Our magical journey begins at Victoria Street, which is widely considered to be the inspiration for the famous Diagon Alley. Victoria Street Viewing Point (rating 4.7/5) is the place from where you can admire this unusual, colorful street. The winding road with its distinctive colorful store facades makes it seem as if Harry Potter himself could appear here at any moment. Many tourists agree that this is one of the most photogenic places in Edinburgh, perfect for taking souvenir photos.

Note the multitude of stores offering Harry Potter-related memorabilia along Victoria Street. One of them is Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise (rating 4.3/5), where fans of the series can find a wide selection of officially licensed products. Housed in a historic building, this store is an attraction in itself, offering an atmosphere straight out of the novels about the young wizard.

After saturating our eyes with the colors of Victoria Street, we head toward Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh (rating 4.7/5). This historic cemetery is not only the resting place of many famous Scottish personalities, but also a treasure trove of inspiration for J.K. Rowling. It is here that tombstones with names that later appeared in the Harry Potter books can be found. The most famous is the grave of Thomas Riddell, who became the inspiration for the character of Lord Voldemort.

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a place where history mixes with legend and reality with literary fiction. Walking through the alleys of the cemetery, you can feel the atmosphere of mystery and magic that undoubtedly inspired the author. It is worth noting the architecture of the gravestones and tombs, which are works of art in themselves.

Both Victoria Street and Greyfriars Kirkyard are open to the public all year round, making them ideal places to visit regardless of the season. However, it is worth remembering that due to the popularity of these sites, especially during the tourist season, they can be quite crowded. It is advisable to visit them early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest rush of tourists and be able to enjoy the magical atmosphere in peace.

Continuing our magical journey, we can't miss the places where J.K. Rowling spent time while writing the first chapters of 'Harry Potter'. One such place is The Elephant House, a cafe that has become known as 'the birthplace of Harry Potter.' Although the cafe's official website is not available in the input, its significance is worth mentioning. It was here, overlooking the majestic Edinburgh Castle, that Rowling spent hours creating the magical world that millions have come to love.

Another important spot on the map of magical Edinburgh is JK Rowling's Handprints (rating 4.4/5), located in front of City Chambers. This is the place where the author left her mark in the literal sense of the word. J.K. Rowling's handprints were placed here in 2008, when the writer received the Edinburgh Award for her contribution to the city. It's the perfect place to take a commemorative photo and feel closer to the Harry Potter creator.

It's worth noting that while the handprints are easy to find thanks to Google Maps, some visitors report that the site is somewhat neglected and not as prominent as one might expect. Nevertheless, for true Harry Potter fans, this is a must-see.

Comparing these places, we can see that each offers a different experience. The Elephant House allows you to feel the atmosphere in which the first chapters of the books were born, while JK Rowling's Handprints is a more symbolic place, commemorating the author's success. Both places are easily accessible and located in the center of the city, making them easy to visit.

For those who want to deepen their Harry Potter experience, consider a visit to Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise (rating 4.3/5). This store, located at 40 Victoria Street, offers a wide selection of official gadgets and memorabilia related to the series. The atmosphere in the store is described by visitors as magical, and the selection of products is impressive. It's the perfect place to buy a unique souvenir of your journey in the footsteps of Harry Potter.

All in all, each of these places offers a unique experience for Harry Potter fans. From awe-inspiring cafes to iconic handprints to stores selling magical gadgets, Edinburgh offers full immersion in the world that inspired J.K. Rowling to create one of the world's most beloved book series.

For those who want to dive even deeper into the magical world of Harry Potter, Edinburgh offers a number of additional attractions and places worth visiting. One such place is the Department of Magic (rating 4.5/5), located at 150 Cowgate. This entertainment center offers unique experiences such as magic-themed escape rooms and potion-making workshops. It's the perfect place for families with children who want to feel like real Hogwarts students.

Feedback from visitors to the Department of Magic is extremely positive. Guests praise the interactive nature of the attractions, the friendly staff and the atmosphere, which perfectly captures the spirit of the Harry Potter series. However, it is worth remembering to book in advance, especially during the tourist season, as the place is very popular.

For those who want to take a piece of magical Edinburgh with them, the aforementioned Museum Context: Retailer of Harry Potter Merchandise will be invaluable. In addition to the standard souvenirs, this store also offers unique items that are hard to find elsewhere. From replicas of wands to Hogwarts robes to rare editions of books, there is something for every fan.

Also worth noting is the Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition (rating 4.4/5), located at 555 Castlehill. While not directly related to Harry Potter, this place offers the opportunity to purchase traditional Scottish souvenirs, including tartan scarves resembling those worn by Hogwarts students. This is a great opportunity to combine the magic of Harry Potter with authentic Scottish tradition.

Comparing these places, we can see that each offers something different. The Department of Magic focuses on interactive experiences, Museum Context offers a wide selection of official goodies, and Tartan Weaving Mill and Exhibition allows you to purchase traditional Scottish souvenirs. Prices at these places may be slightly higher than at standard souvenir stores, but the quality of the products and unique experiences make up for the higher cost.

To sum up our magical journey through Edinburgh, it is worth noting that the city offers an unforgettable experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages. From the awe-inspiring locations where the books were written, to the mysterious backstreets reminiscent of Diagon Alley, to the interactive attractions and stores selling magical gadgets, Edinburgh is a true paradise for fans of the series. A visit to this city allows you not only to follow in J.K. Rowling's footsteps, but also to immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired the creation of one of the world's most famous book series. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Harry Potter, Edinburgh is sure to enchant you with its magical atmosphere and rich history.