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‘Harry Potter’ guide to Edinburgh – follow in J.K. Rowling’s footsteps
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The Harry Potter guide to Edinburgh: Head to the Scottish capital to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, pictured here at Edinburgh Castle on the publication of the penultimate Potter novel.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
The Elephant House: Pilgrimages begin at the Elephant House cafe -- the self-proclaimed "birthplace of Harry Potter."
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Where it all started: Before J.K. Rowling became the millionaire author she is today, she used to pen her magical tales in The Elephant House.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Best seat in the house: Want to follow in Rowling's footsteps? The best seat in the cafe is this one, by the window, offering a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Local pride: The cafe celebrates its J.K. Rowling connection with pictures, postcards and newspaper cuttings.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Pit stop: Don't leave without a visit to the restrooms, the highlight of the Elephant House experience. The white walls are covered in Harry Potter-themed graffiti.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Fan tributes: The scribblings range from Potter-themed jokes and quotes to odes to Rowling.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
George Heriot's School: George Heriot's School, a high school in Edinburgh's city center, is believed to be the inspiration for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Summer festivals: George Heriot's is a working school, so tours are not available, but the institution occasionally hosts events for Edinburgh's famous summer festivals.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Greyfriars: The atmospheric Greyfriars Kirkyard is the next spot on the Potter journey.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Thomas Riddell's grave: The graveyard is home to a tombstone marking the demise of Thomas Riddell, reputed to be the namesake of Rowling's Voldemort.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
William McGonagall: The graveyard is also the resting place of the famously bad poet William McGonagall. Potterites speculate he could be the inspiration for fan favorite Professor McGonagall.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Greyfriars Bobby: A wonder around Greyfriars would not be complete without paying respects to Greyfriars Bobby: a 19th-century dog who supposedly spent 14 years guarding the grave of his deceased owner.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Rowling's handprints: The City of Edinburgh awarded Rowling The Edinburgh Award -- the handprints of each winner are reproduced outside the City Chambers building.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Illustrious company: Rowling is in good company: the 2007 winner was fellow Edinburgh author Ian Rankin, and the 2009 award went to Olympian Chris Hoy.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Spoon: Back in the 1990s, Edinburgh restaurant Spoon was Nicolson's Cafe, another of Rowling's favorite writing spots.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Bright and fresh: The large airy windows make Spoon a great spot for a coffee.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Teviot Row House: The University of Edinburgh's Teviot Row House is the oldest purpose-built student union in the world -- and has a distinctly Hogwarts vibe.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Gilded Balloon: Teviot Row House is known as the Gilded Balloon during the annual Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when it plays host to comedians and theater troupes from across the world.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Victoria Street: No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a wonder down Victoria Street, Edinburgh's answer to Diagon Alley.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Real-life Diagon Alley: This dual-level, curved street is home to many independent shops with colorful facades.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Wand for sale: Pick up a wand on Victoria Street to truly complete the Potter experience.
Courtesy Ashleigh Gray
Balmoral Hotel: It all began in Edinburgh's cosy cafes -- and it ended in the luxury Balmoral Hotel. Tourists can now stay in the suite where Rowling penned the final chapter of her series -- now named the Rowling Suite, with an owl knocker as a tribute to the author.
Coutesy Rocco Forte Hotels
Blackwells: Finish up at the Edinburgh branch of Blackwells, the UK-based academic bookseller, which is currently celebrating the 20-year anniversary of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
