bow Bar
Hours: Monday – Sunday, noon-midnight
A respectful nod to Victoria Street’s original now, Bow Bar is a small establishment with a large whisky selection. Sandwiched between retail spaces, the tiny establishment retains the air of a local pub. In addition to a selection of on-tap beers, they serve basic pub fare like meat pies and soup.
Museum Context
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 -18:00
Museum Context follows Albus Dumbledore’s wisdom and promises customers that “help will always be given to those who ask for it.”
This immersive three-story store offers exclusive Harry Potter merchandise and enchanting experiences inspired by the books. You don’t need Lucius Malfoy to smuggle Tom Riddle’s diary in your cauldron; it is sold with hundreds of other collectables from the Potter universe.
John Kay
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 – 19:00
The independent bookshop John Kay proudly claims to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley’s Flourish and Blotts. While this connection remains speculative, the shop’s charm is undeniable.
It also served as the model for Jenny Colgan’s novel The Christmas Bookshop, offering a more grounded but equally enchanting literary connection.
The shop’s fresh blue exterior delightfully contrasts with the stacks of vintage cloth-covered volumes inside. They also sell maps and contemporary books.
Amenities
Take note of some of the facilities and amenities in Old Town and Victoria Street in Edinburgh to make your visit as comfortable as it is memorable.
Accommodation
The famous street offers a few accommodations, from luxury five-star lodging in a listed A building to self-catering stays.
Dining Options
Victoria Street does three things well: it looks gorgeous in every Instagram photo, hosts fans of the Harry Potter series, and serves food. This is the culinary experience you can expect when visiting the road.
Restaurants: In fine weather, sitting outside at Howies is just perfect, and Oink is great for a pulled pork treat on the go.
Cafes: The Hideout Cafe is a fantastic spot for breakfast and brunch, and La Barantine Victoria serves incredible fresh French baked goods.
FAQs About Victoria Street, Edinburgh
When is the best time of the day to visit Victoria Street?
Victoria Street is beautiful at any time of the day, but if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to visit either early or late in the day. Queues are known to form outside some of the unusual shops and attractions like Museum Context.
What other Harry Potter attractions can I see on a Bright Bus Tour?
Just as Diagon Alley served as Harry Potter’s gateway into the wizarding world, Victoria Street is the starting point for exploring other Edinburgh locations connected to the franchise.
These are other famous attractions, and the Bright Bus stops that will either get you there or close for a short walk on foot.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a destination graveyard for mourners, dog lovers and Harry Potter fans. Rowling tweaked the name of Tomas Riddell, a nondescript man who died in 1806, to name the biggest villain in the series Tom Riddle, AKA Voldemort. Riddell’s gravesite is now a pilgrimage for readers.
Greyfriars Bobby’s tombstone might make an even better travel anecdote after your visit, although not part of the wizarding world. Bobby is a Skye Terrier who was loyal when his master, John Gray, passed. The pooch stayed by the grave day and night for 14 years. The locals took care of him as he stood vidual. A statue and a pub in Grassmarket are dedicated to the good boy.
The graveyard is open to mourners and travellers 24 hours a day. It’s located just off Grassmarket, which makes it convenient for those who hop out at Grassmarket stop 7 from Victoria Street.
JK Rowling Handprints
As a recipient of the Edinburgh Award in 2008, Rowling made her handprints in the courtyard of the Edinburgh City Chambers. The prints have been cast in bronze, making them stand out in photos.
Edinburgh City Chambers is just off the Royal mile, making it accessible when climbing off the City Tour bus at stop 10, Holyrood Palace.
The Balmoral Hotel
Rowling covertly stayed in a century-old hotel on Princess Street to complete the final manuscript in the Harry Potter series. The staff of the Balmoral Hotel kept the best-selling author’s identity under wraps, allowing her to say goodbye to the wizarding world in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
To visit the hotel, you can get off at stop 3 on Lothian Road, just around the corner from Princess Street.
Has JK Rowling confirmed the inspiration behind Diagon Alley?
In 2020, Rowling launched a thread dispelling a few myths about her fictional universe and writing process. “No real street inspired Diagon Alley, I’m afraid, ” she tweeted when a social media user mentioned the popular theory of Victoria Street as her inspiration.
“It came out of my head!” Despite having lived in Edinburgh for many years, she insisted that she had never seen Victoria Street before creating Diagon Alley.
What is the best shopping street in Edinburgh?
While Victoria Street is possibly the best street in Edinburgh for Harry Potter merchandise, there are other avenues for serious retail therapy.
Circus Lane is a popular shopping destination, while Multrees Walk is the spot for luxury brands. For eclectic art and pre-loved clothing, visit Stockbridge.
Is Edinburgh Victoria’s Secret on Victoria Street?
No, but wouldn’t having the US lingerie company’s Edinburgh location on Victoria Street be cheeky? Victoria’s Secret in Edinburgh is located in Saint James Square, Quarter.
If you are on our City Tour, you can hop off at the National Museum of Scotland (stop 8) and walk to Saint James Square in 12 minutes.
We have the answer if you need to see as much of Edinburgh as possible in the shortest time.
Book our Two Tours, Two Days tour for an immersive city experience.
Bright Bus Tours: Spend a Magical Day in Edinburgh
Since 2019, Bright Bus Tours has guided travellers through Edinburgh’s historic streets. Our dedication to exceptional service has earned us a 5-star customer service rating and 4-star quality assurance certification.
Exploring a new town should feel welcoming rather than overwhelming. This is why we’re always ready to help with directions, recommendations, or questions our guests might have. For travel inspiration, for instance, where to see Christmas decorations in the city, look at our blog.
We’ve thoughtfully designed our City and Britannia Tour routes to showcase Edinburgh’s finest attractions. Our services connect travellers to everything from the historic Edinburgh Castle to the innovative exhibits at Dynamic Earth. You can experience the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and the impressive Scottish Parliament on the same day.
We’ve also improved airport transfers with the Bright Bus Airport Express, which creates an accessible link between Edinburgh Airport and the city centre.
Our competitive pricing structure and partnership discounts make us an accessible choice for all travellers, while our efficient routing ensures no time is wasted in starting your Edinburgh trip.
Wander around attractions, drink whisky and buy a magic wand!
Book your tickets and hop aboard our bus to Victoria Street, Edinburgh.