I have a confession to make – I’ve never read or seen anything from the Harry Potter series! However, the world’s obsession with the spectacle-wearing wizard brings tourists to Edinburgh in their droves. The city is where J.K. Rowling lived while she wrote most of the books, and everywhere you go, nods to the city’s architecture can be found in her tales.
But, in amongst the Potter tours of the real-life Diagon Alley and Hogwarts school buildings, there’s something they always miss... J.K. Rowling’s golden handprints! This is one of my favourite Harry Potter-inspired secret spots in Edinburgh, and I LOVE making people feel like they have seen something special by taking them there. In fact, they’re so small that even a lot of the locals don’t know they’re there!
What’s even better is that it couldn’t be easier to get to them! As you walk up Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile towards the castle, you’ll find the Edinburgh City Chambers. In its flagstone courtyard, you’ll find squares of golden handprints; the markings of Edinburgh Award winners, immortalised in bronze. J.K. Rowling’s prints are on one of the first flagstones on the left. Tourists wander right past the spot every day without ever knowing they’ve passed right by a mini Harry Potter treat!
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Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
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I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
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The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
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"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
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Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
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The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
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"The Hanging Bat" is craft beer lover's idea of heaven in Edinburgh. If it's quiet enough, I like to take a seat at the bar and chat with the staff...
"The Jazz Bar" Edinburgh: a lively subterranean music club that really comes alive after midnight. I really like the crowd on weekends & their caipirinha!
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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