Victoria Street, Edinburgh | How To Plan The Perfect Visit + Viewpoints
Planning to visit Victoria Street on your Edinburgh getaway? This is my ultimate guide, including what to see, photography viewpoints, and the best cafes to visit, for a perfect Victoria Street visit.
Tucked away in the heart of the historic old town, between the castle and lively Grassmarket, Victoria Street in Edinburgh is one of the city’s must-see places. So, if you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know for the best Victoria Street experience, including the best coffee shops, viewpoints, and the best time of day to visit.
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In a city renowned for its grand architecture and unique alleyways, there’s no shortage of picturesque streets in Edinburgh. There are remarkable streets across the city from Circus Lane to Cockburn Street and Advocate’s Close to the Royal Mile.
Yet Victoria Street is perhaps the Scottish capital’s most iconic.
Located in the Old Town, not far from the castle, the medieval street has become a must-visit spot on any Edinburgh city break. And its little wonder; lined with colourful buildings, grand archways, intricate terraces, and secret nooks, Victoria Street cascades downhill in a perfectly formed and incredibly elegant curve of cobbles and centuries-old folklore.
Positively dripping in history, this Edinburgh street attracts visitors from across the world. Some seeking that old-town Edinburgh aesthetic, others in search of Harry Potter magic and the real-life inspiration behind Diagon Alley.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh and want to know when, where, and why to visit Victoria Street, we’re here to help with inspiration and planning tips.
This is our guide to visiting Victoria Street, Edinburgh.
Where is Victoria Street, Edinburgh?
You’ll find Victoria Street located in Edinburgh’s historic old town, sandwiched between the medieval Grassmarket and George IV Bridge, within easy walking distance of other must-see places, such as Edinburgh Castle and the Grassmarket.
And whilst Victoria Street isn’t part of the Royal Mile, it is incredibly close - a mere few steps will take you along a terraced walkway to the cobbled Mile.
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Why is it so famous?
The unusual curve, the vibrantly painted facades amidst the old architecture, and the view from atop the terrace are, combined, the reason Victoria Street in Edinburgh is so famous. Alongside, of course, its reputation as the true Diagon Alley in those wizarding books.
Though history aficionados will also find plenty real-life stories here; other than the tourists and trinket shops, not much has changed here over the passing centuries and the street’s cobbles and quiet alleyways transport you back to medieval Edinburgh.
How to get to Victoria Street, Edinburgh
There are two ways to get to Victoria Street.
Firstly, it’s visitable by bus - take the numbers 9, 23, or 27 from the city centre to various nearby bus stops. You can see timetables for the local bus service on this journey planner.
However, if your priority is to see as much of Edinburgh as possible, then your best option is absolutely to explore on foot.
I’ve lived in Edinburgh for over 15 years and can confirm that walking around the city allows you to truly soak in the atmosphere, find hidden gems, and generally feel like a local. Much like Copenhagen or historic Malaga, this old city is a labyrinth of narrow streets, hidden places, and little alleys leading to incredible viewpoints; each best experienced by simply wandering.
For those of you walking to Victoria Street, I’ve created a free self-explore walking tour (coming soon), and you can wander between this street and other Old Town historic gems such as the Royal Mile, Castle, Vennel, and National Museum in a long morning.
Tip / As cities go, Edinburgh is pretty compact. However, don’t be fooled - you’ll be clocking up some serious steps as you explore the capital, so comfy shoes are essential.
See & Do On Victoria Street, Edinburgh
Get your caffeine fix
First things first, where to find the best coffee.
Victoria Street retains such a strong sense of the past, with Edinburgh’s medieval history very much evident in the narrow passageways and surrounding architecture. However, today, you’ll also find thoroughly modern coffee shops scattered amongst the medieval buildings; in fact, some of the capital’s best cafes are to be found here.
If you’re looking for your caffeine fix, then head to:
Scott’s Kitchen, for coffee and/or lovely breakfasts with great street views.
La Barantine Victoria, for coffee and exceptional French patisseries.
Hula, for coffee, juices, and healthy breakfasts.
Elephant House, I’ve still to try this one but good reviews for coffee and views.
Chocolate drinks at Knoops
Is coffee not your thing or craving something extra sweet? Then head straight to Knoops - a chocolate lover's dream in the heart of Victoria Street. A carefully curated menu of chocolatey drinks awaits, from hot chocs to milkshakes, frappes, and iced chocolates; each utterly delicious and crafted to perfection.
Knoops prides itself on choosing the best quality cocoa beans and its passion is evident in the extensive, globally inspired menu; choose from single origin to cocoa blends, then add extras like marshmallows, spices, and herbs.
Heaven in a cup.
French pâtisserie at La Barantine
Towards the bottom of the street, far enough from the main viewpoints for the crowds to thin just a little, is quaint French cafe La Barantine. Set amongst the ancient stone walls, this cosy cafe is a wonderful place to stop for mouth-wateringly good pastries, cakes, tarts, and macarons during your wanderings.
