If one place in Edinburgh gets called “Diagon Alley” more than any other, it’s this pairing of curved, cobbled streets in the Old Town. Victoria Street’s tiered, candy-coloured shopfronts curl down toward the Grassmarket, while Cockburn Street cuts a similarly crooked path down from the Royal Mile toward Waverley Station — and the hodgepodge layout of both is exactly the kind of chaotic charm Diagon Alley needed on screen.
Neither Rowling nor Warner Bros. has ever officially confirmed either street as the inspiration, but the theory got a boost in 2020 when she publicly pushed back on a rival claim from Gandy Street in Exeter — without ever ruling Edinburgh out. That’s about as close to a nod as this one is going to get.
Location & Nearby
Victoria Street runs from the Grassmarket up to George IV Bridge, close to Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Elephant House, both a five-minute walk away. Cockburn Street connects the Royal Mile down to Waverley Station and is where the surviving Elephant House shop now trades. Together they form the natural spine of any Old Town Potter walk, with Edinburgh Castle visible from the top of Victoria Street and the Grassmarket’s pubs and cafes at the bottom for a break.
Spot the Shop Look-Alikes
Part of the fun here is matching real shopfronts to their fictional Diagon Alley counterparts. The Old Town Bookshop stands in for Flourish and Blotts, The Bow Bar has the look of the Leaky Cauldron, and a former joke shop, Aha Ha Ha Jokes and Novelties, plays the part of Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes even though it’s now a souvenir shop. The old Robert Cresser brush shop is the best find of all — it’s since become a dedicated Harry Potter museum and gift shop, filling in for Quality Quidditch Supplies. Worth knowing if you’re after souvenirs: there’s no Harry Potter shop at Edinburgh Airport, so this is the place to buy before you fly home.
Who It Suits
A must for anyone doing an Old Town Potter walk — this is the most photogenic, most shoppable stop on the list, and it anchors naturally to Greyfriars Kirkyard and The Elephant House nearby. If you want confirmed Rowling commentary rather than a strong theory, pair it with a stop she’s actually spoken about directly.
Practical Tips
- Pronounce it “Co-burn Street” — locals will notice if you don’t
- Visit early morning for photos without crowds; Victoria Street gets busy by midday
- The Harry Potter museum and shop occupies the former Robert Cresser brush shop
- Buy Potter souvenirs here — there’s no dedicated shop at Edinburgh Airport
- Both streets are steep and cobbled; wear proper shoes
- Combine with Greyfriars Kirkyard and the Grassmarket for a full Old Town loop
Frequently Asked Questions
Did J.K. Rowling confirm Victoria Street inspired Diagon Alley?
No, she has never confirmed or denied it. In 2020 she did publicly dispute a rival claim from Gandy Street in Exeter, which fans took as indirect support for the Edinburgh theory.
Where can I buy Harry Potter souvenirs in Edinburgh?
The former Robert Cresser brush shop on Victoria Street is now a dedicated Harry Potter museum and gift shop. There is no Harry Potter shop at Edinburgh Airport, so buy before you leave the city.
How do you pronounce Cockburn Street?
It’s pronounced “Co-burn Street” — the middle syllable is silent.
