
Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace worth booking?
Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace is a 3.5-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $79 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (15)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $79 per person
Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the prestigious Palace of Holyrood House to see a slice of Royal life in Scotland! This tour is ideal for Potter fans and history buffs! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, head to historic Waverley Station then to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus that inspired JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard to see Tom Riddle's Grave, and the Elephant Café where JK Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter's world! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. We finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets for the impressive Palace of Holyrood, the British Monarch's official Scottish residence!
What you get
About this experience
Set off on a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide, and see the places that inspired JK Rowling to create her wizarding universe. Then, enter the prestigious Palace of Holyrood House to see a slice of Royal life in Scotland! This tour is ideal for Potter fans and history buffs! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, head to historic Waverley Station then to Edinburgh University Old College - a famous old campus that inspired JK Rowling’s creations. We continue through the atmospheric Old Town, visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard to see Tom Riddle's Grave, and the Elephant Café where JK Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter's world! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. We finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll learn about JK Rowling’s impact on the city. After the tour, you'll be given your tickets for the impressive Palace of Holyrood, the British Monarch's official Scottish residence!
What's included
Included
- See Edinburgh's top Harry Potter sights
- 2-hour walking tour with a small group
- Tickets for Holyrood Palace
- Fun local guide!
Not included
- Food & Drinks
- Hotel pickup / drop-off
What you'll see and do
Royal Mile
After meeting your guide and fellow Potter-heads near Tron Kirk Market, your tour starts with a stroll along Edinburgh’s world-famous Royal Mile!
15 minutes here
Edinburgh Waverley Station
We’ll stop at a great viewpoint to see the historical Waverley Train station, much used by JK Rowling and an inspiration for trains being an iconic part of a young wizard's journey.
10 minutes here
New Town
Looking over Edinburgh New Town, your guide will point out some key features that played a major part in the creation of the magical Harry Potter world.
10 minutes here
University of Edinburgh
Next, we’ll pass by this famous old campus which provided lots of inspiration to JK Rowling’s creations…. This place might remind you of Hogwarts!
10 minutes here
Old Town
We continue through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, where your guide will show you many of the city’s most famous historical landmarks.
20 minutes here
In this spooky graveyard you will see many recognisable names from the Potter world - this is the site of Tom Riddell’s grave and a number of other names used for JK Rowling’s characters.
20 minutes here
Edinburgh Castle
You’ll enjoy wonderful views of this beautiful old castle, which plays a huge part in Scottish history as well as inspiring JK Rowling's Potter Universe.
10 minutes here
Victoria Street
With its colourful independent shops, overhanging street signs and the cobbled street that twists and turns out of view, it's easy to see why this is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley!
15 minutes here
Edinburgh City Chambers
We end the tour at the City Chambers where we see the impact that JK Rowling has had on Edinburgh itself, and her huge contributions to the local community.
10 minutes here
Palace of Holyroodhouse
After the tour, you’ll be given your tickets for the Palace of Holyrood, the formal house of the British Monarch in Scotland, and a fascinating historical site!
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Edinburgh
We meet outside of the Tron Kirk (The Royal Mile Market). Opposite Bella Italia on the world-famous Royal Mile. The nearest train station is Waverly Station, a 10-minute walk away.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Top Sights Tours Group LLC
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
harry potter walking tour
excellent tour and the tour guide (sorry forgot her name) she is a student from London in Scotland her one year anniversary studying at university was EXCELLENT!!
via Viator
The Harry Potter part of...
The Harry Potter part of the tour was done by a local person. It doesn't tell you that you need to find your way to the Palace of Holyrood house on your own. Also thr Viatour app tells you that the guide is supppose to give you an entrance pass to the palace. She told us to show the viatour info. That did not work.
via Viator
Fun and having a great time
An amazing experience and with Fia she was amazing , great stories and knowledge and fun personality … will highly rate coming on her tour of the Harry Potter and Edinburgh city . Xoxo
via Tripadvisor
fun experience
Fia was an amazing tourguide. Great tour. Thank you
via Tripadvisor
Walking Harry Potter Tour/Holyrood
Guide was very knowledgeable. Nice walking tour. This tour included Holyrood tickets which we throughly enjoyed. Good value for the money.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Top Sights Tours Group LLC, who run 132 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 58.6 and 3 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Top Sights Tours Group LLC runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.
How much does Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace cost?
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Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.
Is Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?
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On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Edinburgh?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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Included: See Edinburgh's top Harry Potter sights; 2-hour walking tour with a small group; Tickets for Holyrood Palace; and Fun local guide!. Not included: Food & Drinks; and Hotel pickup / drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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We meet outside of the Tron Kirk (The Royal Mile Market). Opposite Bella Italia on the world-famous Royal Mile. The nearest train station is Waverly Station, a 10-minute walk away. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Harry Potter Edinburgh Top Sights Tour with Holyrood Palace?
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Across 15 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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