For those of you who can’t get enough of sweet treats, these are the best (and most authentic) French patisseries I’ve had outside of Bordeaux - and that’s saying something! Run by French couple Celine and Vincent, La Barantine is a must.
Plus, those arriving on Victoria Street early should head here for le petit déjeuner - warm, flaky croissants and fresh coffee make the best breakfast. Find it here.
Photograph from the most iconic Victoria Street viewpoint
Now suitably caffeinated and likely full of pastries, it’s time to fully explore, and photograph, Victoria Street.
Edinburgh’s old town is brimming with ancient history and its most unusual feature is the crisscross maze of streets; layers that leave some parts of the city much higher than others. Victoria Street is one such example and forms part of an ancient thoroughfare between the much higher Royal Mile and far lower Grassmarket.
The benefit of this complex town planning? A captivating terrace that is the perfect vantage point for photos of Victoria Street and its ancient cobbles.
From the top of the road, take a left along Victoria Terrace (find it here). This is the best place for photographs and the best location to get that iconic shot of the colourful buildings gracefully curving downhill.
Tip / If you’re looking to get an ‘empty street’ shot, then arrive well before 8am. Alongside Circus Lane and Dean Village, this is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh and can get crowded, especially during the summer months.
The Bow Well
As you might expect, Victoria Street has a long history.
The bottom section of the street is its oldest part - known as West Bow, it was only accessible via a narrow lane. West Bow was expanded in 1829 and its new upper section, named after Queen Victoria, is the street we see today.
West Bow still exists today and its cobbled street blends seamlessly into the equally historic Grassmarket. Where the two meet is marked by the Bow Well. Until the 17th century, this well was the only source of fresh drinking water in the entire city, marking West Bow as a busy hub for residents and travellers alike.
These days the landmark is often missed by travellers, but it is an excellent photography spot for snaps, especially on mornings when the streets are quiet and free from traffic and crowds.
Shop the independent boutiques
If you’re looking for cute souvenirs, then Victoria Street’s boutique stores are a must.
From homewares to artisan cheese, and crafts to gifts and books, you’ll easily lose an hour strolling between little independent shops. Handcrafted and speciality Scottish items are also ubiquitous on the street, and you’ll find several stores selling a variety of whisky, sweets, candles, Celtic jewellery, and Harris Tweed.
A few to check out are:
John Kay for books & quirky gifts.
Swish for cool accessories.
Islander Flagship Store for Harris Tweed and leather goods.
ANTA for high-end homewards.
Isle of Skye Candle Co for scents inspired by the Misty Isle.
I.J. Mellis for tasty, artisan cheeses.
Visit real-life Diagon Alley
It would be remiss of me not to mention the famous wizard, especially as Victoria Street is widely regarded as the place that inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. Author JK Rowling spent much of her time writing the first novel in the nearby cafe Elephant House and completed the series in one of the city’s grand hotels.
The historic streets, gothic arches, and narrow little alleyways are certainly spellbinding, and, as such, fans of the books & movies should make a point of visiting Edinburgh’s (unofficial) Diagon Alley.
There are three Harry Potter stores to visit - The Great Wizard and the Enchanted Galaxy both sell merchandise. But the best is Museum Context; a blend of souvenir store, film replicas, and museum, inside is styled to Harry Potter perfection. Due to its popularity, there are often queues, even before the store opens.
Tip / Harry Potter may wish to join this incredibly popular Harry Potter guided walking tour - complete with a visit to Tom Riddle’s grave, Diagon Alley, and get sorted into your Hogwarts House.
And, when you’re done in Edinburgh, take a day to visit the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, to see the Jacobite Steam Train, aka Hogwarts Express, crossing the arched bridge.
Where to go next
As mentioned, Victoria Street is perfectly placed for a visit alongside other gems in Edinburgh’s old town. If you’re on a walking tour, your next stop is either The Grassmarket (at the bottom) or The Lawnmarket and Castle (at the top).
The Royal Mile is an easy stroll, so too is Edinburgh Castle, numerous famous closes, and hidden squares.
The really excellent (and free) National Museum; especially good on rainy days.
The Mound, leading to Princes Street Gardens, is a five-minute stroll in the direction of the city centre.
While photographers and Instagrammers should head to The Vennel for a postcard-perfect view of the castle (here).
A slightly further stroll away you’ll find Stockbridge; part of the New Town, Stockbridge exudes a ‘village-within-a-city’ vibe, so expect boutique stores, leafy parks, and boujee cafes, as well as the Botanical Gardens, Water of Leith, and beautiful Circus Lane.
Finally, if you’ve explored Edinburgh, but want to see more of Scotland, these day trips and tours from the capital are an excellent way to blend a city break with either coast and countryside.
